Recent correspondence with Geron start at the bottom

[biopearl]

Dear Anna, thank you for your prompt response. Of course what you say about the evolution of treatment represents shifting sands. Nonetheless, Dr. Scarlett, when asked about potential competition in recent conferences has suggested that for MF, no drug besides Imetelstat has been associated with CR/PR and perhaps the expanse of CI (yet to be made public) with an unprecedented potential for OS possibly developing, and that no new drugs for MDS have been approved in the last ten years (with the Geron/Janssen ongoing MDS study showing remarkable results in a small group.) Since these statements have been made via recent corporate updates and via the company's recent May slide deck on your web site, I am curious as to where it is reflected that the landscape is somehow different. Is it safe to assume that your relationship with Janssen remains strong and has not changed in any meaningful way? Dr. Scarlett and Geron have been careful to elucidate other competitive drugs that have shown some limited effect (JAK2 inhibitors and the others listed in my previous email to you.) No other competitive drugs have been discussed. I am just looking for confirmation that this remains the case. Many thanks, Sincerely, xxxx


From: Krassowska, Anna <akrassowska@Geron.com>
Sent: Wednesday, August 30, 2017 4:04 PM

Subject: RE: Recent Geron announcements

xxx,
Thank you for your email. I am sorry that you find Chip’s comments difficult to interpret. That is not the intent.

Treatment landscapes for all diseases do evolve over time as new drugs are developed, as the field learns more about existing drugs, and as a company positions its drugs within that landscape.

Anna


Sent: Tuesday, August 29, 2017 7:18 PM
To: Krassowska, Anna <akrassowska@Geron.com>
Subject: Recent Geron announcements

Hello Anna, hope you are well as we head into the Labor Day weekend. I hope you can find a moment to address a few questions I have. I am sure you have been inundated by shareholders seeking to parse the meaning of Dr. Scarlett's recent comments. A lapidary precision in word choice would be welcomed. For example, a "changing landscape" in the treatment of MF and MDS could be interpreted to mean "newer more effective competitive drugs that do not include Imetelstat" or in the alternative, it could mean a "combination of drugs that does include Imetelstat and shows superior effectiveness." Can you guide me as to which direction Dr. Scarlett's comments were intended to lead? In the past Dr. Scarlett has been careful to compare the effectiveness of Imetelstat to other drugs by name, specifically, JAK2 inhibitors, ESA's such as luspatercept, and other drugs such as lenalidamide. He has mentioned these drugs specifically, and if indeed these are the drugs that comprise the potential changing landscape to which he refers that would be one thing, and there is potentially enough information for an investor to evaluate the available data and make some informed decisions. If however the "changing landscape" is subterranean and comprises drugs he has not discussed, and is therefore unknowable to Geron investors, perhaps on some level we should be made aware. Also the choice of the word "fulsome" to describe data is fraught with multiple meanings in today's common language usage. I make a plea for precision. Please accept my congratulations on the remarkable data you have released in the non 5 del q MDS population. I look forward to see what might come at ASH. Best Regards, xxxxxx

[sargasso]

BP,

Two great letters by you. I very much hope you receive a meaningful reply. I might add that GERN seems utterly oblivious to the confusion they create. I don't get it.