Geron Corporation

Fei Huang

Aleksandra Rizo

Jacqueline C Bussolari

Joshua J Rusbuldt

Xiaoli Wang

Aspects of the disclosure include methods for treating a myeloproliferative neoplasm. Methods according to certain embodiments include co-administering to a subject a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor and a telomerase inhibitor comprising an oligonucleotide and a lipid moiety linked to the 5' and/or 3′ end of the oligonucleotide. Methods for inducing apoptosis of a myeloproliferative neoplasm cell by contacting the cell with an amount of a JAK inhibitor and a telomerase inhibitor sufficient to induce apoptosis are also described. Compositions having a JAK inhibitor and a telomerase inhibitor for practicing the subject methods are also provided.

Use of a Janus kinase inhibitor and a telomerase inhibitor for the treatment of myeloproliferative neoplasms

Methods of monitoring therapeutic efficacy in a subject with MDS are provided. Also provided is a method of identifying a subject with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) for treatment with a telomerase inhibitor, and methods of treating MDS. The subject methods can include administering to the subject an effective amount of a telomerase inhibitor and assessing the hTERT expression levels in a biological sample obtained from the subject. In some cases, a 50% or greater reduction in hTERT expression level identifies a subject who has an increased likelihood of benefiting from treatment with the telomerase inhibitor. The subject can be naive to treatment with a HMA, lenalidomide, or both. In some cases, the subject is classified as having low or intermediate-1 IPSS risk MDS and/or MDS relapsed/refractory to Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agent (ESA). In some instances, the telomerase inhibitor is imetelstat sodium.

Methods of treating myelodysplastic syndrome

The present invention relates to a combination treatment for hematological cancers. More specifically; a combination of a telomerase inhibitor and a Bcl-2 inhibitor are useful in treating hematological cancers, including AML. In certain embodiments, the telomerase inhibitor is imetelstat or imetelstat sodium and the Bcl-2 inhibitor is ABT-199.

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Spring House, PA, United States of America

Fei Huang