Geron Ends Cancer Trial, Shares Plunge

Geron is discontinuing its Phase 3 IMpactMF trial of imetelstat (RYTELO) in patients with myelofibrosis whose disease returned or did not respond to JAK-inhibitor treatment, after an independent monitoring committee concluded the study was unlikely to show an overall-survival benefit. The trial enrolled 327 patients, and the company reported no new safety signals; it plans to analyze the results and share them later. Geron shares fell sharply after the announcement. The setback affects RYTELO’s potential use in myelofibrosis, while the drug remains approved for certain patients with lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes, the company’s commercial focus. Analysts said the trial outcome may not substantially change perceptions of RYTELO for that approved use.