The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of imetelstat sodium in transfusion-dependent participants with low or intermediate-1 risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) that is relapsed/refractory to erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) treatment in Phase 2 study and to compare the efficacy, in terms of red blood cell (RBC) transfusion independence (TI), of imetelstat sodium to placebo in transfusion-dependent participants with low or intermediate-1 risk MDS that is relapsed/refractory to ESA treatment in Phase 3 study. A separate Ventricular Repolarization Substudy (QTc Substudy) will evaluate the effect of imetelstat sodium on ventricular repolarization. An Extension Phase has been included to allow continued treatment for those participants who are benefitting from imetelstat sodium and to continue to evaluate the long-term safety, overall survival (OS), and disease progression, including progression to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in transfusion-dependent participants with low or immediate-1 risk MDS that is relapsed/refractory to ESA treatment.
Phase 2 trials begin testing efficacy in a larger patient group (100–300). This is often where biotech binary events occur — positive Phase 2 data can significantly advance a company's pipeline narrative, while failures can be terminal for a program.
Phase 3 trials are pivotal studies with large patient populations (hundreds to thousands) designed to prove efficacy and safety for FDA submission. A successful Phase 3 readout is typically the last major hurdle before a New Drug Application (NDA) or BLA filing.
Enrollment is complete. The trial is in its follow-up or data collection phase — a readout may occur on or near the primary completion date.
Geron Corporation (GERN) is the sponsoring company for this trial. BiotechSign currently grades this company D (41/100) based on composite catalyst signals across its full pipeline. This trial is one data point in that overall catalyst picture.