Geron Corp. announced late Monday that it is halting development of its stem cell programs and laying off much of its staff as it shifts its focus towards developing cancer drugs.

SAN FRANCISCO, Jan.

A soon to be Barack Obama presidency has been a boon for companies who have been developing therapies based on stem cells.

By Brett Brune, Houston Chronicle Jun. 10--The SEC reportedly began an informal inquiry Friday into stock option practices at Cyberonics, one day after a stock analyst accused the Houston-based medical device maker of a breach of ethics involving three executives' compensation.

Boston Scientific Corp. on Sunday formalized its $25 billion cash and stock offer to acquire Guidant Corp. in a move to woo the medical-device maker away from its existing merger partner, Johnson & Johnson.