From science to scale: How biopharma Geron transformed with RSM

For more than 30 years, Geron Corp., a public company, has been at the forefront of innovation in hematology, developing therapies that address critical unmet needs in blood cancer treatment. But when it came time to transition from a development-stage biopharma to a full-fledged commercial enterprise, the stakes—and the complexity—rose dramatically.

That’s where RSM stepped in.

In our video, Geron’s leadership shares how RSM US LLP became more than just a service provider—the firm became a trusted and collaborative advisor embedded in the company’s transformation. From day one, RSM brought deep life sciences industry knowledge and a comprehensive suite of services tailored to the unique demands of biopharma companies navigating commercialization.

With a compressed timeline and little to no internal infrastructure in place, Geron needed to scale fast—and RSM delivered. Tackling a range of projects that included enterprise resource planning implementation, accounting and inventory management, revenue recognition, internal controls, and tax planning and strategy, RSM helped Geron build the systems, processes and teams required to operate as a commercial entity—without compromising agility or their budget.

But the value went beyond execution. RSM’s ability to anticipate Geron’s evolving needs—whether it was preparing for European expansion or managing gross-to-net complexities—meant the company could stay focused on what mattered most: the science and the patients.

What makes this story so compelling isn’t just the speed or scope of the transformation. It’s the relationship. As Michelle Robertson, Geron’s executive vice president, chief financial officer and treasurer, puts it: “They’re not just consultants who come in and tell you what to do. They become part of your team.” That trust, built on consistent delivery and strategic foresight, enabled Geron to save millions by consolidating services with RSM rather than juggling multiple vendors.

Whether you’re a biopharma preparing for launch or a commercial-stage company looking to scale globally, this case study offers a captivating look at how the right advisor can make all the difference.