Jeffrey Janus, president of International Stem Cell Corp., and Nikolay Turovets, director of research and therapeutic development, are pursuing new approaches to stem cell research.
Click here to read the full article by Heather Chambers
Thursday, July 31, 2008
San Diego Business Journal - "Collaborations: Academia, For-Profits Team Up to Advance Stem Cell Research"
Thursday, July 17, 2008
International Stem Cell Corporation and Novocell, Inc. Collaborate to Test Human Parthenogenetic Stem Cells for Production of Pancreatic Islet Cells
International Stem Cell Corporation and Novocell, Inc. Collaborate to Test Human Parthenogenetic Stem Cells for Production of Pancreatic Islet Cells that may be useful in the Treatment of Diabetes
Oceanside, Calif. — [July 17, 2008]— International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB: ISCO) announced today a collaboration with Novocell Inc. (La Jolla, CA) to use ISCO’s human parthenogenetic stem cell lines for differentiation to Human pancreatic islet cells. The studies will be directed by Nikolay Turovets, PhD, Director, Research and Therapeutic Development at ISCO in collaboration with Novocell scientists.
ISCO’s unique stem cells offer a solution for two of the most difficult problems facing stem cell therapy. They are the first step in preventing the rejection of implanted cells by the patient’s own immune system and they provide an alternative to embryonic stem cells that does not involve destroying human embryos.
Jeffrey Janus, ISCO’s President, said, “Studies show that ISCO’s cells (called human parthenogenetic stem cells) share with conventional human embryonic stem cells the ability to differentiate into all tissue types, however they have the singular significant advantage of being immune matched at the MHC locus to hundreds of millions of people. As with immune-matched whole organs, differentiated cells obtained using these lines may provide improved transplant acceptance to large segments of the population as opposed to a few individuals. In addition, ISCO’s stem cells are created from unfertilized human eggs and do not involve the destruction of fertilized embryos.”
Novocell has developed technology to direct embryonic stem cells to become pancreatic islet cells that have been shown to be effective in treating diabetes in animals. The combined technologies of the two companies may therefore result in therapeutic cells with improved immune properties for eventual treatment of larger segments of the diabetic population.
A description of ISCO’s human parthenogenetic stem cells and their potential to improve transplantation was reported in ISCO’s peer review paper published December 19, 2007 in the online edition of Cloning and Stem Cells Journal: http://www.liebertonline.com/doi/pdfplus/10.1089/clo.2007.0063.
“Our business model,” added Mr.
About Novocell:
Novocell, Inc. is a stem cell engineering company, with research operations in
ABOUT INTERNATIONAL STEM CELL CORPORATION (ISCO.OB):
International Stem Cell Corporation is a
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Forward-Looking Statements
Statements pertaining to future financial and/or operating results, future growth in research, technology, clinical development and potential opportunities for the company and its subsidiary, along with other statements about the future expectations, beliefs, goals, plans, or prospects expressed by management constitute forward-looking statements. Any statements that are not historical fact (including, but not limited to statements that contain words such as “will,” “believes,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “estimates,”) should also be considered to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, risks inherent in the development and/or commercialization of potential products, uncertainty in the results of clinical trials or regulatory approvals, need and ability to obtain future capital, and maintenance of intellectual property rights. Actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements and as such should be evaluated together with the many uncertainties that affect the company's business, particularly those mentioned in the cautionary statements found in the company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. The company disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
Key Words: Stem Cells, Biotechnology, Parthenogenesis, Diabetes
Contacts:
International Stem Cell Corporation
Jeffrey Janus, President
760-940-6383
Or
William Adams, Chief Financial Officer
760-940-6383
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
International Stem Cell Corporation Announces Collaboration with Michigan State University to Study Parthenogenetic Stem Cells
Oceanside, California, July 8, 2008 -- International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB: ISCO), announced today a new collaboration with leading stem cell researcher Jose Cibelli at Michigan State University as part of ISCO’s ongoing strategy to work with scientific leaders across the world to expand the scientific data relating to parthenogenetic stem cells.
Professor Cibelli will study gene expression in several human parthenogenetic stem cell lines and compare the results with fertilized embryonic stem cells. According to Professor Cibelli, “We have observed in mouse and monkey that imprinting in parthenogenetic cells changes as the cells are cultured. This in vitro phenomenon can be advantageous for parthenogenetic cells.”
ISCO is the first company in the world to perfect a process for creating human stem cells from unfertilized eggs. These cells are called “parthenogenetic” stem cells and they alleviate two critical problems inherent to the use of embryonic stem cells for cell transplantation, immune rejection and ethical issues associated with the use of fertilized human embryos. Such cells can be “matched” to the immune systems of millions of persons. ISCO’s goal is to create a “cell bank” of clinical grade parthenogenetic cells available for immediate use without having to isolate cells from the patient’s own body or depend on cells isolated from other living individuals.
“Collaborations with leading researchers such as Dr. Cibelli and Michigan State University generate important knowledge about these unique cells, helping in ISCO’s goal of creating a true stem cell bank that could offer on-demand delivery of clinical grade cells matched to a patient’s own immune system”, said
ISCO’s discovery of a way to make parthenogenetic cells that match the immune system of millions of persons was first announced in December, 2007 in a peer reviewed paper authored by ISCO’s CSO, Dr.
ABOUT INTERNATIONAL STEM CELL CORPORATION (ISCO.OB):
International Stem Cell Corporation is a
To subscribe to receive ongoing corporate communications please click on the following link:
http://www.b2i.us/irpass.asp?BzID=1468&to=ea&s=0
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements pertaining to future financial and/or operating results, future growth in research, technology, clinical development and potential opportunities for the company and its subsidiary, along with other statements about the future expectations, beliefs, goals, plans, or prospects expressed by management constitute forward-looking statements. Any statements that are not historical fact (including, but not limited to statements that contain words such as “will,” “believes,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “estimates,”) should also be considered to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, risks inherent in the development and/or commercialization of potential products, uncertainty in the results of clinical trials or regulatory approvals, need and ability to obtain future capital, and maintenance of intellectual property rights. Actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements and as such should be evaluated together with the many uncertainties that affect the company's business, particularly those mentioned in the cautionary statements found in the company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. The company disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
Contacts:
International Stem Cell Corporation
Jeffrey Janus, President
760-940-6383
or
William Adams, Chief Financial Officer
760-940-6383
Friday, June 27, 2008
International Stem Cell Corporation Cuts a Deal with BioTime, Inc., and Embryome Sciences, Inc., to Provide Unique Human Stem Cell Lines for Research
International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB:ISCO), through its wholly owned subsidiary Lifeline Cell Technology (Lifeline), has signed a manufacturing and distribution agreement with BioTime, Inc., (OTCBB:BTIM) (Alameda, CA) and BioTime’s wholly owned subsidiary Embryome Sciences, Inc., to jointly produce and distribute hundreds of new standardized human and animal stem cell lines, along with corresponding data and reagents. The mutual goal is to provide the “picks and shovels” for scientists mining the stem cell field for therapeutics in the emerging fields of regenerative medicine and pharmaceutical drug discovery.
These unique stem cell lines (called “progenitor” cell lines) possess the potential to expand and become specific types of tissues and cells such as heart, liver, skeletal muscle, bone, retinal, nerve, pancreas and others – all necessary to study various human diseases where regenerative medicine shows great promise.
“There is a large opportunity in providing high-quality progenitor cell lines and other basic research tools for use in stem cell research and drug discovery, especially since $3 billion in research funds for California’s Proposition 71 are now becoming available. International Stem Cell’s and BioTime’s combined strengths and technologies, and our ability to move quickly put us in an excellent position in this emerging market,” said Jeffrey Janus, President of International Stem Cell and CEO of Lifeline. “We are fortunate to work with Dr. Michael West, CEO of BioTime and Embryome Sciences. Dr. West has established the field of 'embryomics' which is the science of characterizing all of the complex cell types that can be derived from human embryonic stem (hES) cells. Dr. West’s expertise, along with International Stem Cell’s experience in manufacturing standardized human cells and reagents is a spectacular opportunity to become a leading provider of the next generation of tools for stem cell research.”
According to Dr. West, “While many have focused on the therapeutic opportunities of hES cells, and the generous $3 billion of funding provided by the State of California to fund this research, we believe that the greatest rate of return on investment may be in commercializing research products. We intend to win the race to profitability in this important field of medicine.”
Under the collaborative production and manufacturing agreement, the parties intend to manufacture EspyTM cell lines (derivatives of hES cells that send beacons of light in response to the activation of particular genes), as well as a host of supplies scientists will utilize in the field of stem cell research. The progenitor cell lines will be produced and distributed in joint efforts utilizing Embryome Sciences’ proprietary “Embryomics ” technology, International Stem Cell’s proprietary parthenogenetic stem cell lines derived from unfertilized human eggs and technology and approved hES cell lines licensed from the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF). Data on these lines will be presented on Embryome Sciences’ future Embryome.com online database. International Stem Cell will contribute its manufacturing and quality control expertise backed by a staff with over 150 years of experience in the field.
Embryome Sciences also plans to develop and market other products for use by stem cell researchers including growth and differentiation factors that can permit researches to manufacture specific cell types from embryonic stem cells, and purification tools useful to researchers in quality control of products for regenerative medicine. In addition to its own products, Embryome Sciences plans to market with Lifeline proprietary cell growth media optimized for the growth of human embryonic progenitor cells, as a product line called EspanTM.
About BioTime, Inc. (BTIM.OB):
BioTime, headquartered in Alameda, California, develops blood plasma volume expanders, blood replacement solutions for hypothermic (low temperature) surgery, organ preservation solutions, and technology for use in surgery, emergency trauma treatment and other applications. BioTime's lead product Hextend is manufactured and distributed in the U.S. by Hospira, Inc. and in South Korea by CJ Corp. under exclusive licensing agreements. BioTime has recently entered the field of regenerative medicine through its wholly owned subsidiary Embryome Sciences, Inc. where it plans to develop new medical and research products using embryonic stem cell technology. Additional information about BioTime can be found on the web at www.biotimeinc.com. Hextend , PentaLyte , HetaCool , EmbryomicsTM, EspyTM, and EspanTM are trademarks of BioTime, Inc.
About International Stem Cell Corporation (ISCO.OB):
International Stem Cell Corporation (ISCO) is a California biotechnology company focused on developing therapeutic and research products. ISCO’s technology, Parthenogenesis, results in the creation of pluripotent human stem cell lines from unfertilized human eggs. ISCO scientists also have created the first Parthenogenetic homozygous stem cell line (phSC-Hhom-4) that can be a source of therapeutic cells that will not be immune rejected after transplantation into millions of individuals of differing sexes, ages and racial groups. These advancements offer the potential to create the first true “Stem Cell Bank” and address ethical issues by eliminating the need to use or destroy fertilized embryos. ISCO also produces and markets specialized cells and growth media worldwide for therapeutic research through its subsidiary Lifeline Cell Technology. For more information, visit the ISCO website at: www.internationalstemcell.com.
Friday, May 9, 2008
International Stem Cell Corporation Obtains Exclusive Rights in the US and Canada to Distribute Approved Human Skin Model for Toxicity Testing
International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB: ISCO) announced today that it has entered into an exclusive agreement with CellSystems Biotechnologie to distribute laboratory-cultured models of human skin useful for testing the hazardous properties of consumer products and for dermatological and pharmaceutical research. Such testing is likely to be soon required for certain types of consumer products sold into the European Union.
According to International Stem Cell’s (ISCO) President Jeffrey Janus, “This agreement is another positive step in ISCO’s strategic plan to become the primary source of high quality human cells for the therapeutic and research markets by leveraging its manufacturing and distribution resources.”
ISCO is the first company to develop a unique type of human stem cell line that promises to eliminate the immune rejection problems that plague cell-transplantation therapies and opens the potential to create the first true “Stem Cell Bank.” ISCO’s technology, called parthenogenesis, results in the creation of pluripotent human stem cell lines from unfertilized human eggs – a fact that alleviates many ethical issues.
ISCO’s human cell and cell culture research products are manufactured and distributed under the “Lifeline” brand by wholly-owned subsidiary Lifeline Cell Technology, LLC, based in Walkersville, Maryland (www.lifelinecelltech.com).
The laboratory-cultured models of human skin, called EST-1000 and AST-2000 were developed by CellSystems and contain cells manufactured by Lifeline. These three-dimensional skin cell models are used as alternative methods to animal testing in the field of Skin Corrosion, Skin Irritation, Skin Sensitization, Genotoxicity and Phototoxicity.
“We have worked with the Lifeline staff and know their abilities to provide excellent customer service and their ability to consistently produce high quality products; a critical factor for researchers that depend on human cells for the success of their research,” said Horst W. Fuchs, President of CellSystems Biotechnologie. “This agreement between our companies opens a distribution channel for CellSystems’ skin model products to scientific researchers throughout the United States and Canada.”
“While the sale of these Lifeline stem cell and research products provides ISCO immediate cash flow, it also helps embed ISCO’s products into successful therapeutic and quality control procedures worldwide, providing a revenue stream of shared royalties beyond traditional sales,” added Janus.
ABOUT CELLSYSTEMS:
CellSystems Biotechnologie Vertrieb GmbH, founded in Germany in 1992 as a sales and marketing organization, is one of the main providers of selected high quality and innovative cell culture products to the life sciences community. For more than fifteen years, CellSystems has provided the Life Science community with the most sophisticated cell biology products available. Their core competency in Human Primary Cells and adult Stem Cells has resulted in the development of three dimensional skin cell models which are used as alternative methods to animal testing in the field of Skin Corrosion, Skin Irritation, Skin Sensitization, Genotoxicity and Phototoxicity. CellSystems also provides cell models for Angionenesis, Blood-Brain-Barrier and Inhalation Toxicology. Visit the CellSystem’s web site at: www.cellsystems.biz.
ABOUT INTERNATIONAL STEM CELL CORPORATION (ISCO.OB):
International Stem Cell Corporation is a California biotechnology company focused on developing therapeutic and research products. ISCO’s technology, Parthenogenesis, results in the creation of pluripotent human stem cell lines from unfertilized human eggs. ISCO scientists have created the first Parthenogenetic homozygous stem cell line (phSC-Hhom-4) that can be a source of therapeutic cells that will not be immune rejected after transplantation into millions of individuals of differing sexes, ages and racial groups. These advancements offer the potential to create the first true “Stem Cell Bank” and address ethical issues by eliminating the need to use or destroy fertilized embryos. ISCO also produces and markets specialized cells and growth media worldwide for therapeutic research through its subsidiary Lifeline Cell Technology. For more information, visit the ISCO website at: www.internationalstemcell.com.
To subscribe to receive ongoing corporate communications please click on the following link: http://www.b2i.us/irpass.asp?BzID=1468&to=ea&s=0
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements pertaining to future financial and/or operating results, future growth in research, technology, clinical development and potential opportunities for the company and its subsidiary, along with other statements about the future expectations, beliefs, goals, plans, or prospects expressed by management constitute forward-looking statements. Any statements that are not historical fact (including, but not limited to statements that contain words such as “will,” “believes,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “estimates”) should also be considered to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, risks inherent in the development and/or commercialization of potential products, uncertainty in the results of clinical trials or regulatory approvals, need and ability to obtain future capital, and maintenance of intellectual property rights. Actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements and as such should be evaluated together with the many uncertainties that affect the company's business, particularly those mentioned in the cautionary statements found in the company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. The company disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
International Stem Cell Corporation Announces Collaboration with the University of Cambridge to Study Parthenogenetic Stem Cells
OCEANSIDE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB:ISCO), announced today a new collaboration with the University of Cambridge (UK) as part of ISCO’s ongoing strategy to work with scientific leaders across the world to expand the scientific data relating to parthenogenetic stem cells.
According to Roger A. Pedersen, PhD, Professor of Regenerative Medicine at Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, “We look forward to conducting molecular and genetic assessment of imprinted gene expression and DNA methylation on these unique cells.”
ISCO is the first company in the world to perfect a process for creating human stem cells from unfertilized eggs. These cells are called “parthenogenetic” stem cells and they alleviate two critical problems inherent to the use of embryonic stem cells for cell transplantation, immune rejection and ethical issues associated with the use of fertilized human embryos. Such cells can be “matched” to the immune systems of millions of persons. ISCO’s goal is to create a “cell bank” of clinical grade parthenogenetic cells available for immediate use without having to isolate cells from the patient’s own body or depend on cells isolated from other living individuals.
“Collaborations with leading researchers such as Dr. Pedersen at the University of Cambridge brings us closer to ISCO’s goal of creating a true stem cell bank that could offer on-demand delivery of stem cells matched to a patient’s own immune system,” said Jeffrey Janus, president of International Stem Cell Corporation. “Our intent is to provide these HLA-homozygous cell lines to researchers across the world to advance the field of regenerative medicine, as well as to commercialize our cells for cell transplant therapies.”
ISCO’s discovery of a way to make parthenogenetic cells that match the immune system of millions of persons was first announced in December, 2007 in a peer reviewed paper authored by ISCO’s Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Elena Revazova, MD, PhD, entitled “HLA Homozygous Stem Cell Lines Derived from Human Parthenogenetic Blastocysts,” published in the online edition of Cloning and Stem Cells Journal: http://www.liebertonline.com/doi/pdfplus/10.1089/clo.2007.0063. One such line, identified as hpSC-Hhom-4, was found to match the most common immune type found across the United States, opening the door to potential therapeutic application for tens of millions of people of different races, sexes and ages.
About University of Cambridge:
As the University of Cambridge approaches its eight-hundredth anniversary in 2009, it is looking to the future. Its mission is to contribute to society through the pursuit of education, learning and research at the highest international levels of excellence. It admits the very best and brightest students, regardless of background, and offers one of the UK’s most generous bursary schemes.
The University of Cambridge’s reputation for excellence is known internationally and reflects the scholastic achievements of its academics and students, as well as the world-class original research carried out by its staff. Some of the most significant scientific breakthroughs occurred at the University, including the splitting of the atom, invention of the jet engine and the discoveries of stem cells, plate tectonics, pulsars and the structure of DNA. From Isaac Newton to Stephen Hawking, the University has nurtured some of history’s greatest minds and has produced more Nobel Prize winners than any other UK institution with over 80 laureates.
About International Stem Cell Corporation:
International Stem Cell Corporation (ISCO) is a California biotechnology company focused on developing therapeutic and research products. ISCO’s technology, Parthenogenesis, results in the creation of pluripotent human stem cell lines from unfertilized human eggs. ISCO scientists also have created the first Parthenogenetic homozygous stem cell line (phSC-Hhom-4) that can be a source of therapeutic cells that will not be immune rejected after transplantation into millions of individuals of differing sexes, ages and racial groups. These advancements offer the potential to create the first true “Stem Cell Bank” and address ethical issues by eliminating the need to use or destroy fertilized embryos. ISCO also produces and markets specialized cells and growth media worldwide for therapeutic research through its subsidiary Lifeline Cell Technology. For more information, visit the ISCO website at: www.internationalstemcell.com.
To subscribe to receive ongoing corporate communications please click on the following link: http://www.b2i.us/irpass.asp?BzID=1468&to=ea&s=0
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements pertaining to future financial and/or operating results, future growth in research, technology, clinical development and potential opportunities for the company and its subsidiary, along with other statements about the future expectations, beliefs, goals, plans, or prospects expressed by management constitute forward-looking statements. Any statements that are not historical fact (including, but not limited to statements that contain words such as “will,” “believes,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “estimates,”) should also be considered to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, risks inherent in the development and/or commercialization of potential products, uncertainty in the results of clinical trials or regulatory approvals, need and ability to obtain future capital, and maintenance of intellectual property rights. Actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements and as such should be evaluated together with the many uncertainties that affect the company's business, particularly those mentioned in the cautionary statements found in the company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. The company disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
International Stem Cell's Presentation at the 20th Annual Roth Capital Partners OC Growth Stock Conference
Please visit Wall Street Webcasting to view the original presentation;
http://www.wsw.com/webcast/roth16/isco/index.html
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