Letter Describes Changing Political Climate, Competitive Advantages of Parthenogenesis, Creation of Human Corneal Tissue, New Partnerships, Clinical Trials, and Other Developments
International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB: ISCO) (www.internationalstemcell.com), the first company to perfect a method of creating human stem cells from unfertilized eggs, has issued a letter to its shareholders. To view the shareholder letter in its entirety, please follow the link to the company's website:http://www.internationalstemcell.com/shareholderletter.htm.
The Letter covers a variety of subjects, including:
- Competitive advantages of human parthenogenetic stem cells over other kinds of stem cells
- Completion of December 2008 financing; receipt of first $2 million of anticipated private equity of up to $5 million
- First company to grow human corneal tissue in a Petri dish, suitable for toxicity testing and possibly suitable for corneal implants
- Commencement of pre-clinical animal trials using parthenogenetic stem cells to treat retinal disease
- Partnership with Absorption Systems to commercialize human stem cell-derived corneal tissue for drug testing
- Description of collaborative partnership goals toward the creation of an unlimited supply of cells that is not reliant on donor tissue and that does not risk rejection by patient immune systems
"The recent developments detailed in our shareholder letter illustrate that the company remains on track to achieve its goals," commented Kenneth C. Aldrich, Chairman and CEO. "We are excited for our shareholders to read this update, thank them for their continued enthusiasm and support, and look forward to providing updates in what we think will be an exciting 2009."
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 minimize immune rejection after transplantation into hundreds of 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.
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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Statements pertaining to anticipated future financial and/or operating results, future growth in research, technology, clinical development and potential joint venture and other 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, application of capital resources among competing uses, 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.
International Stem Cell Corporation
Kenneth C. Aldrich, Chairman, CEO
kaldrich@intlstemcell.com
760-940-6383
or
William Adams, Chief Financial Officer
wadams@intlstemcell.com
760-940-6383
or
The Investor Relations Group
212-825-3210
Investor Relations:
Adam S. Holdsworth
aholdsworth@investorrelationsgroup.com
or
Media Relations:
Laura Colontrelle
lcolontrelle@investorrelationsgroup.com
