International Stem Cell Corporation Comments on WSJ Article “Hope for Stem-Cell Treatment of Parkinson's”

Article: Hope for Stem-CellTreatment of Parkinson's BY GAUTAM NAIK – The Wall Street Journal HEALTH

“Researchers have used stem cells obtained from human embryos to successfully treat Parkinson's disease in mice and rats, a key step in the quest to develop a similar approach for people.

In a study published Sunday in the journal Nature, scientists described how they converted human embryonic stem cells into nerve cells that produced the brain chemical dopamine. When these nerve cells were transplanted into the brains of mice and rats, they released dopamine and got rid of the animals' Parkinson's symptoms. The cells were also successfully transplanted into rhesus monkeys, whose biology is closer to that of humans.”

SOURCE - To read the complete article on The Wall Street Journal HEALTH site, please click HERE

Comments from International Stem Cell Corporation:

International Stem Cell Corporation (ISCO) announced in July 2011 the initiation of a series of preclinical animal studies of neuronal cells derived from ISCO’s proprietary pluripotent stem cells. The studies will evaluate the in vivo safety and tumorigenicity of neuronal cells derived from ISCO's proprietary human parthenogenetic stem cells (hpSCs), as well as their ability to develop into functioning dopaminergic neuron–like cells, a key milestone towards creating a cell-based therapy for Parkinson's Disease (PD).

Dr. Andrey Semechkin, Co-Chairman and CEO of ISCO, comments: “The ability of neuronal cells to become a specific type of neuron is one of the most important properties that these cells must have to be used in cell-based therapy of neurological disorders. These studies will bring us one step closer to our goal of being able to treat PD.”

Forward-looking Statements

Statements pertaining to anticipated developments, research and development goals and related potential therapeutic treatments, the potential benefits of products, and other opportunities for the company and its subsidiaries, 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 and the management of collaborations, 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 forward-looking statements.

Kurt May to Join International Stem Cell Corporation as Senior Vice President

Andrey Semechkin, Ph.D., CEO of International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB:ISCOE) ("ISCO") announced today that Kurt May, a highly experienced senior business executive and biotechnology entrepreneur, is concluding his service as a faculty member at the University of San Diego's School of Business Administration and is joining ISCO as a Senior Vice President.


Mr. May's duties will include mergers and acquisitions and development of new international collaborations, and he will work directly with Dr. Semechkin in implementing the Company's business model of combining cutting-edge scientific research and building multiple revenue streams to support that research.


Prior to joining ISCO, Mr. May was a senior executive with GTE Corporation, a Fortune 50 company, where he enjoyed 23 years of progressive management experience. Mr. May then went on to serve as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer with PriceSmart Inc. Since 2001 Mr. May has founded and led a privately owned biotech company, Psynomics Inc., as CEO. Psynomics Inc. is a spin out of the University of California San Diego, where Mr. May served as a faculty member and Assistant Dean of the Rady School of Management from 2005 until 2009.


"Mr. May strengthens an accomplished management team at ISCO, and I am delighted that we attracted a professional of his caliber to our Company," said ISCO'S CEO, Dr. Semechkin.


About International Stem Cell Corporation
International Stem Cell Corporation is focused on the therapeutic applications of human parthenogenetic stem cells (hpSCs) and the development and commercialization of cell-based research and cosmetic products. ISCO's core technology, parthenogenesis, results in the creation of pluripotent human stem cells from unfertilized oocytes (eggs). hpSCs avoid ethical issues associated with the use or destruction of viable human embryos. ISCO scientists have created the first parthenogenic, homozygous stem cell line that can be a source of therapeutic cells with minimal immune rejection after transplantation into hundreds of millions of individuals of differing genders, ages and racial background. This offers the potential to create the first true stem cell bank, UniStemCell™. ISCO also produces and markets specialized cells and growth media for therapeutic research worldwide through its subsidiary Lifeline Cell Technology, and cell-based skin care products through its subsidiary Lifeline Skin Care. More information is available 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 anticipated developments, and other opportunities for the company and its subsidiaries, 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, competition, 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 forward-looking statements.

International Stem Cell Corporation
Andrey Semechkin, PhD
CEO & President
760-940-6383
aes@intlstemcell.com
or:
Lippert/Heilshorn & Associates
Don Markley, 310-691-7100
dmarkley@lhai.com

International Stem Cell Corporation (ISCO) Announces That Donna Queen, Former President and CEO of ZO SKIN HEALTH, the Luxury Brand Created by Zein Obagi, MD, Has Joined ISCO Executive Team

International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB:ISCOE) announced today that Donna Queen has joined ISCO's executive team. Ms. Queen will be primarily responsible for ISCO's wholly owned subsidiary Lifeline Skin Care's (Lifeline) brand identity and international marketing as well as broadening the range of Lifeline products currently available.


Prior to joining ISCO, Ms. Queen was President and CEO of ZO SKIN HEALTH® by Zein Obagi, MD. Dr. Obagi is the dermatologist who created the original Obagi Nu-Derm skincare system, which has since become the leading physician-dispensed brand of anti-aging skincare. Earlier Ms. Queen founded and led one of Virginia's largest advertising and marketing agencies, specializing in aesthetic and dermatological marketing and brand development.


Dr. Andrey Semechkin, President and CEO of ISCO, commented: "I'm very pleased that Ms. Queen has joined our team. Ms. Queen's industry experience and expertise particularly in marketing prescription-based products will be invaluable as we expand our skin care business and further enhance our line of products."


Ms. Queen adds, "I'm very excited to be joining such a dynamic, science-driven company. There have been no recent meaningful technological breakthroughs in skin care, but with ISCO's scientific leadership in stem cells and their knowledge of skin tissue physiology we have an opportunity to continue to deliver new and innovative treatments."


ISCO previously announced sales of approximately $1.1 million from the pilot direct-to-consumer launch of Lifeline's first two products, an anti-aging Day Serum and a Night Serum. These products were developed by ISCO's scientific research team in collaboration with internationally recognized cosmetics experts. The serums contain an extract from ISCOʽs proprietary human parthenogenetic stem cells combined with antioxidants and botanically derived ingredients. Using these serums on a regular basis provides significant benefits to the skin including improvement in skin tone and elasticity and the improvement in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, results that have been independently established by clinical studies performed at industry-leading testing laboratories. The serums can be purchased by visiting Lifelineʽs website at www.lifelineskincare.com and are also available at selected luxury spas and physicians' offices in the United States.


About International Stem Cell Corporation
International Stem Cell Corporation is focused on the therapeutic applications of human parthenogenetic stem cells and the development and commercialization of cell-based research and cosmetic products. ISCO's core technology, parthenogenesis, results in the creation of pluripotent human stem cells from unfertilized oocytes (eggs). hpSCs avoid ethical issues associated with the use or destruction of viable human embryos. ISCO scientists have created the first parthenogenic, homozygous stem cell line that can be a source of therapeutic cells with minimal immune rejection after transplantation into hundreds of millions of individuals of differing genders, ages and racial background. This offers the potential to create the first true stem cell bank, UniStemCell™. ISCO also produces and markets specialized cells and growth media for therapeutic research worldwide through its subsidiary Lifeline Cell Technology, and cell-based skin care products through its subsidiary Lifeline Skin Care. More information is available 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 anticipated developments, product development and marketing plans, and other opportunities for the company and its subsidiaries, 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, competition, 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 forward-looking statements.



International Stem Cell Corporation
760-940-6383
Ruslan Semechkin, PhD
Vice President, ISCO
CEO, Lifeline Skin Care
ras@intlstemcell.com
or
Simon Craw, PhD
Vice President, ISCO
sc@intlstemcell.com
or
Lippert/Heilshorn & Associates
Don Markley
310-691-7100
dmarkley@lhai.com

International Stem Cell Corporation: Note From The CEO Andrey Semechkin

"Since releasing our press release this morning announcing that ISCO.OB had successfully created enriched cell cultures that might be used to treat diabetes or liver disease, people have asked, 'What does that really mean?’

The simple answer is that it further proves ISCO’s Parthenogenetic stem cells can do the same things that can be done with embryonic stem cells, but without raising the ethical issues of using cells from fertilized embryos and with a real chance to solve one of the toughest problems in cell therapy—how do you keep the human body from rejecting a cell transplant before the transplant can treat the disease.

Scientists already know that they can treat liver disease and diabetes with human cells. The problems have been to find an ethical supply of cells in sufficient quantity and prevent the body from rejecting those cells. We think this is a major step toward the pathway and it enables ISCO to stand on the shoulders of 10 years of prior research to reach the next rung of the ladder to a cure for both of these life threatening diseases.

ISCO’s latest press release reflects a major step in the direction of treating diabetes and liver disease with its cells."

International Stem Cell Corporation Announces Strategic Enhancement of its Management Team

International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB:ISCO), www.internationalstemcell.com announced today that it had made important strategic changes in its management team to leverage its growing opportunities in the therapeutic and research product markets.

The Company's current Board Member and Executive Vice-President, Dr. Andrey Semechkin, will become CEO on November 15, 2009, and Brian Lundstrom, an experienced biopharmaceutical executive, has joined the Company as President. Kenneth Aldrich will remain as Chairman of the Board and continue the active role he has played since the founding of the Company. Jeffrey Janus will remain as Senior Vice President of ISCO and CEO of its subsidiary, Lifeline Cell Technology.

Commenting on these management changes, Mr. Aldrich said, "We have been searching for many months to find exactly the right combination of skills and experience to replace what we lost with the death of our former CEO, Jeff Krstich, in 2008. The wait has been well worthwhile. With these changes, ISCO now has two outstanding new executives to help lead it into the next phase of the development and commercialization of its unique stem cell platform. Dr. Semechkin's international experience and reputation as a creative businessman will prove invaluable as ISCO becomes ever more involved in international research, collaborations and clinical trials, whether in Russia or elsewhere in the World, and Mr. Lundstrom's deep biopharmaceutical experience will enable the company to develop and commercialize market-driven therapeutic solutions."

Dr. Semechkin is 50 years of age and has had an extraordinary career in both his native Russia and internationally, including the US. He has more than 20 years of experience in successfully creating and developing many companies in different industries and scientific sectors. In 2005-2006, as part of the senior management team of the JSC Russian Railways, he was responsible for the reform and modernization of the structure of that organization.

He is a member of the prestigious Russian Academy of Science, specializing in management theory, strategic planning and system analysis. He is also the author of several books in those fields and in 2005 was awarded the Russian Federation Government Award in Science and Technology in recognition of his scientific achievements.

Dr. Semechkin was introduced to ISCO in 2008 through our Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Revazova, and he has since become an investor and active contributor of skills and advice to the Company.

Mr. Lundstrom is 47 years of age and trained in immunology, molecular biology, finance and marketing. He brings to ISCO 23 years of clinical and commercial development and corporate transactional experience from predominantly publicly traded and commercially operating companies like Novo Nordisk and SangStat/Genzyme, global leaders in biological therapies, diabetes, transplantation and other chronic diseases.

As ISCO's President, Mr. Lundstrom will focus primarily on development and commercialization of ISCO's universal stem cell bank and therapeutic applications. He will also be deeply involved in ISCO's day-to-day operations and will work with Mr. Aldrich in interacting with the company's analysts and public markets.

Mr. Aldrich commented that, "Mr. Lundstrom provides biopharmaceutical and corporate partnering experience to advance the company into development that we expect to be highly complementary to Dr. Semechkin's international management and investment experience."

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.

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 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.

Key Words: Stem Cells, Biotechnology, Parthenogenesis

International Stem Cell Corporation
Kenneth C. Aldrich, Chairman, CEO
760-940-6383
kaldrich@intlstemcell.com
or
The Investor Relations Group
Media Relations:
Laura Colontrelle
212-825-3210
lcolontrelle@investorrelationsgroup.com