Kenneth C. Aldrich, Co-Chairman
760-940-6383
kaldrich@intlstemcell.com
Or:
Dr. Ruslan Semechkin, Vice President
760-940-6383
ras@intlstemcell.com
Or:
Lippert/Heilshorn & Associates
Don Markley
310-691-7100
dmarkley@lhai.com
Posted by
PSEO
at
8:39 AM
Labels: International Stem Cell Corporation, LifeLine Cell Technology, Lifeline skin care, oocytes, parthenogenetic stem cells, pluripotent, stem cell research
Posted by
PSEO
at
10:17 AM
Labels: biotechnology, International Stem Cell Corporation, ISCO, lifeline cell tech, Lifeline skin care, oocytes, stem cell skin care, stem cell stock
International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB: ISCO) announced today that Kenneth Aldrich, Chairman, will be presenting at the 2011 Southern California Investor Conference on Monday, August 29, 2011 at 1:30 p.m. Pacific (4:30 p.m. Eastern). The conference takes place at The Island Hotel in Newport Beach, California.
The Southern California Investor Conference is the only conference focused exclusively on the wealth of exciting growth companies from Southern California. The annual one-day conference features more than 35 companies from the region presenting to attendees from throughout the nation. The conference is open to the public and investors can find a list of 2011 presenting companies and registration information at www.CaliforniaStocks.com
A webcast of the International Stem Cell Corporation presentation will be accessible online at http://events.powerstream.net/
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?
International Stem Cell Corporation
Kenneth C Aldrich, Chairman
760-940-6383
kaldrich@intlstemcell.com
or
Lippert/Heilshorn & Associates
Don Markley
310-691-7100
dmarkley@lhai.com
ISCO Scientists to Present Results of Recent Stem Cell Research on Central Nervous System and Liver Diseases at Annual Meeting of American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy
International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB: ISCO) announced today that two of its leading scientists, Vice President Dr. Ruslan Semechkin and Director of Research and Therapeutic Development Dr. Nikolay Turovets, will present the results of their most recent experiments on the therapeutic use of human parthenogenetic stem cells (hpSCs) at the 14th Annual Meeting of American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy in Seattle.
ISCO's breakthrough discoveries have resulted in a new type of pluripotent human stem cells with distinct advantages over other human pluripotent stem cells. ISCO uses unfertilized oocytes to create human "parthenogenetic" stem cells. Like embryonic stem cells, hpSCs are pluripotent, i.e. they have the capacity to become almost any cell type in the body, yet avoid ethical issues associated with use or destruction of viable human embryos. Unlike embryonic stem cells, hpSCs can be created in a form such that cells from a single donor can be immunologically matched to millions of individuals.
The data presented at the Seattle conference represents progress made in two specific areas: 1) the successful derivation of neuronal stem cell lines, which can potentially be used for treatment of degenerative diseases of the central nervous system (CNS), and 2) the differentiation of hpSCs towards liver cells and their progenitors.
Dr. Semechkin's oral presentation titled "Neural Stem Cells of Parthenogenetic Origin" will be on Thursday, May 19, 2011 at 4:15 pm.
Dr. Turovets poster presentation titled "An in vitro Analog of the Primitive Streak to Derive High-Purity Definitive Endoderm Lineages Uncontaminated with Undifferentiated Cells" will be on Saturday, May 21, 2011.
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?
Forward-looking Statements
Statements pertaining to anticipated developments, the potential benefits of research programs and 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.
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International Stem Cell Corporation
760-940-6383
Ruslan Semechkin, PhD
Vice President, ISCO
CEO & President, Lifeline Skin Care
ras@intlstemcell.com
Or:
Nikolay Turovets, Ph.D.
Director, Research and Therapeutic Development
nturovets@intlstemcell.com
Posted by
PSEO
at
8:26 AM
Labels: biotechnology, hpSC, International Stem Cell Corporation, liver disease, nikolay turovets, oocytes, OTCBB: ISCO, parthenogenetic, penny stock, ruslan semechkin, stem cell research
Proactiveinvestors completed its first investor forums in mainland Europe, in partnership with Milestone Media, last week, hosting presentations in Zurich and Munich with US listed companies NeoStem (AMEX:NBS) and International Stem Cell Corporation (OTC:ISCO).
Both investor forums were a great success, with notable attendees including Infidar Investment Advisory, BB Bellevue Asset Management, Centrum Bank, Taylor Wessing, BVMW and UBS Global Asset Management.
NeoStem’s CEO and Chairman Robin Smith updated investors on the company’s adult stem cell operations in the U.S., network of adult stem cell therapeutic providers in China, and recent acquisition of a 51% interest in a profitable Chinese generic pharmaceutical manufacturing company.
The company is focused on accelerating the development of proprietary cellular therapies and becoming a single source for collection, storage, manufacturing, therapeutic development and transportation of cells for cell based medicine and regenerative science globally.
NeoStem was recently given an initial "outperform" rating from US equity research firm Cowen, based on recent acquisitions and tie ups strengthening the company's adult stem cell banking capabilities.
Ken Aldrich, Chairman and Co-Founder of International Stem Cell Corporation also had plenty to introduce to European audiences. The California-based biotechnology company is focused on the therapeutic applications of human stem cells and the development and commercialization of cell-based research and cosmetic products.
The company’s core technology, Parthenogenesis, results in creation of pluripotent human stem cells from unfertilized oocytes. This technique avoids ethical issues associated with the use or destruction of viable human embryos and can be a source of therapeutic cells that minimize or eliminate immune rejection after transplantation into the patient.
Posted by
PSEO
at
8:38 AM
Labels: biotechnology, immune rejection, International Stem Cell Corporation, oocytes, parthenogenesis, pluripotent, regenerative science, stem cell research
International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB:ISCO), www.internationalstemcell.com, announced today that its oocyte collection and activation protocol has received the approval of an Institutional Review Board (IRB). IRB review and approval is a Federal requirement for all studies enrolling human subjects, and ensures appropriate subject safety and monitoring to protect subjects from unnecessary medical risks. 'Obtaining IRB approval for our oocyte collection and activation protocol is a major step forward towards the goal of building a viable bank of human parthenogenetic stem cells,' said Dr. Simon Craw, Vice President of ISCO.
ISCO's breakthrough discoveries have resulted in unique stem cells carrying distinct advantages over other human pluripotent stem cells. ISCO uses unfertilized eggs (oocytes) to create human 'parthenogenetic' stem cells (hpSCs). Like human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), hpSCs are pluripotent, i.e. they have the capacity to become almost any cell type in the body, yet avoid ethical issues associated with use or destruction of viable human embryos. Unlike hESCs, hpSCs can be created in a form such that they can be immunologically matched to millions of individuals. This makes possible, for the first time, the establishment of a bank containing a manageable number of stem cell lines immune matched to a large patient population.
ISCO also announced that Prof. M. Kalichman of the University of California San Diego and Director of the San Diego Research Ethics Consortium has been engaged to provide help in creating an effective system for the ethical review of ISCO's donor recruitment processes including facilitating Stem Cell Research Oversight (SCRO) committee review and approval. SCRO committee review involves the analysis and approval of the scientific rationale, including any ethical considerations associated with stem cell research. The SCRO committee membership is mandated to include an ethicist, an assisted reproductive technology expert, appropriate scientific expertise, a patient advocate and a non-scientific member of the public.
Prof. Kalichman said, 'I look forward to working with International Stem Cell Corporation to help with both identifying and recommending solutions to the challenges of conducting ethically responsible research with human stem cells.'
These achievements mark major milestones along ISCO's strategic path of leveraging its discoveries and intellectual property to create a bank of immune matched pluripotent human stem cells and their therapeutic derivatives that can be used for clinical research and ultimately as a valuable medical resource to the growing field of regenerative medicine.
ABOUT INTERNATIONAL STEM CELL CORPORATION (ISCO.OB)
International Stem Cell Corporation is a California-based biotechnology company focused on therapeutic and research products. ISCO's core technology, parthenogenesis, results in creation of pluripotent human stem cells from unfertilized oocytes (eggs). These proprietary cells avoid ethical issues associated with use or destruction of viable human embryos and, unlike most other major stem cell types, can be immune matched and be a source of therapeutic cells with minimal rejection after transplantation into hundreds of millions of individuals of differing racial groups. ISCO also produces and markets specialized cells and growth media for therapeutic research worldwide through its subsidiary, Lifeline Cell Technology, and is developing a line of cosmeceutical products via its subsidiary, Lifeline Skin Care. ISCO is advancing novel human stem cell-based therapies where cells have been proven to be efficacious but traditional small molecule and protein therapeutics have not. More information is available at ISCO's website, 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 technological developments and therapeutic applications, the potential benefits of collaborations, affiliations, 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," "should," "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
760-940-6383
kaldrich@intlstemcell.com
or
Simon Craw, PhD, Vice President
760-940-6383
sc@intlstemcell.com
Posted by
PSEO
at
8:06 AM
Labels: biotechnology, human stem cell bank, International Stem Cell Corporation, IRB, oocytes, parthenogenetic, regenerative medicine, SCRO
International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB: ISCO), www.internationalstemcell.com, and Insight Bioventures India Private Limited (IBVI), (www.insightbioventures.in) announced today that they have signed a letter of intent concerning funding and establishment of an Indian affiliate of ISCO (ISCO India). The goal is to establish world-class development and manufacturing operations for ISCO's research and pharmaceutical products in India, including its Lifeline Cell Technology® research products and human corneal tissue, CytoCor™, for treatment of corneal vision impairment and testing of chemicals.
IBVI is an experienced biomedical business facilitator with a solid network among Indian corporations, academia and government. In collaboration with Sristi Biosciences (www.sristibio.com), a full-fledged developer, manufacturer and commercial operation and the therapeutic arm of Indian bio industry leader Sri Bio (www.sribio.com), IBVI facilitated the earliest submissions and approvals of the stem cell therapy guidelines of India. Some of IBVI's major collaborators include ophthalmology research center and hospital, Sankara Nethralaya (www.sankaranethralaya.org), The Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (a federally funded institute run by the Indian government, www.ccmb.res.in), the All-India Institute for Medical Sciences (www.aiims.edu), and the Indian Council for Medical Research (www.icmr.nic.in). IBVI has established a dedicated Biofund to finance novel businesses in India.
According to Dr. Jayaraman Packirisamy, Executive Director of IBVI, 'ISCO offers our investors as well as corporate and academic partners a unique combination of Lifeline marketed research products with near-term revenue potential in India, CytoCor with potential to change standard of care for the widespread corneal blindness and vision impairment in India and the rest of Asia, and an opportunity to apply our well-educated work force and industrial grade facilities to develop and manufacture these and other biomedical products cost-efficiently in India. We therefore look much forward to lead the funding and implementation of ISCO India.'
Dr. Gopal Pande, managing scientist at The Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology adds, 'Our institution is a leader in cell biology in India and, while we have been involved with a wide range of opportunities in this field, we believe CytoCor represents a rare opportunity to produce functional, live human tissue from individual cells. We are keen to explore the possibilities with ISCO and IBVI and hope to not only apply our scientific expertise but also to host ISCO in India's first, state-of-the art, $60M, integrated research and clinical development facility for stem cells and regenerative medicine, CRF, established in collaboration between the CCMB and the Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences.'
Under the letter of intent, IBVI will lead the funding and establishment of ISCO India with facilities and staff. ISCO will train Indian scientists and commercial staff and provide rights to the company's technologies, products and intellectual property as needed. ISCO India will be managed by a combined team of experienced development and business executives from IBVI and Sristi Biosciences in India and senior executives of ISCO in the US. ISCO India will be based in Hyderabad and continue to work closely with the leading team of ophthalmology scientists and clinicians at Sankara Nethralaya in Chennai as well as researchers and government bodies across India. Formal details of this arrangement are expected to become the subject of a definitive agreement in the near future.
'IBVI and their corporate, academic and government network provide ISCO with an unparalleled opportunity to tap into the rapidly growing research product market in India and develop CytoCor with a team of experienced scientists and clinicians in the country with most corneal blindness and vision impairment in the world. Furthermore, IBVI's Biofund investors enable us to do so without ISCO capital investment or issuance of equity shares. Finally, by establishing our own affiliate in India, ISCO will be able to participate in the economic benefits of our technologies and products while retaining the intellectual property control that is so important across Asia,' says Brian Lundstrom, ISCO's President.
ABOUT INTERNATIONAL STEM CELL CORPORATION (ISCO.OB)
International Stem Cell Corporation is a California-based biotechnology company focused on therapeutic and research products. ISCO's core technology, parthenogenesis, results in creation of pluripotent human stem cells from unfertilized oocytes (eggs). These proprietary cells avoid ethical issues associated with use or destruction of viable human embryos and, unlike most other major stem cell types, can be immune matched and be a source of therapeutic cells with minimal rejection after transplantation into hundreds of millions of individuals of differing racial groups. ISCO also produces and markets specialized cells and growth media for therapeutic research worldwide through its subsidiary, Lifeline Cell Technology, and is developing a line of cosmeceutical products via its subsidiary, Lifeline Skin Care. ISCO is advancing novel human stem cell-based therapies where cells have been proven to be efficacious but traditional small molecule and protein therapeutics have not. More information is available on ISCO's website.
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.
ABOUT INSIGHT BIOVENTURES INDIA
Insight Bioventures India Private Limited India (IBVI) is the Asian member of Insight Bioventures founded in 1997 to apply a multidimensional approach to value creation in the international life sciences community while placing client's interests first. IBVI operates through a team of experienced associates and partners from the pharmaceutical industry, academic research and the financial sector. The company maintains long-standing relationships with opinion leaders in different therapeutic areas that assist in evaluation and advancement of innovative product concepts and medical businesses. IBVI has made tissue engineering and cell therapy a major technology focus and works with recognized leaders in these areas, e.g. Sristi Biosciences and International Stem Cell Corporation. IBVI has partnered with strong Indian corporations and high net worth individuals to establish a dedicated 'Biofund' to finance the best novel technologies for Indian development and with potential to address large unmet medical needs in the Asian market. More information is available on IBVI's website: www.insightbioventures.in.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Statements pertaining to anticipated developments and therapeutic applications, the potential benefits of collaborations, affiliations, 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, 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 forward-looking statements.
Key Words: Stem Cells, Biotechnology, Parthenogenesis
International Stem Cell Corporation
Kenneth C. Aldrich, Chairman
760-940-6383
kaldrich@intlstemcell.com
Or
Brian Lundstrom, President
760-640-6383
bl@intlstemcell.com
Posted by
PSEO
at
8:54 AM
Labels: biomedical, corneal blindness, cosmeceutical, CytoCor, International Stem Cell Corporation, ISCO, oocytes, pluirpotent, stem cell research, vision impairment
OCEANSIDE, CA – February 4, 2010 – International Stem Cell Corporation (ISCO.OB), www.internationalstemcell.com, announced today that its new cell production facility has passed final building inspection, which will enable development and manufacturing of the company and its partners’ clinical-grade stem cell products.
ISCO has designed and built a unique cell manufacturing facility in Oceanside, California consisting of separate “suites” for development and production of different cell types from the company’s proprietary human parthenogenic stem cell (hpSC) technology. The facility is located in close proximity to the fertility clinics that provide donated human eggs (oocytes) under ISCO’s recently-established partnerships and also near leading Californian research institutions with whom ISCO collaborates on fundamental stem cell biology and therapeutic applications.
ISCO will implement its parthenogenic stem cell processes at this facility during 2010 and adopt current good manufacturing practice (cGMP) standards.In parallel, ISCO will collaborate with world-leading scientists to demonstrate the therapeutic applicability and the potential immune-rejection advantages of hpSC lines relative to other stem cell classes.
Like embryonic stem cells (ESCs), hpSCs are pluripotent (i.e. have the capacity to become almost any cell type in the body), yet avoid ethical issues associated with destruction or use of viable human embryos. Unlike induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSs), hpSCs do not require manipulation of gene expression back to a less differentiated stage, which may prove to be a safety or regulatory obstacle. However, unlike both ESCs and iPSs, hpSCs can be created in a homozygous form such that each line can be an immunological match for millions of patients.
Dr. Andrey Semechkin, ISCO’s CEO, says: “Our ability to work in this modern facility gives International Stem Cell Corporation the capacity to generate the world’s first cGMP quality hpSC lines. It marks an important milestone since it both expands the resources available to our scientists and expands ISCO’s ability to execute on its plan to become the premier provider of immune-matched stem cells to the global research community. Through these cells, ISCO will be able to treat a range of degenerative diseases in genetically diverse populations around the world.”
ABOUT INTERNATIONAL STEM CELL CORPORATION (ISCO.OB)
International Stem Cell Corporation is a California-based biotechnology company focused on therapeutic and research products. ISCO’s core technology, parthenogenesis, results in the creation of parthenogenetic human stem cells from unfertilized eggs (oocytes). Like embryonic stem cells (ESCs), hpSCs are pluripotent (i.e. have the capacity to become almost any cell type in the body), yet avoid ethical issues associated with 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 sexes, ages and racial groups. This offers the potential to create the first true stem cell bank, UniStemCell™, while avoiding the ethical issue of using fertilized eggs. ISCO also produces and markets specialized cells and growth media for therapeutic research worldwide through its subsidiary Lifeline Cell Technology. More information is available at ISCO’s website, 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
CONTACTS:
International Stem Cell Corporation
Kenneth C. Aldrich, Chairman
760-940-6383
kaldrich@intlstemcell.com
Or
Brian Lundstrom, President
760-640-6383
bl@intlstemcell.com
Posted by
PSEO
at
5:54 PM
Labels: biotechnology, embryonic stem cell, International Stem Cell Corporation, ISCO, oocytes, parthogenic, pluripotent, stem cell bank
International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB: ISCO), www.internationalstemcell.com , announced today that it has signed up the first two in vitro fertilization (IVF) clinics and engaged an experienced pharmaceutical industry executive to lead the establishment of the company's universal stem cell bank, UniStemCell™. International Stem Cell Corporation has made breakthrough stem cell discoveries that result in unique advantages over the only two other proven methods of making human pluripotent stem cells. In particular, for the first time in industry history, this will enable the establishment of a bank containing a manageable number of stem cell lines that will be immunological matches for large patient populations of different ethnic origin.
The company uses unfertilized eggs (oocytes) to create human "parthenogenic" stem cells (hpSCs). Like embryonic stem cells (ESCs), hpSCs are pluripotent (i.e. have the capacity to become almost any cell type in the body), yet avoid ethical issues associated with use or destruction of viable human embryos. Unlike induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSs), hpSCs do not involve extensive gene manipulation, which may have unknown biological impact. Unlike both ESCs and iPSs, hpSCs can be created in a homozygous form such that each line will be an immunological match for millions of patients.
International Stem Cell Corporation has partnered with two IVF clinics in Southern California, California Center for Reproductive Medicine under the leadership of Dr. Lori Arnold and Acacio Fertility Center under the leadership of Dr. Brian Acacio. Both clinics provide exceptional clinical care for egg donors and IVF patients, not only regionally but across the US and abroad. California Center for Reproductive Medicine and Acacio Fertility Center provide a US source of oocytes under full regulatory and medical oversight that allow for the creation of the first clinical grade hpSC lines anywhere in the world. Dr. Acacio says: "We look forward to participating in this important research with the ultimate goal of each egg donation not only helping a single couple but millions of people with degenerative diseases." Dr. Arnold says: "While we provide world-class care for our IVF patients, we are excited to add our clinical expertise and join International Stem Cell Corporation in this medical frontier of regenerative medicine."
International Stem Cell Corporation has also engaged Dr. Simon Craw to implement the integrated process of oocyte donation and processing in coordination with the IVF clinics and under proper regulatory and medical oversight. The creation of hpSC lines will take place in the company's central cGMP facility. In addition, Dr. Craw will oversee the expansion, tracking and storage of hpSCs for research and clinical development globally. Dr. Craw is an experienced pharmaceutical executive who has served in firms such as Novartis and AstraZeneca, and recently as head of Merck's California operations and ACADIA's information technology and regulatory operations (including FDA filings).
Brian Lundstrom, ISCO's President, says: "International Stem Cell Corporation has already differentiated its hpSCs into functional cells of the eye (retinal pigment epithelium and corneal tissues), the liver (hepatocyte precursor cells) and other organs. While we and our external collaborators continue to advance these therapeutic applications, we are now formally launching the creation of a universal stem cell bank, UniStemCell. This collection of hpSC lines will enable researchers around the world to develop novel stem cell therapies knowing that, whatever non-embryonic, pluripotent hpSC line they use, there will be sister lines available that immunologically match almost any potential patient and will require only temporary immune suppression, if any." He continues: "By combining the proven oocyte retrieval experience and clinical excellence of California Center for Reproductive Medicine and Acacio Fertility Center with the pharmaceutical and operational experience of Dr. Craw, International Stem Cell Corporation is well positioned to generate the world's first cGMP quality hpSC lines in 2010."
International Stem Cell Corporation will initially focus on oocyte-derived hpSCs from US population groups. However, the company offers its intellectual property, process and business experience to other companies for development and commercialization of universal stem cell banks targeting ethnic groups that are less represented in the US, e.g. Asians and Hispanics. Cell lines from each of these banks will be made available to government, academic and corporate researchers worldwide, thus enabling the global research community to develop therapeutic applications of their interest with the unique ethical, biological and immune-matching benefits of homozygous hpSCs.
ABOUT INTERNATIONAL STEM CELL CORPORATION (ISCO.OB)
International Stem Cell Corporation is a California-based biotechnology company focused on therapeutic and research products. ISCO's core technology,parthenogenesis, results in creation of pluripotent human stem cells from unfertilized eggs (oocytes). 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 sexes, ages and racial groups. This offers the potential to create the first true stem cell bank, UniStemCell™, while avoiding the ethical issue of using fertilized eggs. ISCO also produces and markets specialized cells and growth media for therapeutic research worldwide through its subsidiary Lifeline Cell Technology. More information is available at ISCO's website, 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
760-940-6383
kaldrich@intlstemcell.com
or
Brian Lundstrom, President
760-640-6383
bl@intlstemcell.com
Posted by
PSEO
at
7:08 AM
Labels: biopharmaceutical, International Stem Cell Corporation, ISCO, IVF, oocytes, parthenogenetic, stem cell blog, Unistemcell
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.
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