Human Parthenogenetic Stem Cell Derived Neuronal Cells as a Tool for Parkinson’s Disease Treatment by Dr. Ruslan Semechkin

Human Parthenogenetic Stem Cell Derived Neuronal Cells as a Tool for Parkinson’s Disease Treatment by Dr. R...

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.

International Stem Cell's Research Scientists Successfully Completed the First Series of Preclinical Animal Trials of Neuronal Cells

International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB: ISCO) announces today successful completion of the first series of preclinical studies designed to support the safety and utility of neuronal cells derived from human parthenogenetic stem cell line (hpSC). These initial experiments, demonstrating that the derived neuronal cells were able to survive in mice brains without giving rise to tumors, represent a key milestone towards possible therapeutic applications including treating Parkinson's disease.


Dr. Albrecht Müller, Professor at the Institute of Medical Radiology and Cell Research, Würzburg University (Germany), commented: "Human parthenogenetic stem cells are potentially very promising candidates for use in regenerative medicine primarily because of the possibility that they immune-match a large number of recipients. The result of these safety and survival studies is a very important step along the path towards the clinical use of such cells."


Although most cases of Parkinson's disease occur in people with no family history of the disease, a number of genetic mutations have nevertheless been identified with the disease. While the inheritance pattern is largely unknown, as a condition with a genetic component "autologous" treatment, that is to say treatment using the patient's own cells, is far from ideal and does not offer the potential of a cure. To treat Parkinson's disease successfully a source of cells free of the mutated genes is necessary. Human parthenogenetic stem cells provide this source, as well as superior immune-matching capabilities.


ISCO currently has the world's largest collection of human parthenogenetic stem cells including heterozygous examples, where the cells immune match the donor as is the case with induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS), and homozygous examples which immune-match millions of individuals. ISCO is actively expanding this collection of cell lines and creating a "bank" of homozygous human parthenogenetic stem cells that can be used as a platform to not only reduce the chances of tissue rejection, but also make cellular-based therapies economically more viable.


Dr. Ruslan Semechkin, ISCO's Vice President, commented: "One of ISCO's main therapeutic targets is treatment of Parkinson's disease, a common neurodegenerative disease in the US, where the current standard of care is designed mostly to treat the symptoms, but not the disease. These results clearly represent an important step towards the therapeutic application of human parthenogenetic stem cells derived cells in addressing the basic underlying mechanisms and potentially transforming the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases."


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, UniStemCellTM. 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, 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.


International Stem Cell Corporation
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

International Stem Cell Corp. Chairman Kenneth Aldrich Comments on Recent TIME Article “A Stem Cell First: Using the 'Dolly' Method on Human Cells”

“Since we at International Stem Cell Corporation (trading symbol: ISCO.OB) are licensees of some of the key intellectual property necessary to use SCNT in therapeutic products, we were delighted to read about this new discovery.  However, what disappointed us somewhat was the failure of most news reports to mention that a technology already exists that solves the same ethical problems and has the potential also to solve many of the problems of immune rejection that worry scientists who are working with cells obtained from fertilized embryos.

That technology is called "Parthenogenesis" and results in a "cell line" that can provide an essentially unlimited supply of human cells for a wide range of therapeutic purposes, yet does not involve the destruction of any fertilized embryo and results in cells that can be matched to large groups of people who may not even know the patient, much like the way blood from donors can be stored and used by accident victims as needed. Unlike the SCNT cells, parthenogenetic cells require no genetic manipulation or insertion of foreign DNA.

Our scientists at ISCO created and patented the process for making such human parthenogenetic stem cell lines and have already successfully made liver cells, cornea cells, retina cells and nerve cells from those cell lines.  Each of these applications is being studied as a possible future source of transplanted cells to treat diseases such as Parkinson's, Liver Disease, Macular Degeneration, and others. 

To learn more about parthenogenesis, visit our website at www.internationalstemcell.com or click on ISCO.OB at any financial web site for information about our company.”

Kenneth C. Aldrich

Chairman

International Stem Cell Corporation

TIME Article – A Stem Cell First: Using the 'Dolly' Method on Human Cells

http://healthland.time.com/2011/10/05/a-stem-cell-first-using-the-dolly-method-on-human-cells/

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 for hundreds of millions of individuals of differing genders, ages and racial background with minimal immune rejection after transplantation. hpSCs offer 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 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.

International Stem Cell Corporation presents "The Promising Cells" Video

In this video presentation, see and hear an overview of International Stem Cell Corporation (ISCO.OB). ISCO has developed a process to derive stem cells similar to Embryonic Stem Cells without the need for fertilized embryos and with minimal exposure to non-human cells. These factors provide ISC a unique leadership role in the field of regenerative cell therapy. You'll hear directly from Executive Chairman, Kenneth Aldrich. Lifeline Cell Technology and Skin Care Products, revenue generating units of ISCO are also reviewed.

This presentation was produced by Big Sky Productions, INC (BGSI.OB), Co-Executive Producers Ellis Martin and Bob Lange. 

contact: bigskymedia@yahoo.com

Part 4: The Ellis Martin Report with Ken Aldrich of International Stem Cell Corporation (ISCO.OB)

Ellis Martin of The Ellis Martin Report interviews Ken Aldrich of International Stem Cell Corporation (ISCO.OB) on the latest research involving stem cell technology utilizing unfertilized eggs, as a basis for cell generation with a goal toward organ transplants which are immune to rejection by the body...as well as other applications. Mr. Aldrich also discusses neurological applications focusing on reversing Parkinson's disease. http://www.ellismartinreport.com Contact: martinreports@gmail.com. International Stem Cell is a paid sponsor of The Ellis Martin Report

International Stem Cell Corporation Announces Second Quarter 2011 Financial Results and Corporate Events

International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB: ISCO), a biotechnology company that developed a powerful new stem cell technology called "parthenogenesis" which promises to significantly advance the field of regenerative medicine, today announced financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2011 and for the first six months of the fiscal year and provided an update on corporate events.

ISCO reported year-to-date revenues of $2.6 million compared to $0.7 million for the same time period in 2010, representing an increase of 271%. The increase in our revenues relates to sales generated by ISCO's wholly-owned subsidiaries Lifeline Skin Care (LSC) which contributed $1.7 million and Lifeline Cell Technology (LCT) which contributed $0.9 million of revenues.

Total year-to-date expenses, excluding cost of sales increased $2.0 million or 38%, compared to the first six months of the previous year. The most significant reasons for the increase in total expenses related to increases in R&D and G&A. Research & Development expenses increased primarily due to increased activity on our scientific projects. General & Administrative expenses increased primarily due to increased headcount, non-cash stock-based compensation and increased expenses related to business development activity and general corporate expenses.

Our cash balance at June 30, 2011 was $3.6 million. Net cash used in operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2011 was $3.0 million.

Second Quarter 2011 Highlights:

-- The first U.S.-based donor was enrolled in ISCO's program to establish a bank of clinical-grade human parthenogenetic stem cells (hpSCs) capable of being immune-matched to millions of patients.

-- We strengthened our senior management team to assist in the continued development of the Company. Kurt May was appointed Senior Vice President responsible for mergers and acquisitions and development of new international collaborations. Donna Queen was added to the management team as Vice President of LSC, where she is responsible for marketing and business development.

-- We started a series of preclinical animal studies of neuronal cells derived from hpSCs. The studies will evaluate the in vivo safety and tumorigenicity of neuronal cells as well as their ability to develop into functioning dopaminergic neuron–like cells to treat Parkinson's disease.

-- We successfully completed the first series of preclinical testing of hepatocytes derived from hpSCs. In the transplantation mouse model, inoculated cells were capable of engrafting and surviving in specific niches within the liver, and were further developing into cells with essential hepatocyte-like features.

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.

International Stem Cell Corporation and Subsidiaries (A Development Stage Company) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition June 30, 2011 December 31, 2010 (Restated)(1) (Unaudited) Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 3,581,933 $ 5,782,027 Accounts receivable 341,666 738,506 Inventory 1,329,433 856,083 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 290,196 228,338 Total current assets 5,543,228 7,604,954 Property and equipment, net 1,495,916 1,295,328 Patent licenses, net 1,056,562 986,714 Deposits and other assets 16,279 39,812 Total assets $ 8,111,985 $ 9,926,808 Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Accounts payable $ 1,032,531 $ 582,824 Accrued expenses 855,315 545,781 Deferred revenue 137,834 759,667 Advances 250,000 250,000 Warrants to purchase common stock 1,027,171 2,399,605 Total current liabilities 3,302,851 4,537,877 Commitments and contingencies Stockholders' Equity Common stock, $.001 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized, 76,599,928 shares and 74,771,107 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively 76,600 74,771 Convertible preferred stock, $.001 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized, 2,800,043 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively 2,800 2,800 Subscription receivable on common stock - (4,875 ) Additional paid-in capital 59,780,363 56,170,006 Deficit accumulated during the development stage (55,050,629 ) (50,853,771 ) Total stockholders' equity 4,809,134 5,388,931 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 8,111,985 $ 9,926,808 (1) The Company restated its financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2010, and the quarter ended March 31, 2011. International Stem Cell Corporation and Subsidiaries (A Development Stage Company) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, Inception (August 2001) through June 30, 2011 (Restated)(1) 2011 2010 (Restated)(1) 2011 (Restated)(1) 2010 (Restated)(1) Revenues Product sales $ 1,114,309 $ 441,118 $ 2,629,225 $ 713,744 $ 5,728,390 Royalties and license - - - - 135,000 Total revenue $ 1,114,309 $ 441,118 $ 2,629,225 $ 713,744 $ 5,863,390 Development expenses Cost of sales 362,131 214,330 791,125 360,706 2,506,597 Research and development 1,128,869 754,000 2,132,279 1,338,069 15,992,557 Marketing 345,800 291,576 664,006 424,994 3,063,155 General and administrative 2,135,732 2,033,615 4,368,470 3,408,821 27,692,292 Total development expenses 3,972,532 3,293,521 7,955,880 5,532,590 49,254,601 Loss from development activities (2,858,223 ) (2,852,403 ) (5,326,655 ) (4,818,846 ) (43,391,211 ) Other income (expense) Settlement with related company - - - - (92,613 ) Miscellaneous expense (12,040 ) (256 ) (11,140 ) (20,649 ) (28,652 ) Dividend income - 350 - 25,999 92,875 Interest expense - (6,805 ) - (14,079 ) (2,225,074 ) Sublease income 2,450 2,125 4,650 3,525 303,083 Change in market value of warrants 478,669 7,083,365 1,349,518 (1,347,960 ) (2,380,664 ) Total other income (expense) 469,079 7,078,779 1,343,028 (1,353,164 ) (4,331,045 ) Income (loss) before income taxes (2,389,144 ) 4,226,376 (3,983,627 ) (6,172,010 ) (47,722,256 ) Provision for income taxes - - - - 6,800 Net income (loss) $ (2,389,144 ) $ 4,226,376 $ (3,983,627 ) $ (6,172,010 ) $ (47,729,056 ) Dividends on preferred stock $ (107,203 ) $ - $ (213,231 ) $ (1,238,067 ) $ (7,751,380 ) Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders $ (2,496,347 ) $ 4,226,376 $ (4,196,858 ) $ (7,410,077 ) $ (55,480,436 ) Basic earnings per common share $ (0.03 ) $ 0.06 $ (0.06 ) $ (0.11 ) Diluted earnings per common share $ (0.03 ) $ 0.04 $ (0.06 ) $ (0.11 ) Share used in per share calculations: Weighted average shares outstanding 76,340,016 68,676,504 75,842,071 64,789,250 Weighted average shares outstanding on a Fully Diluted Basis 76,340,016 114,797,830 75,842,071 64,789,250 (1) The Company restated its financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2010, and the quarter ended March 31, 2011. International Stem Cell Corporation Kenneth C. Aldrich, Chairman 760-940-6383 kaldrich@intlstemcell.com Or Ray Wood, CFO 760-940-6383 rwood@intlstemcell.com