International Stem Cell (OTCBB:ISCO), www.internationalstemcell.com,
announced today that it will be providing corneal epithelial cells,
derived from its Parthenogenetic stem cells and human keratinocytes (a
type of skin cell), for use in Federal Drug Administration (FDA)
clinical trials aimed at creating a tissue transplant technology to
improve photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).
ISCO entered into a research agreement with Dr. Paul H. Chen, M.D. who
has developed the cell transfer technology. He has a separate
collaboration with the University of Michigan and is expanding his
research team to include the University of California San Diego Shiley
Eye Center, and Burnham Research Institute, both located in La Jolla,
CA, and The State University New York (SUNY) Albany. Dr. Chen is on
staff at Scripps Memorial, La Jolla and Scripps Encinitas Hospitals.
Today's announcement is part of ISCO's
efforts to increase the clinical utility of its discoveries in culturing
corneal-like tissues from its Parthenogenetic stem cells and to provide
human stem cells for the study and cure of disease. Parthenogenetic
cells come from unfertilized human eggs and can be immune-matched to
millions of people therefore reducing ethical and immune rejection
issues. "Our goal, in addition to conducting
our own clinical trials in our targeted areas of ocular, liver and
pancreatic diseases, is to do collaborations with other prominent
researchers and provide our Parthenogenetic stem cells for their human
trials," said Jeff Krstich, CEO, International
Stem Cell Corporation.
"It is exciting to have our cells involved in
studies that could lead to a safer and more effective treatment that
hopefully will provide improved visual recovery, less pain, and an
improved refractive correction outcome," noted
Krstich. "If successful, such technology might
also provide broader applications for the treatment of a variety of
conditions, including non-healing epithelial defects, such as diabetic
epithelial defects, neuropathic epithelial defects, and alkali burn
epithelial defects."
PRK was the first clinical laser procedure to be developed for
refractive vision correction, but lost favor to LASIK because the PRK
procedure calls for laser ablation of the surface of the cornea which is
relatively more painful and requires a longer healing time. PRK's
advantages, however, include better vision improvement and fewer side
effects associated with complications of the surgical "flap"
that is created in the LASIK process. The PRK procedure does not require
the creation of a flap and is associated with less risk of corneal
ectasia, dry eyes, flap striae and epithelial ingrowth.
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 that can be
transplanted without immune-rejection. One of these lines called
phSC-Hhom-4 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 addresses critical ethical
issues by eliminating the need to use or destroy fertilized embryos.
ISCO also produces and sells 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 About Dr. Paul H. Chen, M.D.
Dr. Paul H. Chen is a Board Certified ophthalmologist who provides
comprehensive eye care with an interest in cataracts, glaucoma, eyelid
enhancements, and laser vision correction.
Dr. Chen graduated summa cum laude in Molecular Biology from
Princeton University and received his MD degree from Harvard Medical
School. He completed his specialty training in Ophthalmology at the UCSF
Medical Center in San Francisco.
His laboratory investigations have resulted in several scientific
publications. Furthermore, he is the inventor of two U.S. patents used
for the rapid diagnosis of infections. Dr. Chen has been involved in FDA
clinical research on new eye drop treatments for corneal erosions, and
he performed the first AlphaCor artificial corneal implants in San Diego
County.
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Securities and Exchange Commission filings. The company disclaims any
intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements. Key Words: Stem Cells Biotechnology Parthenogenesis Vision Eye Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) |