International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB:ISCO) and its wholly-owned
subsidiary Lifeline Cell Technology (Lifeline) have signed a letter of
intent with BioTime, Inc., (OTCBB:BTIM) (Emeryville, CA) and BioTime's
wholly-owned subsidiary Embryome Sciences, Inc., to jointly produce and
distribute hundreds of new standardized human and animal stem cell
lines, along with corresponding data and reagents. The mutual goal is to
provide unique research tools for scientists seeking cures for human
disease through regenerative medicine and pharmaceutical drug discovery.
These unique stem cell lines (called "progenitor"
cell lines) possess the potential to expand and become specific types of
tissues and cells such as heart, skeletal muscle, bone, retinal, nerve,
pancreas and others – all necessary to study
various human diseases where regenerative medicine shows promise.
"There is a considerable opportunity in
manufacturing high quality progenitor cell lines for use in research and
drug discovery. Lifeline's and BioTime's
combined strengths and technologies will give scientists access to the
basic research tools they will need to take the field of regenerative
medicine to the next level," said Jeffrey
Janus, CEO of Lifeline and a founding member of Clonetics Corporation. "We
are fortunate to work with Dr. Michael West, CEO of BioTime and Embryome
Sciences. Dr. West is a leader in the emerging field of "embryomics"
which is the science of characterizing all of the complex cell types
that can be derived from human embryonic stem (hES) cells. Dr. West's
expertise, along with Lifeline's experience
in manufacturing standardized human cells and reagents and its ability
to generate normal or engineered progenitor cell lines, is a spectacular
opportunity to become a leading manufacturer of research products in
this emerging field." "While many have focused on the therapeutic
opportunities of hES cells, and the generous $3 billion of funding
provided by the State of California to fund this research, it is
important to remember that the people who really profited from the
California gold rush of the 19th century were
the makers of the tools," said Dr. West. "While
not ruling out entering the therapeutics race at some point, we believe
that the greatest rate of return on investment may be in commercializing
research products that can be produced and marketed beginning within one
to two years. We intend to win the race to profitability in this
important field of medicine."
Under the collaborative production and manufacturing agreement, the
parties intend to manufacture ESpyTM cell lines
(Complex derivatives of hES cells that send beacons of light in response
to the activation of particular genes), as well as a host of supplies
scientists will utilize in the field of stem cell research. The
progenitor cell lines will be produced and distributed in joint efforts
utilizing Embryome Sciences' proprietary "Embryomics™"
technology and its future Embryome.com online database, and technology
and approved hES cell lines licensed from the Wisconsin Alumni Research
Foundation (WARF). Lifeline will contribute its manufacturing and
quality control expertise backed by a staff with over 150 years of
experience in the field, its facilities, and Lifeline's
technologies.
The proposed collaboration among Lifeline, BioTime and Embryome Sciences
is subject to the execution of a definitive agreement.
About BioTime, Inc. (BTIM.OB):
BioTime, headquartered in Emeryville, California, develops blood plasma
volume expanders, blood replacement solutions for hypothermic (low
temperature) surgery, organ preservation solutions, and technology for
use in surgery, emergency trauma treatment and other applications.
BioTime's lead product Hextend is manufactured and distributed in the
U.S. by Hospira, Inc. and in South Korea by CJ Corp. under exclusive
licensing agreements. BioTime has recently entered the field of
regenerative medicine through its wholly owned subsidiary Embryome
Sciences, Inc. where it plans to develop new medical and research
products using embryonic stem cell technology. Additional information
about BioTime can be found on the web at www.biotimeinc.com.
About International Stem Cell Corporation (ISCO.OB):
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. ISCO
scientists also have created the first Parthenogenetic homozygous
stem cell line (phSC-Hhom-4) that 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 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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intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements. KEYWORDS: Stem Cells, Stem Cell Precursors, Biotechnology,
Parthenogenesis |