International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB:ISCO), announced today a new
collaboration with the University of Cambridge (UK) as part of ISCO's
ongoing strategy to work with scientific leaders across the world to
expand the scientific data relating to parthenogenetic stem cells.
According to Roger A. Pedersen, PhD, Professor of Regenerative Medicine
at Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, "We
look forward to conducting molecular and genetic assessment of imprinted
gene expression and DNA methylation on these unique cells."
ISCO is the first company in the world to perfect a process for creating
human stem cells from unfertilized eggs. These cells are called "parthenogenetic"
stem cells and they alleviate two critical problems inherent to the use
of embryonic stem cells for cell transplantation, immune rejection and
ethical issues associated with the use of fertilized human embryos. Such
cells can be "matched"
to the immune systems of millions of persons. ISCO's
goal is to create a "cell bank"
of clinical grade parthenogenetic cells available for immediate use
without having to isolate cells from the patient's
own body or depend on cells isolated from other living individuals.
"Collaborations with leading researchers such
as Dr. Pedersen at the University of Cambridge brings us closer to ISCO's
goal of creating a true stem cell bank that could offer on-demand
delivery of stem cells matched to a patient's
own immune system," said Jeffrey Janus,
president of International Stem Cell Corporation. "Our
intent is to provide these HLA-homozygous cell lines to researchers
across the world to advance the field of regenerative medicine, as well
as to commercialize our cells for cell transplant therapies."
ISCO's discovery of a way to make
parthenogenetic cells that match the immune system of millions of
persons was first announced in December, 2007 in a peer reviewed paper
authored by ISCO's Chief Scientific Officer,
Dr. Elena Revazova, MD, PhD, entitled "HLA
Homozygous Stem Cell Lines Derived from Human Parthenogenetic
Blastocysts," published in the online edition
of Cloning and Stem Cells Journal: http://www.liebertonline.com/doi/pdfplus/10.1089/clo.2007.0063.
One such line, identified as hpSC-Hhom-4, was found to match the most
common immune type found across the United States, opening the door to
potential therapeutic application for tens of millions of people of
different races, sexes and ages.
About University of Cambridge:
As the University of Cambridge approaches its eight-hundredth
anniversary in 2009, it is looking to the future. Its mission is to
contribute to society through the pursuit of education, learning and
research at the highest international levels of excellence. It admits
the very best and brightest students, regardless of background, and
offers one of the UK's most generous bursary
schemes.
The University of Cambridge's reputation for
excellence is known internationally and reflects the scholastic
achievements of its academics and students, as well as the world-class
original research carried out by its staff. Some of the most significant
scientific breakthroughs occurred at the University, including the
splitting of the atom, invention of the jet engine and the discoveries
of stem cells, plate tectonics, pulsars and the structure of DNA. From
Isaac Newton to Stephen Hawking, the University has nurtured some of
history's greatest minds and has produced
more Nobel Prize winners than any other UK institution with over 80
laureates.
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. 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.
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 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. KEYWORDS: Stem Cells, Biotechnology, Parthenogenesis, HLA-Homozygous |
