International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB: ISCO) announced today a new
collaboration with leading stem cell researcher Jose Cibelli at Michigan
State University 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.
Professor Cibelli will study gene expression in several human
parthenogenetic stem cell lines and compare the results with fertilized
embryonic stem cells. According to Professor Cibelli, "We
have observed in mouse and monkey that imprinting in parthenogenetic
cells changes as the cells are cultured. This in vitro phenomenon can be
advantageous for parthenogenetic 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. Cibelli and Michigan State University generate important
knowledge about these unique cells, helping in ISCO's
goal of creating a true stem cell bank that could offer on-demand
delivery of clinical grade cells matched to a patient's
own immune system," said Jeffrey Janus,
President of International Stem Cell Corporation.
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 CSO, 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 types 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 INTERNATIONAL STEM CELL CORPORATION (ISCO.OB):
International Stem Cell Corporation 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 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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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,
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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. Key Words:Stem Cells, Biotechnology, Parthenogenesis
International Stem Cell Corporation Jeffrey Janus, President jjanus@intlstemcell.com 760-940-6383 or William
Adams, Chief Financial Officer wadams@intlstemcell.com 760-940-6383
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