International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB:ISCO) announced today a
collaboration with Novocell Inc. (La Jolla, CA) to use ISCO's
human parthenogenetic stem cell lines for differentiation to Human
pancreatic islet cells. The studies will be directed by Nikolay
Turovets, PhD, Director, Research and Therapeutic Development at ISCO in
collaboration with Novocell scientists.
ISCO's unique stem cells offer a solution for
two of the most difficult problems facing stem cell therapy. They are
the first step in preventing the rejection of implanted cells by the
patient's own immune system and they provide
an alternative to embryonic stem cells that does not involve destroying
human embryos.
Jeffrey Janus, ISCO's President, said, "Studies
show that ISCO's cells (called human
parthenogenetic stem cells) share with conventional human embryonic stem
cells the ability to differentiate into all tissue types, however they
have the singular significant advantage of being immune matched at the
MHC locus to hundreds of millions of people. As with immune-matched
whole organs, differentiated cells obtained using these lines may
provide improved transplant acceptance to large segments of the
population as opposed to a few individuals. In addition, ISCO's
stem cells are created from unfertilized human eggs and do not involve
the destruction of fertilized embryos."
Novocell has developed technology to direct embryonic stem cells to
become pancreatic islet cells that have been shown to be effective in
treating diabetes in animals. The combined technologies of the two
companies may therefore result in therapeutic cells with improved immune
properties for eventual treatment of larger segments of the diabetic
population.
A description of ISCO's human parthenogenetic
stem cells and their potential to improve transplantation was reported
in ISCO's peer review paper published
December 19, 2007 in the online edition of Cloning and Stem Cells
Journal: http://www.liebertonline.com/doi/pdfplus/10.1089/clo.2007.0063.
Elena Revazova, M.D., Ph.D., ISCO's Chief
Scientific Officer, stated, "ISCO has created
a human parthenogenetic stem cell line called phSC-Hhom-4. Cells derived
from this line have the potential to provide improved graft acceptance.
We intend to develop additional homozygous lines that cover other major
MHC types so that differentiated cell products will be better matched
for transplantation into millions of individuals of differing sexes,
ages and racial groups."
"Our business model,"
added Mr. Kenneth Aldrich, ISCO's Chairman
and CEO, "is to make our cell lines and
intellectual property easily available, and thereby become a supplier of
therapeutic cells for use by patients around the world. To reach that
goal, our intent is to distribute our human parthenogenetic stem cell
lines to as many qualified researchers as possible so they may develop
cures to as many human diseases as rapidly as possible." ABOUT NOVOCELL:
Novocell, Inc. is a stem cell engineering company, with research
operations in San Diego, California and Athens, Georgia, dedicated to
creating, delivering and commercializing cell and drug therapies for
diabetes and other chronic diseases. Novocell has three primary
technologies: stem cell engineering, cell encapsulation and drug
discovery. The Company was founded in 1999 and merged with CyThera, Inc.
and BresaGen, Inc. in 2004. For more information, please visit www.novocell.com.
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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Forward-Looking Statements Statements pertaining to future financial and/or operating results,
future growth in research, technology, clinical development and
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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
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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, Diabetes
International Stem Cell Corporation Jeffrey Janus, President 760-940-6383 janusj@lifelinecelltech.com or William
Adams, Chief Financial Officer 760-940-6383 wadams@intlstemcell.com
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