International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB:ISCO)(www.internationalstemcell.com),
the first company to perfect a method of creating human
"parthenogenetic" stem cells from unfertilized eggs, has formed a
partnership with Absorption
Systems to utilize ISCO's parthenogenetic stem cell-derived human
corneal tissue to measure drug disposition, drug safety and drug-drug
interactions. The collaboration between the companies is focused on
using Absorption Systems' know how in creating in vitro assay
systems to develop a superior method of testing drugs that will also
reduce the use of laboratory animals currently necessary for such tests.
In the past, researchers have grown corneal cells in the laboratory, but
ISCO is believed to be the only company to grow a self-assembling
corneal construct suitable for toxicity testing in the laboratory and
possibly suitable for corneal transplants. ISCO's corneal constructs
include cell layers and structures normally found in a human cornea, as
confirmed by an independent third-party laboratory. ISCO's proprietary
lines of parthenogenetic stem cells remove the need for fertilized
embryos and in a therapeutic setting, minimize the threat of immune
rejection. This breakthrough was published in the peer-reviewed journal
Cloning & Stem Cells (Volume 9, Number 3; September 2007:432-449 and,
Volume 10, Number 1; March 2008:11-24).
"The combination of ISCO's skill in culturing human parthenogenetic stem
cells and Absorption Systems' proficiency in performing tissue-based
assays may provide a powerful and unique drug testing model for the
pharmaceutical industry and the field of ophthalmology," commented
Jeffrey Janus, president of ISCO. "In addition, this work complements
ISCO's effort to use its parthenogenetic stem cells to create cell
transplant therapies for diseases of the eye. We plan to further develop
our corneal tissue technology with a goal of routinely growing living
human corneas for ultimate use in human corneal transplants."
"ISCO's corneal construct, combined with Absorption Systems' expertise
in assessing drug disposition, may provide pharmaceutical and
ophthalmology researchers with new insight, without the need for animal
models," said Patrick M. Dentinger, president and CEO of Absorption
Systems. "Absorption Systems' services yield the type of definitive data
expected by the FDA, so we believe that our combined products will be of
great interest to researchers studying diseases of the eye."
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 minimize immune rejection after transplantation into hundreds
of 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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ABOUT ABSORPTION SYSTEMS:
Founded in 1996 by Patrick Dentinger and Ismael J. Hidalgo, Ph.D.,
Absorption Systems, LP focuses on performing assays that can predict the
Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion (ADME) of small
molecules using a variety of in vitro, in situ, and in
vivo biological models. Absorption Systems supports these assays
with state-of–the-art bioanalytical capabilities and preclinical
formulation services. For more information, visit: www.absorption.com 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.
International Stem Cell Corporation Kenneth C. Aldrich, Chairman,
CEO 760-940-6383 kaldrich@intlstemcell.com or William
Adams, Chief Financial Officer 760-940-6383 wadams@intlstemcell.com or The
Investor Relations Group 212-825-3210 Investor Relations: Adam
S. Holdsworth or Media Relations: Laura Colontrelle lcolontrelle@investorrelationsgroup.com or Schwartz
Communications Andrea tenBroek or Wendy Mejia 781-684-0770 absorptionsystems@schwartz-pr.com |