First Company To Grow Human Corneal Tissue From Stem Cells
International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB: ISCO) has created layered
human tissue from its unique parthenogenetic stem cells and transplanted
this tissue into animals in pre-clinical trials to establish a potential
new treatment for human retinal diseases, such as macular degeneration
or retinitis pigmentosa.
"Intact layers of retinal progenitor cells have been shown to restore
lost visual responses in several retinal degeneration rodent models,"
said Dr. Hans Keirstead, Co-Director of the Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell
Research Center at the University of California, Irvine. "Thus, we are
developing intact retinal layers derived from International Stem Cell's
human parthenogenetic stem cells which could become a sustainable,
FDA-approved therapeutic supply for patients with retinal degenerative
diseases."
ISCO's human parthenogenetic stem cells have the potential to treat
human disease yet possess key medical and ethical advantages over other
kinds of stem cell products. They can be matched to common immune types
and thus reduce the chance of transplant rejection among large segments
of the population. Because they are created from unfertilized human
eggs, they do not require the destruction of human embryos.
"We are aggressively pushing forward safe treatments for human diseases
using parthenogenetic stem cells," said Jeffrey Janus, President of
International Stem Cell. "If we are successful in this work, our next
step is to manufacture this layered human tissue for further tests,
including human trials. This illustrates the strengths of combining
scientific collaborations with outside researchers such as Dr. Keirstead
with ISCO's science and cell manufacturing expertise."
For more information, visit the ISCO website at: www.internationalstemcell.com.
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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.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: Statements pertaining to anticipated future financial and/or
operating results, future growth in research, technology, clinical
development and potential joint venture and other 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, application of capital resources among competing uses,
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 Kenneth C. Aldrich, Chairman,
CEO kaldrich@intlstemcell.com 760-940-6383 or William
Adams, Chief Financial Officer wadams@intlstemcell.com 760-940-6383 or The
Investor Relations Group 212-825-3210 Investor Relations: Adam
S. Holdsworth or Media Relations: Laura Colontrelle lcolontrelle@investorrelationsgroup.com |