Letter Describes Changing Political Climate, Competitive
Advantages of Parthenogenesis, Creation of Human Corneal Tissue, New
Partnerships, Clinical Trials, and Other Developments
International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB:
ISCO) (www.internationalstemcell.com),
the first company to perfect a method of creating human stem cells from
unfertilized eggs, has issued a letter to its shareholders. To view the
shareholder letter in its entirety, please follow the link to the
company's website:http://www.internationalstemcell.com/shareholderletter.htm.
The Letter covers a variety of subjects, including:
-
Competitive advantages of human parthenogenetic stem cells over other
kinds of stem cells
-
Completion of December 2008 financing; receipt of first $2 million of
anticipated private equity of up to $5 million
-
First company to grow human corneal tissue in a Petri dish, suitable
for toxicity testing and possibly suitable for corneal implants
-
Commencement of pre-clinical animal trials using parthenogenetic stem
cells to treat retinal disease
-
Partnership with Absorption Systems to commercialize human stem
cell-derived corneal tissue for drug testing
-
Description of collaborative partnership goals toward the creation of
an unlimited supply of cells that is not reliant on donor tissue and
that does not risk rejection by patient immune systems
"The recent developments detailed in our shareholder letter illustrate
that the company remains on track to achieve its goals," commented
Kenneth C. Aldrich, Chairman and CEO. "We are excited for our
shareholders to read this update, thank them for their continued
enthusiasm and support, and look forward to providing updates in what we
think will be an exciting 2009."
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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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.
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 aholdsworth@investorrelationsgroup.com or Media
Relations: Laura Colontrelle lcolontrelle@investorrelationsgroup.com |