International
Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB:ISCO)
(www.internationalstemcell.com)
and Reproductive Medicine Associates of New York (RMA of New York) have
shown that immature, unfertilized human eggs can be used to create
"parthenotes" from which human parthenogenetic stem cell lines may be
derived. Immature eggs are normally discarded during standard in vitro
fertilization (IVF) procedures due to their inability to create an
embryo. This discovery vastly increases the opportunity for ISCO to
create new stem cell lines and hastens the time when "banks" of stem
cells that match a patient's immune system may be available. This vision
of a "patient matched stem cell bank" could function similarly to how
blood banks currently store and distribute blood products.
A "parthenote" results when an egg divides without using sperm (no
fertilization) and can yield "parthenogenetic" stem cells that have
similar medical potential as embryonic stem cells to create various
human tissues for therapy yet have the additional medical advantage of
allowing immune-matching to reduce the chance of rejection - a
significant potential problem with the use of embryonic stem cells.
Parthenogenesis also addresses critical ethical issues by eliminating
the need to use fertilized embryos.
According to Dr. Alan Copperman, Director of the Division of
Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility and Vice-Chairman of the
Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Science at Mount
Sinai Medical Center in New York, "This scientific breakthrough opens
many new opportunities for our clinical and scientific teams to explore.
Transforming immature oocytes into stem cell lines capable of
differentiating into a variety of cell types has the potential to
revolutionize the field of regenerative medicine."
Dr. Copperman is an accomplished infertility specialist who practices at
Reproductive Medicine Associates of New York and is a member of ISCO's
Scientific Advisory Board.
This ground-breaking work was presented at the American Society for
Reproductive Medicine's 65th Annual Meeting held in Atlanta, GA on
October 19, 2009.
Jason Barritt, PhD, Scientific Director of RMA of New York, noted, "This
work shows that immature oocytes that are normally unusable and
discarded in standard IVF procedures may be used for scientific
innovation and clinical application. Using a currently experimental
technique, these oocytes can be matured, frozen and thawed and used to
produce parthenotes that may be instrumental for the study and
derivation of parthenogenetic stem cells. I want to add that we are very
grateful to our patients who have made this work possible by donating
unused immature oocytes."
ISCO's technology, called parthenogenesis, results in the creation of
pluripotent human parthenogenetic stem cell lines from unfertilized
human eggs. This new methodology offers the potential to create the
first stem cell bank composed of stem cell lines that can be
immune-matched to large segments of the population. ISCO also produces
and sells the Lifeline brand of specialized cells and growth media
worldwide for therapeutic research through its wholly-owned subsidiary
Lifeline Cell Technology.
According to Jeffrey Janus, Senior VP of ISCO and CEO of Lifeline Cell
Technology, "The accomplishments of Drs. Copperman and Barritt and the
ISCO research team have expanded the potential that parthenogenetic stem
cells will be an important part of discovering and providing cures for
many devastating diseases. We are fortunate to be working with such
noted and respected researchers and clinicians."
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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For more news and information on International Stem Cell Corporation
please visit www.IRGnews.com/coi/ISCO
where you can find the CEO's video, a fact sheet on the company,
investor presentations, and more. About Reproductive Medicine Associates of New York:
RMA of New York is the reproductive endocrinology and infertility
division of Mount Sinai Medical Center and has been caring for patients
in the midtown Manhattan location since 2001, with additional locations
in Westchester and Long Island. RMA of New York is a full-service
fertility center that consistently achieves high live birth rates,
while maintaining low rates of triplet and higher birth outcomes. Highly
individualized patient care is offered through seven
reproductive endocrinologists, a urologist, a complementary care team
of a clinical psychologist and a licensed clinical social worker, and
highly qualified staff. For more information, please call 212.756.5777
or visit www.rmany.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 760-940-6383 kaldrich@intlstemcell.com or The
Investor Relations Group Laura Colontrelle 212-825-3210 lcolontrelle@investorrelationsgroup.com |