International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB: ISCO),
www.internationalstemcell.com
announced today that it is collaborating with renowned stem cell
researcher Jeanne F. Loring, Ph.D., and the Scripps Research Institute
(La Jolla, CA) to study parthenogenetic stem cells and potentially
therapeutic cells that can be derived from them.
ISCO has perfected a process for creating human stem cells from
unfertilized human eggs. These "parthenogenetic" stem cells have the
medical advantage of allowing immune-matching to large segments of the
population and the ethical advantage of not requiring the use of human
embryos. This study is a further expansion of ISCO's mission to generate
data necessary to understand these cells and move them closer to the
clinic.
According to Dr. Loring, "Parthenogenetic cell lines are uniquely
valuable for our quest to understand the genetic and epigenetic
processes that control stem cells. We are excited about the opportunity
to collaborate with scientists at ISCO."
ISCO scientists have derived a type of cell found in the human eye from
parthenogenetic stem cells that may have application in the treatment of
a common eye disease called macular degeneration. Dr. Loring and ISCO
will study these cells as part of the collaboration.
"Collaborations with leading researchers such as Dr. Loring and leading
research institutions such as Scripps Research Institute will bring us
closer to ISCO's goal of being able to provide immune-matched stem cells
for human transplant and build a true stem cell bank that could offer
on-demand delivery of stem cells matched to a patient's own immune
system," said Kenneth Aldrich, Chairman of International Stem Cell
Corporation. "Our intent is to begin to provide these parthenogenetic
stem cell lines to advance the field of regenerative medicine, as well
as to commercialize our cells for cell transplant therapies."
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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Key Words: Stem Cells, Biotechnology, Parthenogenesis
International Stem Cell Corporation Kenneth C. Aldrich, Chairman 760-940-6383 kaldrich@intlstemcell.com or The
Investor Relations Group 212-825-3210 Media Relations: Laura
Colontrelle lcolontrelle@investorrelationsgroup.com or Investor
Relations: James Carbonara jcarbonara@investorrelationsgroup.com |