International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB: ISCO),
www.internationalstemcell.com,
announced today that it has signed up the first two in vitro
fertilization (IVF) clinics and engaged an experienced pharmaceutical
industry executive to lead the establishment of the company's universal
stem cell bank, UniStemCell™. International Stem Cell Corporation has
made breakthrough stem cell discoveries that result in unique advantages
over the only two other proven methods of making human pluripotent stem
cells. In particular, for the first time in industry history, this will
enable the establishment of a bank containing a manageable number of
stem cell lines that will be immunological matches for large patient
populations of different ethnic origin.
The company uses unfertilized eggs (oocytes) to create human
"parthenogenic" stem cells (hpSCs). Like embryonic stem cells (ESCs),
hpSCs are pluripotent (i.e. have the capacity to become almost any cell
type in the body), yet avoid ethical issues associated with use or
destruction of viable human embryos. Unlike induced pluripotent stem
cells (iPSs), hpSCs do not involve extensive gene manipulation, which
may have unknown biological impact. Unlike both ESCs and iPSs, hpSCs can
be created in a homozygous form such that each line will be an
immunological match for millions of patients.
International Stem Cell Corporation has partnered with two IVF clinics
in Southern California, California Center for Reproductive Medicine
under the leadership of Dr. Lori Arnold and Acacio Fertility Center
under the leadership of Dr. Brian Acacio. Both clinics provide
exceptional clinical care for egg donors and IVF patients, not only
regionally but across the US and abroad. California Center for
Reproductive Medicine and Acacio Fertility Center provide a US source of
oocytes under full regulatory and medical oversight that allow for the
creation of the first clinical grade hpSC lines anywhere in the world.
Dr. Acacio says: "We look forward to participating in this important
research with the ultimate goal of each egg donation not only helping a
single couple but millions of people with degenerative diseases." Dr.
Arnold says: "While we provide world-class care for our IVF patients, we
are excited to add our clinical expertise and join International Stem
Cell Corporation in this medical frontier of regenerative medicine."
International Stem Cell Corporation has also engaged Dr. Simon Craw to
implement the integrated process of oocyte donation and processing in
coordination with the IVF clinics and under proper regulatory and
medical oversight. The creation of hpSC lines will take place in the
company's central cGMP facility. In addition, Dr. Craw will oversee the
expansion, tracking and storage of hpSCs for research and clinical
development globally. Dr. Craw is an experienced pharmaceutical
executive who has served in firms such as Novartis and AstraZeneca, and
recently as head of Merck's California operations and ACADIA's
information technology and regulatory operations (including FDA filings).
Brian Lundstrom, ISCO's President, says: "International Stem Cell
Corporation has already differentiated its hpSCs into functional cells
of the eye (retinal pigment epithelium and corneal tissues), the liver
(hepatocyte precursor cells) and other organs. While we and our external
collaborators continue to advance these therapeutic applications, we are
now formally launching the creation of a universal stem cell bank,
UniStemCell. This collection of hpSC lines will enable researchers
around the world to develop novel stem cell therapies knowing that,
whatever non-embryonic, pluripotent hpSC line they use, there will be
sister lines available that immunologically match almost any potential
patient and will require only temporary immune suppression, if any." He
continues: "By combining the proven oocyte retrieval experience and
clinical excellence of California Center for Reproductive Medicine and
Acacio Fertility Center with the pharmaceutical and operational
experience of Dr. Craw, International Stem Cell Corporation is well
positioned to generate the world's first cGMP quality hpSC lines in
2010."
International Stem Cell Corporation will initially focus on
oocyte-derived hpSCs from US population groups. However, the company
offers its intellectual property, process and business experience to
other companies for development and commercialization of universal stem
cell banks targeting ethnic groups that are less represented in the US,
e.g. Asians and Hispanics. Cell lines from each of these banks will be
made available to government, academic and corporate researchers
worldwide, thus enabling the global research community to develop
therapeutic applications of their interest with the unique ethical,
biological and immune-matching benefits of homozygous hpSCs.
ABOUT INTERNATIONAL STEM CELL CORPORATION (ISCO.OB)
International Stem Cell Corporation is a California-based biotechnology
company focused on therapeutic and research products. ISCO's core
technology, parthenogenesis, results in creation of pluripotent
human stem cells from unfertilized eggs (oocytes). ISCO scientists have
created the first parthenogenic, homozygous stem cell line that
can be a source of therapeutic cells with minimal immune rejection after
transplantation into hundreds of millions of individuals of differing
sexes, ages and racial groups. This offers the potential to create the
first true stem cell bank, UniStemCell™, while avoiding the ethical
issue of using fertilized eggs. ISCO also produces and markets
specialized cells and growth media for therapeutic research worldwide
through its subsidiary Lifeline Cell Technology. More information is
available at ISCO's website, 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.
Key Words: Stem Cells, Biotechnology, Parthenogenesis
International Stem Cell Corporation Kenneth C. Aldrich, Chairman 760-940-6383 kaldrich@intlstemcell.com or Brian
Lundstrom, President 760-640-6383 bl@intlstemcell.com |