International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB:ISCO), www.internationalstemcell.com,
will lead a free public discussion highlighting the ethical
considerations and medical advantages surrounding the derivation of
human stem cells from unfertilized human eggs using ISCO's patented
technology known as parthenogenesis. The discussion, sponsored by The
Center for Ethics in Science and Technology, will take place on
Wednesday, January 5th from 5:30-7:00 pm at the Reuben H.
Fleet Science Center Community Forum, 1875 El Prado, San Diego, CA.
Jeffrey Janus, Senior VP, will be the featured speaker in a program
moderated by Michael Kalichman, Ph.D., Director of the Research Ethics
Program at UC San Diego and co-founder and director of the Center of
Ethics in Science and Technology.
ISCO's patented method of parthenogenesis results in pluripotent human
stem cell lines having the positive characteristics of embryonic stem
cells without the damage or destruction of a viable human embryo.
In preparation for the discussion, Dr. Kalichman and Mr. Janus will be
interviewed on Monday, January 3, on XETV channel 6 at 7:25 am, and on
the radio show "These Days" broadcast on KPBS, 89.5 FM at 9:20 am.
Registration for the free event can be made at www.ethicscenter.net.
In addition to the ethical advantages of not requiring the destruction
of a viable human embryo, parthenogenetic stem cells possess unique
qualities allowing them to be immune matched to millions of persons,
giving them the potential to be used in many future stem cell based
therapeutic applications. ISCO has derived ten parthenogenetic stem cell
lines in Russia using Western-style informed consent processes, and is
now setting up processes in the United States. However, the ethical and
regulatory requirements involved in obtaining unfertilized human eggs in
the U.S. present challenges to ISCO and other researchers working in
stem cell field. ISCO's hope is to conform to these complicated
regulatory and ethical frameworks so clinical-grade human
parthenogenetic stem cells may be derived in the U.S. and used to create
a bank of parthenogenetic stem cells that may be used by millions of
persons of different sexes and racial groups.
According to Dr. Kalichman, "Success in scientific development often
depends on both public understanding of science and on understanding by
scientists of public concerns. The participation of ISCO in the proposed
public forums is praiseworthy as a way to meet both of these goals."
"In addition to the ethical considerations, human parthenogenetic stem
cells offer a potentially superior solution to stem-cell based therapies
because they allow immune-matching that may alleviate immune rejection
problems that are likely to hamper other stem cell therapies. This is
especially important when the patients have a genetically-based disease,
and cannot use their own stem cells," says Jeffrey Janus. "ISCO is one
of the few therapeutic research organizations pursing the utilization of
these unique cells because of not only the ethical advantages, but also
because of these important medical considerations."
ABOUT INTERNATIONAL STEM CELL CORPORATION (ISCO.OB):
International Stem Cell Corporation is a California-based biotechnology
company focused on the therapeutic applications of human parthenogenetic
stem cells and the development and commercialization of cell-based
research and cosmetic products. ISCO's core technology, parthenogenesis,
results in creation of pluripotent human stem cells from unfertilized
oocytes (eggs). hpSCs avoid ethical issues associated with the use or
destruction of viable human embryos. 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 and cell-based skin care products through its
subsidiary Lifeline Skin Care. More information is available at ISCO's
website, www.internationalstemcell.com.
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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Statements pertaining to anticipated technological developments and
therapeutic applications, and other opportunities for the company and
its subsidiaries, 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
Jeffrey
Janus, Senior Vice President
760-940-6383
jjanus@intlstemcell.com |
