International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB:ISCO), www.internationalstemcell.com,
has now enrolled the first U.S.-based donor in its program to establish
a bank of clinical-grade human parthenogenetic stem cells (hpSCs)
capable of being immune-matched to millions of patients.
Dr. Simon Craw, Vice President of ISCO with primary responsibility for
building its UniStemCell Bank, said, "Enrolling our first donor is a key
milestone towards our goal of creating a bank of clinical-grade
pluripotent human stem cells with the ability to immune-match millions
of patients. It is extremely exciting to start this new phase of
development, and I look forward to making new clinical-grade hpSC lines
available to medical researchers around the world."
ISCO maintains the world's largest collection of research-grade human
parthenogenetic stem cell (hpSC) lines which it uses along with its
partners and collaborators to investigate cellular therapies for a
number of incurable human diseases.
ISCO previously announced it had successfully obtained the necessary
regulatory approvals for obtaining human oocytes, including
Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval and Stem Cell Research
Oversight (SCRO) committee approval. Today's announcement marks the next
phase of development as the Company is now positioned to begin producing
new clinical-grade hpSC lines.
These new cell lines will be ISCO's first hpSCs to be produced in the
United States in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP)
specifications. The new cGMP hpSC lines will be uniquely valuable in
therapeutic research and clinical development as cells or tissue derived
from such cells can be used in human clinical trials.
ISCO's scientific discoveries have resulted in the development of a
unique new type of pluripotent stem cells that possess a number of
distinct advantages over other types of human pluripotent stem cells.
ISCO uses unfertilized oocytes to create human "parthenogenetic" stem
cells. Like human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), hpSCs are pluripotent,
i.e. they 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 hESCs, hpSCs can be created in a form such that
they can be immunologically matched to millions of individuals.
About International Stem Cell Corporation
International Stem Cell Corporation is 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 the 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 genders, ages and racial background. This offers the
potential to create the first true stem cell bank, UniStemCell™. 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 www.internationalstemcell.com.
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Forward-looking Statements
Statements pertaining to anticipated developments, the potential
production and benefits of stem cell lines, 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 and the management of
collaborations, 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 forward-looking statements.
International Stem Cell Corporation Kenneth C. Aldrich Chairman kaldrich@intlstemcell.com or Simon
Craw, Ph.D. Vice President sc@intlstemcell.com 760-940-6383 or Lippert/Heilshorn
& Associates Don Markley dmarkley@lhai.com 310-691-7100
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