International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB: ISCO) announced today
the initiation of a series of preclinical animal studies of neuronal
cellsderived from ISCO's proprietary pluripotent stem cells.
The studies will evaluate the in vivo safety and tumorigenicity
of neuronal cells derived from ISCO's proprietary human parthenogenetic
stem cells (hpSC), as well as their ability to develop into functioning
dopaminergic neuron–like cells, a key milestone towards creating a
cell-based therapy for Parkinson's Disease (PD).
ISCO uses unfertilized oocytes to create human parthenogenetic stem
cells, an approach that offers a number of distinct advantages over
other types of human stem cells. Like human embryonic stem cells
(hESCs), hpSCs are pluripotent, and thus have the capacity to become
almost any cell type in the body. However, unlike hESCs, hpSCs can be
created in a form such that cells from a single donor can be
immunologically matched to millions of individuals.
Because no human embryos are ever damaged or destroyed in creating
ISCO's cells, they also avoid the ethical issues associated with
embryonic hESC cells. ISCO maintains the world's largest collection of
research-grade hpSC lines.
Dr. Andrey Semechkin, the CEO of ISCO, comments: "The ability of
neuronal cells to become a specific type of neuron is one of the most
important properties that these cells must have to be used in cell-based
therapy of neurological disorders. These studies will bring us one step
closer to our goal of being able to treat PD."
Parkinson's disease is a disease of the central nervous system that
affects millions of people worldwide. PD patients present a range of
possible symptoms, some of which are known to be as a result of the loss
of dopaminergic neurons in the mid brain. ISCO's approach is first to
derive neuronal cells successfully from hpSC and, second, to evaluate
their safety, functionality and efficacy using a series of in-house in
vitro and in vivo models.
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.
To subscribe to receive ongoing corporate communications, please click
on the following link: http://www.b2i.us/irpass.asp?BzID=1468&to=ea&s=0.
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 Ruslan Semechkin, Ph.D. Vice
President 760-940-6383 ras@intlstemcell.com or: Lippert/Heilshorn
& Associates Don Markley 310-691-7100 dmarkley@lhai.com |