International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB: ISCO) announces today
successful completion of the first series of preclinical studies
designed to support the safety and utility of neuronal cells derived
from human parthenogenetic stem cell line (hpSC). These initial
experiments, demonstrating that the derived neuronal cells were able to
survive in mice brains without giving rise to tumors, represent a key
milestone towards possible therapeutic applications including treating
Parkinson's disease.
Dr. Albrecht Müller, Professorat the Institute of Medical
Radiology and Cell Research, Würzburg University (Germany), commented:
"Human parthenogenetic stem cells are potentially very promising
candidates for use in regenerative medicine primarily because of the
possibility that they immune-match a large number of recipients. The
results of these safety and survival studies is a very important step
along the path towards the clinical use of such cells."
Although most cases of Parkinson's disease occur in people with no
family history of the disease, a number of genetic mutations have
nevertheless been identified with the disease. While the inheritance
pattern is largely unknown, as a condition with a genetic component
"autologous" treatment, that is to say treatment using the patient's own
cells, is far from ideal and does not offer the potential of a cure. To
treat Parkinson's disease successfully a source of cells free of the
mutated genes is necessary. Human parthenogenetic stem cells provide
this source, as well as superior immune-matching capabilities.
ISCO currently has the world's largest collection of human
parthenogenetic stem cells including heterozygous examples, where the
cells immune match the donor as is the case with induced pluripotent
stem cells (iPS), and homozygous examples which immune-match millions of
individuals. ISCO is actively expanding this collection of cell lines
and creating a "bank" of homozygous human parthenogenetic stem cells
that can be used as a platform to not only reduce the chances of tissue
rejection, but also make cellular-based therapies economically more
viable.
Dr. Ruslan Semechkin, ISCO's Vice President, commented: "One of ISCO's
main therapeutic targets is treatment of Parkinson's disease, a common
neurodegenerative disease in the US, where the current standard of care
is designed mostly to treat the symptoms, but not the disease. These
results clearly represent an important step towards the therapeutic
application of human parthenogenetic stem cells derived cells in
addressing the basic underlying mechanisms and potentially transforming
the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases."
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, UniStemCellTM. 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, research and
development goals and related potential therapeutic treatments, the
potential benefits of products, 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, co
-Chairman
760-940-6383
kaldrich@intlstemcell.com
Or:
Dr.
Ruslan Semechkin, Vice President
760-940-6383
ras@intlstemcell.com
Or:
Lippert/Heilshorn
& Associates
Don Markley
310-691-7100
dmarkley@lhai.com