International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB: ISCO) (www.internationalstemcell.com)
today announced an update on its wholly-owned subsidiary, Lifeline Skin
Care, Inc., which develops, manufactures and markets advanced skin care
products based on stem cell technologies. Made with human
parthenogenetic stem cell extracts, the products (a Defensive Day Serum
and a Recovery Night Serum) deliver anti-aging benefits, including
healthier and younger-looking skin. These products are available for
purchase through www.lifelineskincare.com
and selected luxury spas across the United States.
In 2011 Lifeline appointed Donna R. Queen as Vice President of Marketing
and Business Development. She has worked previously as CEO of ZO Skin
Health by Obagi, as well as served in strategic marketing positions for
skin care companies including Allergan, Obagi Medical Products and
Valeant Pharmaceuticals. Last year the majority of Lifeline sales were
directed through just one affiliate, John Mauldin, and limited to online
marketing. Since Ms. Queen joined Lifeline, she has initiated new
marketing initiatives to (1) assume leadership of the brand's marketing
initiatives (which previously had been assigned to Mr. Mauldin); (2) add
additional strategic partners; (3) distribute Lifeline through
destination and resort spas; and (4) heighten brand awareness and
recognition.
Lifeline anticipates that new strategic partners will begin endorsing
its products in 2012, and that key opinion leaders and peer group
influencers would make broadcast appearances endorsing the brand. By
aligning the brand with known and respected skin care professionals who
have established relationships with the broadcast media, Lifeline
expects to heighten visibility for the brand and its proprietary
technology.
To see an example of one of Lifeline's online marketing campaigns, go
to: https://www.lifelineskincare.com/special-offer/2012-03-jm2a/
Lifeline is now being launched at Miraval, a top-rated destination
resort; selected Four Seasons properties; Marriott resorts; Rosewood
Hotels; and Destination Hotels and Resorts, as well as independent
physicians and day spas. Additionally, as part of a new international
marketing strategy, Lifeline is now being distributed in Australia and
New Zealand and expects to name other new international distributors in
2012.
To heighten brand awareness, Lifeline Skin Care engaged Lippe Taylor, a
public relations firm that specializes in marketing to women,
particularly for health and beauty packaged goods. In the past few
months, Lifeline's products have been named a "2012 Anti-Aging
Breakthrough" in broadcast media (including NBC, CBS, ABC and Fox), and
were featured in a HealthWatch interview with Dr. Manny Alvarez of Fox
News (can be viewed at http://www.lifelineskincare.com/blog/).
Additionally, the brand was named one of the most important innovations
that were launched to the spa market in 2011.
The company has also begun a new Customer Relationship Management
program to engage and reactivate consumers; introduced a new
subscription program to incentivize automatic reorders; and initiated
risk-free trials, free sampling and seasonal promotions. As a result of
these efforts, Lifeline is currently experiencing both new customer
acquisition and a high reorder rate. In the second quarter, Lifeline
expects to begin a more aggressive telemarketing effort to increase
customer acquisition and average order value.
Lifeline Skin Care is also increasing its commitment to research and
development, including clinical studies which will be published in
peer-reviewed medical journals. The company has re-affirmed its
commitment to produce best-in-class products that meet or exceed
industry standards. Consistent with this positioning, Lifeline plans to
launch new retail and professional skin care products later this year.
Keeping Up with Demand
ISCO's scientists have developed a new manufacturing process to produce
higher quantities of the parthenogenetic stem cell, and enable Lifeline
to support increased demand. These advances also provide significant
benefit to ISCO's therapeutic programs. As ISCO is also focused on the
clinical use of stem cells and their derivatives to treat currently
incurable diseases, large quantities of high quality cells are required
for a successful clinical program and therapeutic product
commercialization.
Dr. Ruslan Semechkin, President and CEO of Lifeline Skin Care, comments,
"2011 was an outstanding year for us in terms of brand identity and
sales, we also addressed and corrected some marketing and operational
challenges. Looking ahead, and with the knowledge that ISCO has recently
restructured its management team and now has strong leadership in place,
I believe Lifeline is well-positioned to become the leading biotech
brand of skin care, in both traditional and online channels."
About International Stem Cell Corporation
International Stem Cell Corporation is focused on the therapeutic
applications of human parthenogenetic stem cells (hpSCs) 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 for hundreds of millions of individuals of differing
genders, ages and racial background with minimal immune rejection after
transplantation. hpSCs offer 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, potential sales
growth, new products and distribution channels 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
Donna Queen, Vice
President of Marketing and Business Development
760-710-3295
dqueen@lifelineskincare.com
or
Lippe
Taylor
Allison Good
212-598-4400 x162
agood@lippetaylor.com