International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB: ISCO) www.internationalstemcell.com
today announced that the Company has developed new technologies to
commercialize the use of human parthenogenetic stem cells (hpSC) to
treat human diseases. The methods announced today are capable of
producing populations of stem cells and their therapeutically valuable
derivatives not only to a higher level of purity but also at a cost that
is approximately several times lower than previously reported techniques.
ISCO's research team has developed a new method to derive high-purity
populations of neural stem cells (NSC) from hpSC and further
differentiate them into dopaminergic neurons. This method is capable of
generating sufficient quantities of neuronal cells for ISCO's
pre-clinical and clinical studies and is highly efficient as it requires
substantially less time and labor in addition to using fewer costly
materials than traditional methods. ISCO's technologies make possible
the creation of billions of neuronal cells necessary for conducting such
studies from a small batch of stem cells.
ISCO has also announced today that it has developed a new
high-throughput cell culture method for growing human parthenogenetic
stem cells (hpSC) in large quantities. This new technique is easily
scalable and can produce the quantities of cGMP grade hpSC necessary for
commercial and therapeutic applications.
"One of the most challenging issues in commercializing stem cell based
treatments is creating high-purity populations of stem cell derivatives
at a reasonable cost. I believe the new methods we have developed solve
this important problem and help position us for future clinical
studies," says Dr. Ruslan Semechkin, Vice President, R&D.
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 stem cell-based skin care
products through its subsidiary Lifeline Skin Care (www.lifelineskincare.com).
More information is available at www.internationalstemcell.com
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Forward-looking Statements
Statements pertaining to anticipated developments, the potential
benefits of research programs and new manufacturing technologies, 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 technologies 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
Dr. Simon Craw, Executive Vice
President of Business Development
760-940-6383
ir@intlstemcell.com
or
Dr.
Ruslan Semechkin, Vice President of Research and Development
760-940-6383
ras@intlstemcell.com
or
Investor
Relations:
MZ Group
Mark McPartland
212-301-7130
markmcp@mzgroup.us
www.mz-ir.com