OCEANSIDE, CA – December 15, 2009 –International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB:ISCO), www.intlstemcell.com, a company creating human stem cell lines from unfertilized eggs, disclosed today that its previously announced creation of human, cornea-like tissue in a petri dish had become the subject of an article titled “Biotech Could Take Rabbits Off Lab Duty” in the December 11, 2009 edition of Discovery News.
In the article, reporter Alyssa Danigelis writes about how, while growing stem cells in the lab using blastocysts, researchers at International Stem Cell spotted something in the waste products usually discarded from the petri dish that turned out to be a tiny translucent structure of cells that resembled a human cornea.
This little ball of cells, the article explained, might actually spare animals from lab testing and be used for transplants in humans. Many cosmetics, drug, and chemical companies still put their products in live rabbits' eyes for safety testing, a process that is not only awful for the animals, but time-consuming and expensive.
Mr. Kenneth Aldrich, ISCO’s Chairman, was reported as saying that an initial round of testing with the ISCO corneas demonstrated that they have the same permeability as the rabbit eyes. The lab-grown corneas may also have the potential to be transplanted into humans one day. He went on to mention that this could make a big difference in countries where it's difficult to get refrigerated donor corneas to patients in time. Currently the company is repeating a round of validation testing to confirm the permeability results.
The Discovery News article is available at:
http://news.discovery.com/tech/biotech-could-take-rabbits-off-lab-duty.html
ABOUT INTERNATIONAL STEM CELL CORPORATION (ISCO.OB):
International Stem Cell Corporation is a California biotechnology company focused on developing therapeutic and research products. ISCO’s technology, Parthenogenesis, results in the creation of pluripotent human stem cell lines from unfertilized human eggs. ISCO scientists have created the first Parthenogenetic homozygous stem cell line (phSC-Hhom-4) that can be a source of therapeutic cells that will minimize immune rejection after transplantation into hundreds of millions of individuals of differing sexes, ages and racial groups. These advancements offer the potential to create the first true “Stem Cell Bank” and address ethical issues by eliminating the need to use or destroy fertilized embryos. ISCO also produces and markets specialized cells and growth media worldwide for therapeutic research through its subsidiary Lifeline Cell Technology. For more information, visit the ISCO website 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 future financial and/or operating results, future growth in research, technology, clinical development and potential joint venture and other opportunities for the company and its subsidiary, 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, uncertainty in the results of clinical trials or 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 these forward-looking statements.
Key Words: Stem Cells, Biotechnology, Parthenogenesis
CONTACTS:
International Stem Cell Corporation
Kenneth C. Aldrich, Chairman
760-940-6383
kaldrich@intlstemcell.com
or
Brian Lundstrom, President
760-640-6383
bl@intlstemcell.com
The Investor Relations Group
Investor Relations:
James Carbonara
212-825-3210
jcarbonara@investorrelationsgroup.com
or
Media Relations:
Laura Colontrelle
212-825-3210
lcolontrelle@investorrelationsgroup.com
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
International Stem Cell Corporation Announces Launch Strategy for Skin Care Product Line
Lifeline Skin Care, Inc, a wholly owned subsidiary of International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB:ISCO), www.internationalstemcell.com, announced today that it has retained the services of a highly experienced expert in the skin care industry, Raulee Marcus, to help design a marketing program for its newly created line of skin care products based on ISCO's proprietary Parthenogenic Stem Cells. Ms. Marcus has an extensive background in skin care products, having been a key corporate executive with responsibilities for marketing, R&D and sales at companies such as Neutrogena, Colgate-Palmolive and Gillette, increasing sales at those companies by many millions of dollars. She has also had a highly successful career in building revenues and profits for smaller companies such as Obagi Medical Products, a physician-mediated company, and has extensive experience in launching new brands and products through many different channels. "Ms. Marcus is uniquely qualified to help us develop a product strategy that will have maximum market impact for what is truly a unique technology," said Dr. Ruslan Semechkine, President of Lifeline Skin Care. "Ms. Marcus' experience in the skin care industry and as a consultant to companies in that industry will greatly enhance our ability to develop a successful marketing and business strategy without distracting from our core focus on developing therapeutic products from Parthenogenic Stem Cells," said Kenneth Aldrich, Chairman of ISCO. "Early indications are that the skin care product, developed through the efforts of the ISCO scientists who created Parthenogenic Stem Cells, has unique characteristics for skin rejuvenation. Our next step is to validate these findings through independent testing and execute our product launch," said Dr. Semechkine. ABOUT INTERNATIONAL STEM CELL CORPORATION (ISCO.OB): International Stem Cell Corporation is a California biotechnology company focused on developing therapeutic and research products. ISCO's technology, Parthenogenesis, results in the creation of pluripotent human stem cell lines from unfertilized human eggs. ISCO scientists have created the first Parthenogenetic homozygous stem cell line (phSC-Hhom-4) that can be a source of therapeutic cells that will minimize immune rejection after transplantation into hundreds of millions of individuals of differing sexes, ages and racial groups. These advancements offer the potential to create the first true "Stem Cell Bank" and address ethical issues by eliminating the need to use or destroy fertilized embryos. ISCO also produces and markets specialized cells and growth media worldwide for therapeutic research through its subsidiary Lifeline Cell Technology. For more information, visit the ISCO website 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 future financial and/or operating results, future growth in research, technology, clinical development and potential joint venture and other opportunities for the company and its subsidiary, 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, uncertainty in the results of clinical trials or 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 these forward-looking statements. Key Words: Stem Cells, Biotechnology, Parthenogenesis
International Stem Cell Corporation |
Thursday, November 19, 2009
International Stem Cell Corporation Collaborates with Scripps Research Institute's Center for Regenerative Medicine to Study Parthenogenetic Stem...
International Stem Cell Corporation Announces Collaboration with Scripps Research Institute's Center for Regenerative Medicine to Study Parthenogenetic Stem Cells
International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB: ISCO), www.internationalstemcell.com announced today that it is collaborating with renowned stem cell researcher Jeanne F. Loring, Ph.D., and the Scripps Research Institute (La Jolla, CA) to study parthenogenetic stem cells and potentially therapeutic cells that can be derived from them.
International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB: ISCO), www.internationalstemcell.com announced today that it is collaborating with renowned stem cell researcher Jeanne F. Loring, Ph.D., and the Scripps Research Institute (La Jolla, CA) to study parthenogenetic stem cells and potentially therapeutic cells that can be derived from them.
ISCO has perfected a process for creating human stem cells from unfertilized human eggs. These "parthenogenetic" stem cells have the medical advantage of allowing immune-matching to large segments of the population and the ethical advantage of not requiring the use of human embryos. This study is a further expansion of ISCO's mission to generate data necessary to understand these cells and move them closer to the clinic.
According to Dr. Loring, "Parthenogenetic cell lines are uniquely valuable for our quest to understand the genetic and epigenetic processes that control stem cells. We are excited about the opportunity to collaborate with scientists at ISCO."
ISCO scientists have derived a type of cell found in the human eye from parthenogenetic stem cells that may have application in the treatment of a common eye disease called macular degeneration. Dr. Loring and ISCO will study these cells as part of the collaboration.
"Collaborations with leading researchers such as Dr. Loring and leading research institutions such as Scripps Research Institute will bring us closer to ISCO's goal of being able to provide immune-matched stem cells for human transplant and build a true stem cell bank that could offer on-demand delivery of stem cells matched to a patient's own immune system," said Kenneth Aldrich, Chairman of International Stem Cell Corporation. "Our intent is to begin to provide these parthenogenetic stem cell lines to advance the field of regenerative medicine, as well as to commercialize our cells for cell transplant therapies."
ABOUT INTERNATIONAL STEM CELL CORPORATION (ISCO.OB):
International Stem Cell Corporation is a California biotechnology company focused on developing therapeutic and research products. ISCO's technology, Parthenogenesis, results in the creation of pluripotent human stem cell lines from unfertilized human eggs. ISCO scientists have created the first Parthenogenetic homozygous stem cell line (phSC-Hhom-4) that can be a source of therapeutic cells that will minimize immune rejection after transplantation into hundreds of millions of individuals of differing sexes, ages and racial groups. These advancements offer the potential to create the first true "Stem Cell Bank" and address ethical issues by eliminating the need to use or destroy fertilized embryos. ISCO also produces and markets specialized cells and growth media worldwide for therapeutic research through its subsidiary Lifeline Cell Technology. For more information, visit the ISCO website 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 future financial and/or operating results, future growth in research, technology, clinical development and potential joint venture and other opportunities for the company and its subsidiary, 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, uncertainty in the results of clinical trials or 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 these forward-looking statements.
Key Words: Stem Cells, Biotechnology, Parthenogenesis
International Stem Cell Corporation
Kenneth C. Aldrich, Chairman
760-940-6383
kaldrich@intlstemcell.com
or
The Investor Relations Group
212-825-3210
Media Relations:
Laura Colontrelle
lcolontrelle@investorrelationsgroup.com
or
Investor Relations:
James Carbonara
jcarbonara@investorrelationsgroup.com
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
International Stem Cell Corporation Announces Strategic Enhancement of its Management Team
International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB:ISCO), www.internationalstemcell.com announced today that it had made important strategic changes in its management team to leverage its growing opportunities in the therapeutic and research product markets.
The Company's current Board Member and Executive Vice-President, Dr. Andrey Semechkin, will become CEO on November 15, 2009, and Brian Lundstrom, an experienced biopharmaceutical executive, has joined the Company as President. Kenneth Aldrich will remain as Chairman of the Board and continue the active role he has played since the founding of the Company. Jeffrey Janus will remain as Senior Vice President of ISCO and CEO of its subsidiary, Lifeline Cell Technology.
Commenting on these management changes, Mr. Aldrich said, "We have been searching for many months to find exactly the right combination of skills and experience to replace what we lost with the death of our former CEO, Jeff Krstich, in 2008. The wait has been well worthwhile. With these changes, ISCO now has two outstanding new executives to help lead it into the next phase of the development and commercialization of its unique stem cell platform. Dr. Semechkin's international experience and reputation as a creative businessman will prove invaluable as ISCO becomes ever more involved in international research, collaborations and clinical trials, whether in Russia or elsewhere in the World, and Mr. Lundstrom's deep biopharmaceutical experience will enable the company to develop and commercialize market-driven therapeutic solutions."
Dr. Semechkin is 50 years of age and has had an extraordinary career in both his native Russia and internationally, including the US. He has more than 20 years of experience in successfully creating and developing many companies in different industries and scientific sectors. In 2005-2006, as part of the senior management team of the JSC Russian Railways, he was responsible for the reform and modernization of the structure of that organization.
He is a member of the prestigious Russian Academy of Science, specializing in management theory, strategic planning and system analysis. He is also the author of several books in those fields and in 2005 was awarded the Russian Federation Government Award in Science and Technology in recognition of his scientific achievements.
Dr. Semechkin was introduced to ISCO in 2008 through our Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Revazova, and he has since become an investor and active contributor of skills and advice to the Company.
Mr. Lundstrom is 47 years of age and trained in immunology, molecular biology, finance and marketing. He brings to ISCO 23 years of clinical and commercial development and corporate transactional experience from predominantly publicly traded and commercially operating companies like Novo Nordisk and SangStat/Genzyme, global leaders in biological therapies, diabetes, transplantation and other chronic diseases.
As ISCO's President, Mr. Lundstrom will focus primarily on development and commercialization of ISCO's universal stem cell bank and therapeutic applications. He will also be deeply involved in ISCO's day-to-day operations and will work with Mr. Aldrich in interacting with the company's analysts and public markets.
Mr. Aldrich commented that, "Mr. Lundstrom provides biopharmaceutical and corporate partnering experience to advance the company into development that we expect to be highly complementary to Dr. Semechkin's international management and investment experience."
ABOUT INTERNATIONAL STEM CELL CORPORATION (ISCO.OB):
International Stem Cell Corporation is a California biotechnology company focused on developing therapeutic and research products. ISCO's technology, Parthenogenesis, results in the creation of pluripotent human stem cell lines from unfertilized human eggs. ISCO scientists have created the first Parthenogenetic homozygous stem cell line (phSC-Hhom-4) that can be a source of therapeutic cells that will minimize immune rejection after transplantation into hundreds of millions of individuals of differing sexes, ages and racial groups. These advancements offer the potential to create the first true "Stem Cell Bank" and address ethical issues by eliminating the need to use or destroy fertilized embryos. ISCO also produces and markets specialized cells and growth media worldwide for therapeutic research through its subsidiary Lifeline Cell Technology. For more information, visit the ISCO website 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 future financial and/or operating results, future growth in research, technology, clinical development and potential joint venture and other opportunities for the company and its subsidiary, 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, uncertainty in the results of clinical trials or 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 these forward-looking statements.
Key Words: Stem Cells, Biotechnology, Parthenogenesis
International Stem Cell Corporation
Kenneth C. Aldrich, Chairman, CEO
760-940-6383
kaldrich@intlstemcell.com
or
The Investor Relations Group
Media Relations:
Laura Colontrelle
212-825-3210
lcolontrelle@investorrelationsgroup.com
Monday, November 2, 2009
Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News: "Third Option for Stem Cell Research Emerges - Parthenogenesis Could Sidestep Some of the Moral"...
International Stem Cell Corporation CEO - Kenneth AldrichGenetic Engineering & Biotechnology News: Third Option for Stem Cell Research Emerges - Parthenogenesis Could Sidestep Some of the Moral and Immune Rejection Issues
Remember this term: Parthenogenesis. This six-syllable word could be the answer to controversy-free stem cell research. Though the general public is well aware of the medical potential and controversies surrounding embryonic stem cells and iPS cells (induced pluripotent stem cells), a third way forward—parthenogenesis—has been surprisingly sidelined from the stem cell research debate.
Read full article here
Friday, October 30, 2009
International Stem Cell Corporation CEO Kenneth Aldrich Speaks at Stem Cells USA & Regenerative Medicine Congress
/To display this email in a browser, please click here
     | ||||||||||
 | ||||||||||
| ||||||||||
 | ||||||||||
| |
Dr Anthony Atala 
Dr Story Landis 
Dr Ruth McKernan 
Mr Paul Grayson 
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Letter to the Shareholders Regarding Leap in Making Regenerative Medicine Available and Affordable
Dear Friends of International Stem Cell Corporation (ISCO):
Since the press release of October 27, 2009 announcing that ISCO had collaborated with Reproductive Medicine Associates of New York to demonstrate that immature human eggs (oocytes) could be used in place of mature eggs to create the parthenotes that are the starting point for our stem cell lines, I have been swamped with questions.
They all boil down to the same question: "What does this mean?" That is a very fair question, so let me try to explain. Obtaining the unfertilized eggs that are needed to create parthenogenetic stem cell lines has been a problem, particularly in the US, for a simple reason. Even though only a few of the 10-20 eggs that are harvested as part of a typical IVF procedure are ever used, common practice, particularly in the US, has been to fertilize all the eggs the woman produces and freeze the excess. That can result in 10 or 15 frozen embryos that are never used, but the physicians running IVF clinics are reluctant to recommend to their patients that they withhold eggs from fertilization because they want to maximize the chance of obtaining successful implantation. That has made it difficult for ISCO and other researchers to obtain unfertilized eggs.
But there is another by-product of the IVF procedure. Among the mature eggs that are fertilized for use in the IVF procedure are a number of immature eggs that are unsuitable for transplant and could not be fertilized successfully to become babies. Until now, those were just medical waste, of no value to anyone. What our discovery means is that we may now be able to use these waste and immature eggs to produce cell lines that could result in cures for millions of people.
As you may recall if you have been following our company, one of our most important goals is to create a "bank" of stem cell lines that will match the immune systems of almost anyone on the globe. This is not like banking of umbilical cord blood, which benefits only the donor and her immediate family; it is instead analogous to a blood bank from which anyone can withdraw blood that his or her body will not reject. To create such a bank, we need donations of unfertilized eggs from women of widely diverse genetic backgrounds. Those are hard to obtain when physicians routinely fertilize all of a woman's mature eggs. However, when all that is asked for is what is now considered waste tissue, it is very easy for both the physician and the mother-to-be to donate. Not only are they helping science and other people, they may get a stem cell line that is a perfect genetic match for themselves.
With that advantage, we at ISCO believe we have made a giant leap forward in our quest to make regenerative medicine available and affordable for everyone.
Sincerely,
Kenneth Aldrich, Chairman
ABOUT INTERNATIONAL STEM CELL CORPORATION (ISCO.OB):
International Stem Cell Corporation is a California biotechnology company focused on developing therapeutic and research products. ISCO’s technology, Parthenogenesis, results in the creation of pluripotent human stem cell lines from unfertilized human eggs. ISCO scientists have created the first Parthenogenetic homozygous stem cell line (phSC-Hhom-4) that can be a source of therapeutic cells that will minimize immune rejection after transplantation into hundreds of millions of individuals of differing sexes, ages and racial groups. These advancements offer the potential to create the first true “Stem Cell Bank” and address ethical issues by eliminating the need to use or destroy fertilized embryos. ISCO also produces and markets specialized cells and growth media worldwide for therapeutic research through its subsidiary Lifeline Cell Technology. For more information, visit the ISCO website 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 .
About Reproductive Medicine Associates of New York:
RMA of New York is the reproductive endocrinology and infertility division of Mount Sinai Medical Center and has been caring for patients in the midtown Manhattan location since 2001, with additional locations in Westchester and Long Island. RMA of New York is a full-service fertility center that consistently achieves high live birth rates, while maintaining low rates of triplet and higher birth outcomes. Highly individualized patient care is offered through seven reproductive endocrinologists, a urologist, a complementary care team of a clinical psychologist and a licensed clinical social worker, and highly qualified staff. For more information, please call 212.756.5777 or visit www.rmany.com.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS:
Statements pertaining to anticipated future financial and/or operating results, future growth in research, technology, clinical development and potential joint venture and other opportunities for the company and its subsidiary, 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, uncertainty in the results of clinical trials or 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 these forward-looking statements.
Since the press release of October 27, 2009 announcing that ISCO had collaborated with Reproductive Medicine Associates of New York to demonstrate that immature human eggs (oocytes) could be used in place of mature eggs to create the parthenotes that are the starting point for our stem cell lines, I have been swamped with questions.
They all boil down to the same question: "What does this mean?" That is a very fair question, so let me try to explain. Obtaining the unfertilized eggs that are needed to create parthenogenetic stem cell lines has been a problem, particularly in the US, for a simple reason. Even though only a few of the 10-20 eggs that are harvested as part of a typical IVF procedure are ever used, common practice, particularly in the US, has been to fertilize all the eggs the woman produces and freeze the excess. That can result in 10 or 15 frozen embryos that are never used, but the physicians running IVF clinics are reluctant to recommend to their patients that they withhold eggs from fertilization because they want to maximize the chance of obtaining successful implantation. That has made it difficult for ISCO and other researchers to obtain unfertilized eggs.
But there is another by-product of the IVF procedure. Among the mature eggs that are fertilized for use in the IVF procedure are a number of immature eggs that are unsuitable for transplant and could not be fertilized successfully to become babies. Until now, those were just medical waste, of no value to anyone. What our discovery means is that we may now be able to use these waste and immature eggs to produce cell lines that could result in cures for millions of people.
As you may recall if you have been following our company, one of our most important goals is to create a "bank" of stem cell lines that will match the immune systems of almost anyone on the globe. This is not like banking of umbilical cord blood, which benefits only the donor and her immediate family; it is instead analogous to a blood bank from which anyone can withdraw blood that his or her body will not reject. To create such a bank, we need donations of unfertilized eggs from women of widely diverse genetic backgrounds. Those are hard to obtain when physicians routinely fertilize all of a woman's mature eggs. However, when all that is asked for is what is now considered waste tissue, it is very easy for both the physician and the mother-to-be to donate. Not only are they helping science and other people, they may get a stem cell line that is a perfect genetic match for themselves.
With that advantage, we at ISCO believe we have made a giant leap forward in our quest to make regenerative medicine available and affordable for everyone.
Sincerely,
Kenneth Aldrich, Chairman
ABOUT INTERNATIONAL STEM CELL CORPORATION (ISCO.OB):
International Stem Cell Corporation is a California biotechnology company focused on developing therapeutic and research products. ISCO’s technology, Parthenogenesis, results in the creation of pluripotent human stem cell lines from unfertilized human eggs. ISCO scientists have created the first Parthenogenetic homozygous stem cell line (phSC-Hhom-4) that can be a source of therapeutic cells that will minimize immune rejection after transplantation into hundreds of millions of individuals of differing sexes, ages and racial groups. These advancements offer the potential to create the first true “Stem Cell Bank” and address ethical issues by eliminating the need to use or destroy fertilized embryos. ISCO also produces and markets specialized cells and growth media worldwide for therapeutic research through its subsidiary Lifeline Cell Technology. For more information, visit the ISCO website 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 .
About Reproductive Medicine Associates of New York:
RMA of New York is the reproductive endocrinology and infertility division of Mount Sinai Medical Center and has been caring for patients in the midtown Manhattan location since 2001, with additional locations in Westchester and Long Island. RMA of New York is a full-service fertility center that consistently achieves high live birth rates, while maintaining low rates of triplet and higher birth outcomes. Highly individualized patient care is offered through seven reproductive endocrinologists, a urologist, a complementary care team of a clinical psychologist and a licensed clinical social worker, and highly qualified staff. For more information, please call 212.756.5777 or visit www.rmany.com.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS:
Statements pertaining to anticipated future financial and/or operating results, future growth in research, technology, clinical development and potential joint venture and other opportunities for the company and its subsidiary, 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, uncertainty in the results of clinical trials or 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 these forward-looking statements.
Dear friends of International Stem Cell Corporation (ISCO):
Since the press release of October 27, 2009 announcing that ISCO had collaborated with Reproductive Medicine Associates of New York to demonstrate that immature human eggs (oocytes) could be used in place of mature eggs to create the parthenotes that are the starting point for our stem cell lines, I have been swamped with questions.
They all boil down to the same question: “What does this mean?” That is a very fair question, so let me try to explain. Obtaining the unfertilized eggs that are needed to create parthenogenetic stem cell lines has been a problem, particularly in the US, for a simple reason. Even though only a few of the 10-20 eggs that are harvested as part of a typical IVF procedure are ever used, common practice, particularly in the US, has been to fertilize all the eggs the woman produces and freeze the excess. That can result in 10 or 15 frozen embryos that are never used, but the physicians running IVF clinics are reluctant to recommend to their patients that they withhold eggs from fertilization because they want to maximize the chance of obtaining successful implantation. That has made it difficult for ISCO and other researchers to obtain unfertilized eggs.
But there is another by-product of the IVF procedure. Among the mature eggs that are fertilized for use in the IVF procedure are a number of immature eggs that are unsuitable for transplant and could not be fertilized successfully to become babies. Until now, those were just medical waste, of no value to anyone. What our discovery means is that we may now be able to use these waste and immature eggs to produce cell lines that could result in cures for millions of people.
As you may recall if you have been following our company, one of our most important goals is to create a “bank” of stem cell lines that will match the immune systems of almost anyone on the globe. This is not like banking of umbilical cord blood, which benefits only the donor and her immediate family; it is instead analogous to a blood bank from which anyone can withdraw blood that his or her body will not reject. To create such a bank, we need donations of unfertilized eggs from women of widely diverse genetic backgrounds. Those are hard to obtain when physicians routinely fertilize all of a woman’s mature eggs. However, when all that is asked for is what is now considered waste tissue, it is very easy for both the physician and the mother-to-be to donate. Not only are they helping science and other people, they may get a stem cell line that is a perfect genetic match for themselves.
With that advantage, we at ISCO believe we have made a giant leap forward in our quest to make regenerative medicine available and affordable for everyone.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
International Stem Cell Corporation and Reproductive Medicine Associates of New York Announce Breakthrough in Creating an Abundant and Ethical New ...
International Stem Cell Corporation and Reproductive Medicine Associates of New York Announce Breakthrough in Creating an Abundant and Ethical New Source of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells
Oceanside, Calif., October 27, 2009 — International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB:ISCO, www.internationalstemcell.com) and Reproductive Medicine Associates of New York (RMA of New York) have shown that immature, unfertilized human eggs can be used to create “parthenotes” from which human parthenogenetic stem cell lines may be derived. Immature eggs are normally discarded during standard in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures due to their inability to create an embryo. This discovery vastly increases the opportunity for ISCO to create new stem cell lines and hastens the time when “banks” of stem cells that match a patient’s immune system may be available. This vision of a “patient matched stem cell bank” could function similarly to how blood banks currently store and distribute blood products.
A “parthenote” results when an egg divides without using sperm (no fertilization) and can yield “parthenogenetic” stem cells that have similar medical potential as embryonic stem cells to create various human tissues for therapy yet have the additional medical advantage of allowing immune-matching to reduce the chance of rejection - a significant potential problem with the use of embryonic stem cells. Parthenogenesis also addresses critical ethical issues by eliminating the need to use fertilized embryos.
According to Dr. Alan Copperman, Director of the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility and Vice-Chairman of the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Science at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York, “This scientific breakthrough opens many new opportunities for our clinical and scientific teams to explore. Transforming immature oocytes into stem cell lines capable of differentiating into a variety of cell types has the potential to revolutionize the field of regenerative medicine.”
Dr. Copperman is an accomplished infertility specialist who practices at Reproductive Medicine Associates of New York and is a member of ISCO’s Scientific Advisory Board.
This ground-breaking work was presented at the American Society for Reproductive Medicine’s 65th Annual Meeting held in Atlanta, GA on October 19, 2009.
Jason Barritt, PhD, Scientific Director of RMA of New York noted, “This work shows that immature oocytes that are normally unusable and discarded in standard IVF procedures may be used for scientific innovation and clinical application. Using a currently experimental technique, these oocytes can be matured, frozen and thawed and used to produce parthenotes that may be instrumental for the study and derivation of parthenogenetic stem cells. I want to add that we are very grateful to our patients who have made this work possible by donating unused immature oocytes.”
ISCO’s technology, called parthenogenesis, results in the creation of pluripotent human parthenogenetic stem cell lines from unfertilized human eggs. This new methodology offers the potential to create the first stem cell bank composed of stem cell lines that can be immune-matched to large segments of the population. ISCO also produces and sells the Lifeline brand of specialized cells and growth media worldwide for therapeutic research through its wholly-owned subsidiary Lifeline Cell Technology.
According to Jeffrey Janus, Senior VP of ISCO and CEO of Lifeline Cell Technology, “The accomplishments of Drs. Copperman and Barritt and the ISCO research team have expanded the potential that parthenogenetic stem cells will be an important part of discovering and providing cures for many devastating diseases. We are fortunate to be working with such noted and respected researchers and clinicians.”
ABOUT INTERNATIONAL STEM CELL CORPORATION (ISCO.OB):
International Stem Cell Corporation is a California biotechnology company focused on developing therapeutic and research products. ISCO’s technology, Parthenogenesis, results in the creation of pluripotent human stem cell lines from unfertilized human eggs. ISCO scientists have created the first Parthenogenetic homozygous stem cell line (phSC-Hhom-4) that can be a source of therapeutic cells that will minimize immune rejection after transplantation into hundreds of millions of individuals of differing sexes, ages and racial groups. These advancements offer the potential to create the first true “Stem Cell Bank” and address ethical issues by eliminating the need to use or destroy fertilized embryos. ISCO also produces and markets specialized cells and growth media worldwide for therapeutic research through its subsidiary Lifeline Cell Technology. For more information, visit the ISCO website at: www.internationalstemcell.com.
To subscribe to receive ongoing corporate communications please click on the following link: http://www.b2i.us/
For more news and information on International Stem Cell Corporation please visit www.IRGnews.com/coi/ISCO where you can find the CEO’s video, a fact sheet on the company, investor presentations, and more.
About Reproductive Medicine Associates of New York:
RMA of New York is the reproductive endocrinology and infertility division of Mount Sinai Medical Center and has been caring for patients in the midtown Manhattan location since 2001, with additional locations in Westchester and Long Island. RMA of New York is a full-service fertility center that consistently achieves high live birth rates, while maintaining low rates of triplet and higher birth outcomes. Highly individualized patient care is offered through seven reproductive endocrinologists, a urologist, a complementary care team of a clinical psychologist and a licensed clinical social worker, and highly qualified staff. For more information, please call 212.756.5777 or visit www.rmany.com.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS:
Statements pertaining to anticipated future financial and/or operating results, future growth in research, technology, clinical development and potential joint venture and other opportunities for the company and its subsidiary, 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, uncertainty in the results of clinical trials or 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 these forward-looking statements.
Key Words: Stem Cells, Biotechnology, Parthenogenesis
Contact:
International Stem Cell Corporation
Kenneth C. Aldrich, Chairman, CEO
760-940-6383
or
The Investor Relations Group
212-825-3210
Laura Colontrelle
Saturday, October 17, 2009
International Stem Cell Corporation, Through Its Subsidiary Lifeline Cell Technology, Announces the Launch and Sale of New Products into the Human...
International Stem Cell Corporation, Through Its Subsidiary Lifeline Cell Technology, Announces the Launch and Sale of New Products into the Human Cell Research Market
OCEANSIDE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB:ISCO) (www.internationalstemcell.com), announces that it has launched fifteen new human cell culture products into the commercial research markets over the last twelve months through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Lifeline Cell Technology, (Walkersville, MD), leading to a 12-month average month-to-month revenue growth of 50%. ISCO, the parent company, is the first company to create human “parthenogenetic” stem cells from unfertilized eggs. Parthenogenetic stem cells not only solve ethical problems, but also promise to minimize immune-rejection by providing cells that can be immune-matched to large segments of the population.
These products represent milestone achievements in ISCO’s strategy of generating revenue from the sale of research products, while building infrastructure from that effort to expand the manufacturing and quality control capacities ISCO needs to commercialize the therapeutic applications of human parthenogenetic stem cells.
One of its newest and most promising products consist of “xeno-free” human cells and culture reagents that allow researchers to study embryonic stem cells without contamination from animal (non-human) components. These products meet the needs for stem cell research to be done using “human-only” systems. Other products include Lifeline’s living human cells and reagents for research and drug development into cardiovascular, kidney, lung, nerve, eye and skin disease. Lifeline is continuing to develop unique reagents and media for the growing field of stem cell research. The “Lifeline” brand of products consist of human cells and the culture reagents and growth factors needed to grow the cells.
According to Jeffrey Janus, CEO of Lifeline, “We are proud of the quality of our new products, as reflected in the sales growth they are exhibiting in the human cell research markets. We look forward to launching more new products into the growing markets for stem cell research and drug development. These products will contribute to the success of ISCO, not only by supporting ISCO’s therapeutic research, but also through the development of critical manufacturing and quality control systems necessary for ISCO to produce therapeutic human cells in the future.”
Lifeline’s products can be found at www.lifelinecelltech.com
For more news and information on International Stem Cell Corporation please visit www.IRGnews.com/coi/ISCO where you can find the CEO’s video, a fact sheet on the company, investor presentations, and more.
ABOUT INTERNATIONAL STEM CELL CORPORATION (ISCO.OB):
International Stem Cell Corporation is a California biotechnology company focused on developing therapeutic and research products. ISCO’s technology, Parthenogenesis, results in the creation of pluripotent human stem cell lines from unfertilized human eggs. ISCO scientists have created the first Parthenogenetic homozygous stem cell line (phSC-Hhom-4) that can be a source of therapeutic cells that will minimize immune rejection after transplantation into hundreds of millions of individuals of differing sexes, ages and racial groups. These advancements offer the potential to create the first true “Stem Cell Bank” and address ethical issues by eliminating the need to use or destroy fertilized embryos. ISCO also produces and markets specialized cells and growth media worldwide for therapeutic research through its subsidiary Lifeline Cell Technology. For more information, visit the ISCO website 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 future financial and/or operating results, future growth in research, technology, clinical development and potential joint venture and other opportunities for the company and its subsidiary, 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, uncertainty in the results of clinical trials or 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 these forward-looking statements.
Key Words: Stem Cells, Biotechnology, Cornea, Parthenogenesis
Friday, October 16, 2009
ISCO Eyes See Path to Huge Profits by Patrick Cox
The attached article appeared recently in an independent journal, Agora Financial (agorafinancial.com) and we thought you would be interested. The author, Patrick Cox, is a very astute follower of the regenerative medicine field.
Dear Breakthrough Technology Reader,
The important Nobel Prize news last week was the recognition of three American scientists for their role in the discovery of telomerase. More attention was garnered by the rather puzzling Peace Prize award, but that has become routine. The five Norwegians who pick the Peace Prize winners are specifically selected, it seems, by Norway's liberal parliament primarily to comment on and meddle in American politics.
Regardless, the prize for medicine this year is extremely significant. Telomerase, as you know, is the “immortalizing enzyme,” produced by stem cells. When administered to adult cells, telomerase adds life-extending telomeres to the ends of a cell's DNA. There has been no more important discovery in the history of medicine.
The list of scientists credited with the discovery is sorely short, having ignored the contributions of Dr. Michael West, the CEO of BioTime (BTIM: OTCBB), and other critical researchers who have made crucial contributions to the current state of the science. I'm glad, however, that the award will help bring attention to regenerative medicine.
As more people learn what regenerative medicine can do, it will attract additional capital and accelerate progress. It will also, of course, push up the value of companies that hold important patents covering telomerase and other stem cell technologies.
The most important patents associated with telomerase and stem cells are already in our portfolio. Geron (GERN: NASDAQ) is the most obvious, with specific patent rights to telomerase. It's not the only company with critical IP in this area, however. This week, I'd like to update you on recent developments with another of our extremely important stem cell companies: International Stem Cell Corporation (ISCO: OTCBB). Once again, this is a longer alert than the usual weekly update, but ISCO is one of our most important stocks and it warrants a little extra attention.
ISCO's Parthenogenic Patent Strength
International Stem Cell, as I've explained before, holds all the major patents regarding parthenogenic stem cells (hpSCs). This alone makes the company worthy of investors' attention. Virtually every other stem cell company will share some future revenues, at least, with the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, holder of certain basic SC patents. Moreover, ISCO already has an established laboratory supply business, Lifeline Cell Technology, that is on track to cover the expenses for the entire company. This is NOT a struggling company.
The big deal about ISCO, however, is its parthenogenic stem cell technology. These cells are derived from unfertilized ovum. They have only half the normal DNA and are, therefore, much, much easier to HLA match to minimize or eliminate immune reactions. They also have a huge near-term marketing advantage in that these cells have nothing to do with embryos and are, therefore, more acceptable to consumers who have ethical objections to the use of cells that could theoretically become embryos.
Of course, with the rise of iPS technologies, virtually any cell in your body could be transformed into an embryo. That, however, is a story I don't have the time or space to deal with today, though it is a fascinating story.
HLA, incidentally, is the acronym for human leukocyte antigens. These antigens determine how your body will respond to transplanted tissue. A close HLA match with a donor assures that transplants are well tolerated. A poor match can result in rejection or require significant immune system suppression, which has all kinds of undesirable side effects.
I think that induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells are destined to be the “Cadillac” of stem cell treatments. A little of your blood can be used to produce stem cells that exactly match your body, provoking no immune reaction. For some time, however, iPS cells will be high-end therapies and relatively expensive.
The advantage that hpSCs have is that they hold the promise of cheap “off-the-shelf” therapies for a wide range of critical medical conditions. ISCO is working on hpSCs for renal failure, macular degeneration and severe diabetes. The company expects to enter clinical testing for macular degeneration soon. In the long term, they it also plans to produce cells for more dramatic therapies such as heart and vascular tree rejuvenation.
The genius of hpSC technology is that scientists believe it is possible to HLA match 99% of the world's population with a limited number of cell donors. Between 50-100 donors could provide the raw materials that would allow the mass production of incredibly powerful stem cell therapies that require little or no immune suppression. Even when iPS cell technology is developed and automated, in fact, I believe the market for these mass-market SC therapies will remain huge for decades.
Clearly, we're not quite there yet. ISCO needs more time, money and FDA approval. In the short run, however, the company has developed several important strategies for continuing growth.
One, as I mentioned above, is Lifeline. Another product, which has produced huge enthusiasm, is a skin stem cell growth media that ISCO scientists accidentally discovered to be an incredibly effective “cosmeceutical.” To the disappointment of many, ISCO has slowed the development process of this product to assure its safety and efficacy, but CEO Ken Aldrich tells me he expects to see it sold to clinics, at least, by Q1 next year.
Now, ISCO has announced another potential near- to midterm revenue blockbuster. As I've told you before, ISCO can already grow perfectly formed human corneas in petri dishes. Eventually, these corneas should provide hundreds of millions in revenues from the international market, where there are desperate shortages of transplant corneas.
ISCO is on track to filling another huge eye-related market. I'm talking about live animal drug and cosmetics testing.
As you probably know, many drugs and cosmetics are safety tested on the eyes of live animals. This is not only an incredibly expensive process, requiring facilities for breeding and taking care of animals, but it is extremely unpopular with consumers. While necessary, no one likes to think about the bunnies in bondage having potentially dangerous, damaging and painful chemicals put in their eyes. Neither, in fact, do the technicians who actually perform the tests.
ISCO's alternative is to provide actual human eye cells. These artificial eyes would not only have more accurate responses to substances than rabbits and other non-human subjects, they are far less expensive and experience no pain. The company is collaborating with a major provider of biological assay system, Absorption Systems, to get its artificial hpSC corneas pre-approved by the FDA and ready for market.
According to the press release, “The collaboration between the companies is focused on using Absorption Systems’ know-how in creating assay systems to develop superior preclinical methods of testing drugs. Such methods can also reduce the use of laboratory animals currently necessary for other tests, including the very large global commercial need for a reliable and reproducible non-animal method for eye safety testing of consumer products.
“In the past, researchers have grown corneal cells in the laboratory, but ISCO is believed to be the only company to grow a self-assembling corneal construct from parthenogenetic stem cells that is suitable for toxicity testing and possibly suitable for corneal transplants. ISCO’s corneal constructs include cell layers and structures normally found in a human cornea, as confirmed by an independent third-party laboratory.”
Let me be clear. This testing market is worth hundreds of millions of dollars. ISCO is not predicting how long it will take to get its alternative to live animal testing validated by the FDA, but I can't believe the administration will resist this product. I really don't think it will take “years,” simply because of the politics involved. Even the providers of live animals want an alternative to the current technology, because of consumer disapproval of their current testing methods.
If the FDA dared drag its feet on this issue, a phone call to PETA could turn this story into a high-profile political issue that no administration would want to deal with. I consider ISCO's decision to pursue this short-term product more evidence that this brilliantly run company will thrive until it can offer the really revolutionary products, including off-the-shelf SC injections that cure pancreatic, liver and heart disease.
Best of all, ISCO's stock prices have dipped recently, and for no detectable reason. This is a perfect opportunity for people who failed to buy when I first recommended the stock.
For transformational profits,
Patrick Cox
To read the article on the Agora Financial Website, please visit here
Dear Breakthrough Technology Reader,
The important Nobel Prize news last week was the recognition of three American scientists for their role in the discovery of telomerase. More attention was garnered by the rather puzzling Peace Prize award, but that has become routine. The five Norwegians who pick the Peace Prize winners are specifically selected, it seems, by Norway's liberal parliament primarily to comment on and meddle in American politics.
Regardless, the prize for medicine this year is extremely significant. Telomerase, as you know, is the “immortalizing enzyme,” produced by stem cells. When administered to adult cells, telomerase adds life-extending telomeres to the ends of a cell's DNA. There has been no more important discovery in the history of medicine.
The list of scientists credited with the discovery is sorely short, having ignored the contributions of Dr. Michael West, the CEO of BioTime (BTIM: OTCBB), and other critical researchers who have made crucial contributions to the current state of the science. I'm glad, however, that the award will help bring attention to regenerative medicine.
As more people learn what regenerative medicine can do, it will attract additional capital and accelerate progress. It will also, of course, push up the value of companies that hold important patents covering telomerase and other stem cell technologies.
The most important patents associated with telomerase and stem cells are already in our portfolio. Geron (GERN: NASDAQ) is the most obvious, with specific patent rights to telomerase. It's not the only company with critical IP in this area, however. This week, I'd like to update you on recent developments with another of our extremely important stem cell companies: International Stem Cell Corporation (ISCO: OTCBB). Once again, this is a longer alert than the usual weekly update, but ISCO is one of our most important stocks and it warrants a little extra attention.
ISCO's Parthenogenic Patent Strength
International Stem Cell, as I've explained before, holds all the major patents regarding parthenogenic stem cells (hpSCs). This alone makes the company worthy of investors' attention. Virtually every other stem cell company will share some future revenues, at least, with the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, holder of certain basic SC patents. Moreover, ISCO already has an established laboratory supply business, Lifeline Cell Technology, that is on track to cover the expenses for the entire company. This is NOT a struggling company.
The big deal about ISCO, however, is its parthenogenic stem cell technology. These cells are derived from unfertilized ovum. They have only half the normal DNA and are, therefore, much, much easier to HLA match to minimize or eliminate immune reactions. They also have a huge near-term marketing advantage in that these cells have nothing to do with embryos and are, therefore, more acceptable to consumers who have ethical objections to the use of cells that could theoretically become embryos.
Of course, with the rise of iPS technologies, virtually any cell in your body could be transformed into an embryo. That, however, is a story I don't have the time or space to deal with today, though it is a fascinating story.
HLA, incidentally, is the acronym for human leukocyte antigens. These antigens determine how your body will respond to transplanted tissue. A close HLA match with a donor assures that transplants are well tolerated. A poor match can result in rejection or require significant immune system suppression, which has all kinds of undesirable side effects.
I think that induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells are destined to be the “Cadillac” of stem cell treatments. A little of your blood can be used to produce stem cells that exactly match your body, provoking no immune reaction. For some time, however, iPS cells will be high-end therapies and relatively expensive.
The advantage that hpSCs have is that they hold the promise of cheap “off-the-shelf” therapies for a wide range of critical medical conditions. ISCO is working on hpSCs for renal failure, macular degeneration and severe diabetes. The company expects to enter clinical testing for macular degeneration soon. In the long term, they it also plans to produce cells for more dramatic therapies such as heart and vascular tree rejuvenation.
The genius of hpSC technology is that scientists believe it is possible to HLA match 99% of the world's population with a limited number of cell donors. Between 50-100 donors could provide the raw materials that would allow the mass production of incredibly powerful stem cell therapies that require little or no immune suppression. Even when iPS cell technology is developed and automated, in fact, I believe the market for these mass-market SC therapies will remain huge for decades.
Clearly, we're not quite there yet. ISCO needs more time, money and FDA approval. In the short run, however, the company has developed several important strategies for continuing growth.
One, as I mentioned above, is Lifeline. Another product, which has produced huge enthusiasm, is a skin stem cell growth media that ISCO scientists accidentally discovered to be an incredibly effective “cosmeceutical.” To the disappointment of many, ISCO has slowed the development process of this product to assure its safety and efficacy, but CEO Ken Aldrich tells me he expects to see it sold to clinics, at least, by Q1 next year.
Now, ISCO has announced another potential near- to midterm revenue blockbuster. As I've told you before, ISCO can already grow perfectly formed human corneas in petri dishes. Eventually, these corneas should provide hundreds of millions in revenues from the international market, where there are desperate shortages of transplant corneas.
ISCO is on track to filling another huge eye-related market. I'm talking about live animal drug and cosmetics testing.
As you probably know, many drugs and cosmetics are safety tested on the eyes of live animals. This is not only an incredibly expensive process, requiring facilities for breeding and taking care of animals, but it is extremely unpopular with consumers. While necessary, no one likes to think about the bunnies in bondage having potentially dangerous, damaging and painful chemicals put in their eyes. Neither, in fact, do the technicians who actually perform the tests.
ISCO's alternative is to provide actual human eye cells. These artificial eyes would not only have more accurate responses to substances than rabbits and other non-human subjects, they are far less expensive and experience no pain. The company is collaborating with a major provider of biological assay system, Absorption Systems, to get its artificial hpSC corneas pre-approved by the FDA and ready for market.
According to the press release, “The collaboration between the companies is focused on using Absorption Systems’ know-how in creating assay systems to develop superior preclinical methods of testing drugs. Such methods can also reduce the use of laboratory animals currently necessary for other tests, including the very large global commercial need for a reliable and reproducible non-animal method for eye safety testing of consumer products.
“In the past, researchers have grown corneal cells in the laboratory, but ISCO is believed to be the only company to grow a self-assembling corneal construct from parthenogenetic stem cells that is suitable for toxicity testing and possibly suitable for corneal transplants. ISCO’s corneal constructs include cell layers and structures normally found in a human cornea, as confirmed by an independent third-party laboratory.”
Let me be clear. This testing market is worth hundreds of millions of dollars. ISCO is not predicting how long it will take to get its alternative to live animal testing validated by the FDA, but I can't believe the administration will resist this product. I really don't think it will take “years,” simply because of the politics involved. Even the providers of live animals want an alternative to the current technology, because of consumer disapproval of their current testing methods.
If the FDA dared drag its feet on this issue, a phone call to PETA could turn this story into a high-profile political issue that no administration would want to deal with. I consider ISCO's decision to pursue this short-term product more evidence that this brilliantly run company will thrive until it can offer the really revolutionary products, including off-the-shelf SC injections that cure pancreatic, liver and heart disease.
Best of all, ISCO's stock prices have dipped recently, and for no detectable reason. This is a perfect opportunity for people who failed to buy when I first recommended the stock.
For transformational profits,
Patrick Cox
To read the article on the Agora Financial Website, please visit here
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
International Stem Cell Corporation, Through Its Subsidiary Lifeline Cell Technology, Announces the Launch and Sale of New Products into the Human...
International Stem Cell Corporation, Through Its Subsidiary Lifeline Cell Technology, Announces the Launch and Sale of New Products into the Human Cell Research Market
International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB:ISCO) (www.internationalstemcell.com), announces that it has launched fifteen new human cell culture products into the commercial research markets over the last twelve months through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Lifeline Cell Technology, (Walkersville, MD), leading to a 12-month average month-to-month revenue growth of 50%. ISCO, the parent company, is the first company to create human "parthenogenetic" stem cells from unfertilized eggs. Parthenogenetic stem cells not only solve ethical problems, but also promise to minimize immune-rejection by providing cells that can be immune-matched to large segments of the population.
International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB:ISCO) (www.internationalstemcell.com), announces that it has launched fifteen new human cell culture products into the commercial research markets over the last twelve months through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Lifeline Cell Technology, (Walkersville, MD), leading to a 12-month average month-to-month revenue growth of 50%. ISCO, the parent company, is the first company to create human "parthenogenetic" stem cells from unfertilized eggs. Parthenogenetic stem cells not only solve ethical problems, but also promise to minimize immune-rejection by providing cells that can be immune-matched to large segments of the population.
These products represent milestone achievements in ISCO's strategy of generating revenue from the sale of research products, while building infrastructure from that effort to expand the manufacturing and quality control capacities ISCO needs to commercialize the therapeutic applications of human parthenogenetic stem cells.
One of its newest and most promising products consist of "xeno-free" human cells and culture reagents that allow researchers to study embryonic stem cells without contamination from animal (non-human) components. These products meet the needs for stem cell research to be done using "human-only" systems. Other products include Lifeline's living human cells and reagents for research and drug development into cardiovascular, kidney, lung, nerve, eye and skin disease. Lifeline is continuing to develop unique reagents and media for the growing field of stem cell research. The "Lifeline" brand of products consist of human cells and the culture reagents and growth factors needed to grow the cells.
According to Jeffrey Janus, CEO of Lifeline, "We are proud of the quality of our new products, as reflected in the sales growth they are exhibiting in the human cell research markets. We look forward to launching more new products into the growing markets for stem cell research and drug development. These products will contribute to the success of ISCO, not only by supporting ISCO's therapeutic research, but also through the development of critical manufacturing and quality control systems necessary for ISCO to produce therapeutic human cells in the future."
Lifeline's products can be found at www.lifelinecelltech.com
For more news and information on International Stem Cell Corporation please visit www.IRGnews.com/coi/ISCO where you can find the CEO's video, a fact sheet on the company, investor presentations, and more.
ABOUT INTERNATIONAL STEM CELL CORPORATION (ISCO.OB):
International Stem Cell Corporation is a California biotechnology company focused on developing therapeutic and research products. ISCO's technology, Parthenogenesis, results in the creation of pluripotent human stem cell lines from unfertilized human eggs. ISCO scientists have created the first Parthenogenetic homozygous stem cell line (phSC-Hhom-4) that can be a source of therapeutic cells that will minimize immune rejection after transplantation into hundreds of millions of individuals of differing sexes, ages and racial groups. These advancements offer the potential to create the first true "Stem Cell Bank" and address ethical issues by eliminating the need to use or destroy fertilized embryos. ISCO also produces and markets specialized cells and growth media worldwide for therapeutic research through its subsidiary Lifeline Cell Technology. For more information, visit the ISCO website 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 future financial and/or operating results, future growth in research, technology, clinical development and potential joint venture and other opportunities for the company and its subsidiary, 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, uncertainty in the results of clinical trials or 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 these forward-looking statements.
Key Words: Stem Cells, Biotechnology, Cornea, Parthenogenesis
International Stem Cell Corporation
Kenneth C. Aldrich, Chairman, CEO
760-940-6383
kaldrich@intlstemcell.com
or
Lifeline Cell Technology
Jeffrey Janus, CEO
janusj@lifelinecelltech.com
or
The Investor Relations Group
Laura Colontrelle
212-825-3210
lcolontrelle@investorrelationsgroup.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)