Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Proactiveinvestors Completes First European Presentations with NeoStem and International Stem Cell Corp


Proactiveinvestors completed its first investor forums in mainland Europe, in partnership with Milestone Media, last week, hosting presentations in Zurich and Munich with US listed companies NeoStem (AMEX:NBS) and International Stem Cell Corporation (OTC:ISCO).

Both investor forums were a great success, with notable attendees including Infidar Investment Advisory, BB Bellevue Asset Management, Centrum Bank, Taylor Wessing, BVMW and UBS Global Asset Management.

NeoStem’s CEO and Chairman Robin Smith updated investors on the company’s adult stem cell operations in the U.S., network of adult stem cell therapeutic providers in China, and recent acquisition of a 51% interest in a profitable Chinese generic pharmaceutical manufacturing company.

The company is focused on accelerating the development of proprietary cellular therapies and becoming a single source for collection, storage, manufacturing, therapeutic development and transportation of cells for cell based medicine and regenerative science globally.

NeoStem was recently given an initial "outperform" rating from US equity research firm Cowen, based on recent acquisitions and tie ups strengthening the company's adult stem cell banking capabilities.

Ken Aldrich, Chairman and Co-Founder of International Stem Cell Corporation also had plenty to introduce to European audiences. The California-based biotechnology company is focused on the therapeutic applications of human stem cells and the development and commercialization of cell-based research and cosmetic products.

The company’s core technology, Parthenogenesis, results in creation of pluripotent human stem cells from unfertilized oocytes. This technique avoids ethical issues associated with the use or destruction of viable human embryos and can be a source of therapeutic cells that minimize or eliminate immune rejection after transplantation into the patient.


Proactiveinvestors completed its first investor forums in mainland Europe, in partnership with Milestone Media, last week, hosting presentations in Zurich and Munich with US listed companies NeoStem (AMEX:NBS) and International Stem Cell Corporation (OTC:ISCO).

Both investor forums were a great success, with notable attendees including Infidar Investment Advisory, BB Bellevue Asset Management, Centrum Bank, Taylor Wessing, BVMW and UBS Global Asset Management.

NeoStem’s CEO and Chairman Robin Smith updated investors on the company’s adult stem cell operations in the U.S., network of adult stem cell therapeutic providers in China, and recent acquisition of a 51% interest in a profitable Chinese generic pharmaceutical manufacturing company.

The company is focused on accelerating the development of proprietary cellular therapies and becoming a single source for collection, storage, manufacturing, therapeutic development and transportation of cells for cell based medicine and regenerative science globally.

NeoStem was recently given an initial "outperform" rating from US equity research firm Cowen, based on recent acquisitions and tie ups strengthening the company's adult stem cell banking capabilities.

Ken Aldrich, Chairman and Co-Founder of International Stem Cell Corporation also had plenty to introduce to European audiences. The California-based biotechnology company is focused on the therapeutic applications of human stem cells and the development and commercialization of cell-based research and cosmetic products.

The company’s core technology, Parthenogenesis, results in creation of pluripotent human stem cells from unfertilized oocytes. This technique avoids ethical issues associated with the use or destruction of viable human embryos and can be a source of therapeutic cells that minimize or eliminate immune rejection after transplantation into the patient.


Thursday, March 10, 2011

Kenneth Aldrich, Executive Chairman of International Stem Cell Corporation, will make a public appearance on March 16th, 2011 on behalf of ISCO

OCEANSIDE, Calif. -- (March 10, 2011) -- International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB:ISCO), www.internationalstemcell.com, announced today that its Executive Chairman, Kenneth C. Aldrich, will present at the ROTH 23rd Annual Orange County Growth Stock Conference at the Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel in Dana Point, CA. on Wednesday, March 16, 2011 at 10:30 AM PDT (1:30 PM EDT). The webcast can be viewed live at: http://www.wsw.com/webcast/roth24/isco/. The presentation will be archived and viewable at the same link for 90 days. After the Roth Conference, a link to the presentation will also be posted to the ISCO website, www.internationalstemcell.com.

ABOUT INTERNATIONAL STEM CELL CORPORATION (ISCO.OB)

International Stem Cell Corporation is a California-based biotechnology company focused on therapeutic and research products. ISCO's core technology, parthenogenesis, results in creation of pluripotent human stem cells from unfertilized oocytes (eggs). These proprietary cells avoid ethical issues associated with use or destruction of viable human embryos and, unlike most other major stem cell types, can be immune matched and be a source of therapeutic cells with minimal rejection after transplantation into hundreds of millions of individuals of differing racial groups. ISCO also produces and markets specialized cells and growth media for therapeutic research worldwide through its subsidiary, Lifeline Cell Technology, and has developed cell based skin care products through its subsidiary, Lifeline Skin Care. ISCO is advancing novel human stem cell-based therapies where cells have been proven to be efficacious but traditional small molecule and protein therapeutics have not. More information is available on ISCO's website, www.internationalstemcell.com.

To subscribe to receive ongoing corporate communications please click on the following link: www.b2i.us/irpass.asp?BzID=1468&to=ea&s=0 .

Key Words: Stem cells, parthenogenesis, biotechnology, skin care

CONTACTS

International Stem Cell Corporation

Kenneth C. Aldrich, Executive Chairman

1-760-940-6383

kaldrich@intlstemcell.com

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

International Stem Cell Corporation Receives Important Approvals Towards Creating New Parthenogenetic Stem Cell Lines in the United States

International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB:ISCO), www.internationalstemcell.com, announced today the achievement of a major milestone in its efforts to establish a bank of immune-matched parthenogenetic stem cells in the United States by receiving the statutory approvals required to move forward with the next phase of its stem cell banking program.


An independent Stem Cell Research Oversight (SCRO) committee approved ISCO's program to obtain human oocytes (eggs) in California. The independent SCRO committee is responsible for reviewing the scientific rationale, ethics and compliance with State and Federal regulations and guidelines for studies involving human stem cells. This approval in combination with the earlier reported Institutional Review Board (IRB) clearance with regard to medical safety opens the way for ISCO's stem cell banking program to begin registering clinical investigators. ISCO's study is designed to produce new clinical-grade human parthenogenetic stem cell lines that can be immune matched to millions of individuals for use in the emerging field of regenerative medicine.


ISCO's breakthrough discoveries have resulted in unique stem cells carrying distinct advantages over other human pluripotent stem cells. ISCO uses unfertilized oocytes to create human "parthenogenetic" stem cells (hpSCs). Like human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), hpSCs are pluripotent, i.e. they have the capacity to become almost any cell type in the body, yet avoid ethical issues associated with use or destruction of viable human embryos. Unlike hESCs, hpSCs can be created in a form such that they can be immunologically matched to millions of individuals.


Currently ISCO has a collection of ten hpSC lines that are shared with collaborators and used for research purposes. Although these ten stem cell lines conform to all relevant US standards, they were derived outside the United States. New cell lines created under this study will be ISCO's first hpSC to be produced in the United States. ISCO's scientists, leaders the field of creating therapeutic cells from hpSC, will work with these lines targeting new treatments for human diseases. The company will also share these cells with other scientists to further clinical research. ISCO intends to derive and store these cells at its Oceanside facilities, which are designed to create cells suitable for clinical use.


Simon Craw, PhD, says, "These approvals, combined with our technology, make the establishment of a bank of immune matched stem cells practical and allow for the possibility of cell-based therapy to be economic for millions of people. We believe we are one of the first commercial entities in the United States to have progressed to this point."


ABOUT INTERNATIONAL STEM CELL CORPORATION (ISCO.OB):

International Stem Cell Corporation is a California-based biotechnology company 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 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 sexes, ages and racial groups. This offers the potential to create the first true stem cell bank, UniStemCell™, while avoiding the ethical issue of using fertilized eggs. 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 ISCO's website, 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 technological developments and therapeutic applications, the potential benefits of collaborations, 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," "should," "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 therapies, 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


http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=bwnews&sty=20110309005570r1&sid=14230&distro=ftp

International Stem Cell Corporation
Kenneth C. Aldrich, Chairman
760-940-6383
kaldrich@intlstemcell.com
Or
Simon Craw, PhD, Vice President
760-940-6383
sc@intlstemcell.com

Thursday, March 3, 2011

International Stem Cell Corporation's Senior VP Jeffrey Janus Comments on "ACT Awarded Patent for Stem Cell Generation Technique"


"The granting of this patent is an excellent step forward in the search for new techniques to derive stem cells and treat diseases with stem cell therapy. As a licensee of this technology for several of our target stem cell applications, we at International Stem Cell Corporation are delighted that our scientists have yet another tool with which to work."

Jeffrey Janus, Senior VP, International Stem Cell

ACT Awarded Patent for Stem Cell Generation Technique

Original Article Source - Mass High Tech

Advanced Cell Technology Inc. has been given a patent for its nondestructive technique of obtaining human embryonic stem cell (hESC) lines. Called “single-blastomere” technology, the technique was referred to in a statement by ACT interim chairman and CEO Gary Rabin as “one of the most significant” among the Marlborough biotech’s more than 150 patents and patent applications.


“It will help us accelerate our progress on a number of fronts, including deriving embryonic stem cells which meet the regulatory standards of the European Medicines Agency and the US Food and Drug Administration, using the single-blastomere technology,” Rabin said, in the statement.

ACT (OTCBB: ACTC) said in a news release that its single-blastomere technique avoids embryo destruction by using a one-cell biopsy approach.

In January, the company pulled in a $25 million financing and was cleared by the FDA for its Investigational New Drug application to use hESCs in treating Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

Rabin has been serving in his interim roles at ACT since mid-December, when William M. Caldwell IV, then chairman and CEO, died unexpectedly. Caldwell had held the CEO role of ACT since 2005 and the chairman post since 2006.

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

International Stem Cell Corporation Updates on 2010 Initial Product Launch of its Lifeline Skin Care Products

International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB:ISCO), www.internationalstemcell.com, announced today that its wholly owned subsidiary Lifeline Skin Care, Inc. ("LSC"), has now completed its evaluation of the highly successful trial launch of its new stem cell skin care product line in November and December 2010, and will move forward with its general marketing program.


Lifeline Skin Care products contain parthenogenetic stem cell extract and were developed by the ISCO research team in collaboration with world recognized cosmetic chemists. The breakthrough products deliver leading advances in skin rejuvenation technology that help to prevent and repair damaged skin. The products are available through our online store at www.lifelineskincare.com.


"Sales to date have greatly exceeded our expectations for the trial launch. These initial sales resulted from a very limited product offering made to subscribers of only one of the several newsletters of our marketing partner, John Mauldin, plus a small direct mailing to interested parties and ISCO's shareholders who had signed up for general corporate information through the ISCO website," said Dr. Ruslan Semechkin, CEO of Lifeline Skin Care.


Lifeline Skin Care is now ready to move forward to the next phase of distribution, which will commence near the end of March. That phase will consist initially of a customer solicitation conducted by John Mauldin's specialty Internet and direct response marketing organization. "We almost never endorse or sell a retail product," said Mr. Mauldin, "but the results of both our informal testing and the company's formal studies have convinced us that the Lifeline Skin Care products really are a game-changing advance in skin care. I have not seen such a strong response in online marketing in the last ten years. We are all very excited and proud to be involved."


Kenneth Aldrich, Chairman of ISCO, issued a cautionary comment to its investors. "We are incredibly excited by the prospects of this new product from our Lifeline Skin Care subsidiary. Selling over 7,000 bottles through a very limited trial launch, as we have done, represents a significant first step, but it would be imprudent for us to base projections of future sales or profits on a sample base of this size."


ISCO investors should note that under ISCO's current revenue recognition policy, a large portion of the Q-4 2010 sales will not be included as revenue in the financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2010. Sales of these products meet our revenue recognition criteria after our 30 day product guarantee period has been completed.


ABOUT INTERNATIONAL STEM CELL CORPORATION (ISCO.OB)

International Stem Cell Corporation is a California-based biotechnology company focused on therapeutic and research products. ISCO's core technology, parthenogenesis, results in creation of pluripotent human stem cells from unfertilized oocytes (eggs). These proprietary cells avoid ethical issues associated with use or destruction of viable human embryos and, unlike most other major stem cell types, can be immune matched and be a source of therapeutic cells with minimal rejection after transplantation into hundreds of millions of individuals of differing racial groups. ISCO also produces and markets specialized cells and growth media for therapeutic research worldwide through its subsidiary, Lifeline Cell Technology, and has developed cell based skin care products through its subsidiary, Lifeline Skin Care. ISCO is advancing novel human stem cell-based therapies where cells have been proven to be efficacious but traditional small molecule and protein therapeutics have not. More information is available on ISCO's website, www.internationalstemcell.com.


To subscribe to receive ongoing corporate communications please click on the following link: http://www.b2i.us/irpass.asp?BzID=1468&to=ea&s=0.


FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Statements pertaining to anticipated developments, product marketing plans, the potential benefits of collaborations, affiliations, 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.


Key Words: Stem cells, parthenogenesis, biotechnology, skin care


http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=bwnews&sty=20110302005480r1&sid=14230&distro=ftp

International Stem Cell Corporation
Kenneth C. Aldrich, Chairman
1-760-940-6383
kaldrich@intlstemcell.com
or
Lifeline Skin Care, Inc.
Ruslan Semechkin, PhD, President & CEO
Vice President, ISCO
ras@intlstemcell.com

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

"A Little Egg On the Face" - LifeLine Skin Care Stem Cell Cream Article

"A Little Egg On the Face" by Rebecca Tolin (read San Diego Magazine article here )

Women have been known to slather their faces with fruit, fish oil, foreskin (uh huh, the target of circumcision) and even the neurotoxin that causes botulism — all in the name of looking pretty. Now an Oceanside biotech has another novel ingredient for the aging-averse: stem cells from unfertilized human eggs.

“It’s not like a woman donated eggs in Encinitas and three months later it’s in someone’s skin in L.A.,” explains Brian Lundstrom, president of International Stem Cell Corporation (ISSC) in Oceanside, parent company of Lifeline Skin Care. It’s more like this: Women go to in-vitro fertilization clinics to get pregnant. There are often leftover eggs from that process. Researchers select stem cells, grow billions of them, and extract the bits that skin loves, such as growth factors — with permission from the donors, of course. Scientists then whip ’em up with antioxidants and sell the stuff in a slick plastic tube for about the cost of a month’s supply of Frappuccinos.

Is this a noncaffeinated fountain of youth? Ruslan Semechkin, the CEO of Lifeline and a biologist by training, says an eight-week study showed the day-and-night serum combo reduced the number and depth of wrinkles and made skin brighter, tighter and moister — though he wouldn’t say by how much. (Semechkin is 25, has the olive-tinged skin of a baby and admits a complexion of his variety doesn’t need this heavy hitter.)
Even in the stem cell world, youth is coveted. Lundstrom says stem cells taken from unfertilized eggs — the very seeds of life — are the youngest around and can become any cell in the human body. This is the first time such stem cell fragments have found their way into beauty cream, he explains. And because the eggs aren’t fertilized, they bypass the embryo controversy.

Someday, movement in the paralyzed and memory in the aged could be restored by using such cells; ISSC has already grown a human cornea that could cure blindness in people with eye damage. These breakthroughs may be dec­ades away, but ISSC’s “cosmeceuticals” are just the beginning. Profits from pocketbooks of the age-obsessed will fund the biotech’s research for other therapeutic drugs. So if you’re considering spending a small fortune to plump things up, you could call it a contribution to science.

Lifeline Defensive Day Moisture Serum sells for $155 and Lifeline Recovery Night Moisture Serum costs $185. It’s available at lifelineskincare.com.