Friday, June 29, 2012

Use of HLA-homozygous stem cells to avoid immunogenicity


An interesting paper was just published by a team lead by Jean Villard at the Geneva University Hospital regarding the idea of HLA-homozygous stem cell being used as a bank so that a limited number of lines could cover many individuals.

In the article entitled: Haplotype-Based Banking of Human Pluripotent Stem Cell for Transplantation: Potential and Limitations (Stem Cells and Development,  Volume 21, Number 13, 2012) Villard et al from carefully review available scientific literature, and provide multiple lines of evidence pointing to the generation of  HLA-homozygous pluripotent stem cell banks may be a way towards the sustainable development of regenerative medicine. The paper points out the advantageous effect of complete or partial HLA matching for the graft survival, explaining that such matching process could be greatly facilitated by the use of HLA-homozygous stem cell lines.  The authors write: “All these results indicate that the number of cell lines needed in a pluripotent stem cell bank, which would provide matches for a majority of the population, could be drastically reduced if it contained homozygous lines.” They conclude: “The establishment of multiple regional banks, accounting for the variability of HLA haplotypes in different human populations, should be strongly considered to advance medical and research purposes.”

International Stem Cell Corporation has been advocating such solution ever since its inception in 2005. Its unique technology allows for derivation of transplantation-compatible HLA-homozygous parthenogenetic stem cells.  One of our HLA-homozygous lines carries the most common haplotype in the Caucasian population, present in 4%.

Thursday, June 28, 2012

International Stem Cell Corporation Reports Reaching Milestone in Its Cornea Program


CARLSBAD, CA -- (Marketwire) -- 06/28/12 -- International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB: ISCO)www.internationalstemcell.com today announced that its Research and Development team has advanced its program to create a functional and transplantable human cornea by developing a new method to derive corneal endothelium-like cells from human pluripotent stem cells.

This work represents a significant step towards the creation of complete cornea tissue that can be used for transplantation and supports prior data showing indications of corneal endothelium generated by ISCO's collaborators at Sankara Nethralaya Eye Hospital, India. Such cells by themselves may potentially promote wound healing and regeneration of the cornea and therefore could be used as a standalone medical treatment.

Development and commercialization of ISCO's stem cell-derived cornea tissue along with manufacturing of Lifeline Cell Technology's media and cellular products are the foundation for our expansion to the Asian markets and for clinical collaboration with Indian biomedical organizations including Sankara Nethralaya Eye Hospital and All-India Institute for Medical Sciences.

Asia represents a huge potential growth market for ISCO's Cornea program. For example, in India alone there are more than 4 million people suffering from corneal vision impairment with limited access to corneal tissue. ISCO's intention is to work with our clinical affiliate in India to meet this healthcare demand.

Dr. Ruslan Semechkin, Vice President of Research & Development, commented: "This new method not only brings our cornea program closer to clinical use, but it also gives us additional licensing opportunities. We have made good progress towards our goal of creating usable corneas, however the additional work, necessary to prove that these endothelium-like cells can be fully functional, will be done in conjunction with our collaborators."

Thursday, June 14, 2012

International Stem Cell Corporation Scientists Create New Protein-Based Stem Cell Technology


International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB: ISCO) www.internationalstemcell.com announced that scientists in its wholly-owned subsidiary, Lifeline Cell Technology (LCT), have developed a technology to modify human stem cells by using engineered proteins, called "transducible transcription factors" or "TTFs." TTFs are designed to pass into stem cells and direct the stem cells to change into specific cell types that can be both therapeutically-useful and can be used as revenue-generating research products.

In contrast to more traditional cell therapy methods this technology does not require the use of viruses or chemicals, and has the potential to produce safe therapeutic cells from stem cells. In addition, the TTF proteins are naturally eliminated by the cells when no longer required, a characteristic that further improves safety. The Company intends that this technology, once perfected, will first be used to create revenue-generating research products for sale through Lifeline Cell Technology's international distribution channels to the academic, biotechnology and pharmaceutical markets for cellular proteins, including the quickly growing markets for the study of stem cell biology and drug testing.
According to Jeffrey Janus, Lifeline Cell Technology's CEO, "These proteins can be sold into the market for cellular proteins which exceeds $700 million and represents an excellent opportunity for LCT to grow sales. Since the technology also has broad application in research and therapy, it should provide ISCO with future out-licensing opportunities to the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries."

About International Stem Cell Corporation
International Stem Cell Corporation is focused on the therapeutic applications of human parthenogenetic stem cells (hpSCs) and the development and commercialization of cell-based research and cosmetic products. ISCO's core technology, parthenogenesis, results in the creation of pluripotent human stem cells from unfertilized oocytes (eggs). hpSCs avoid ethical issues associated with the use or destruction of viable human embryos. ISCO scientists have created the first parthenogenic, homozygous stem cell line that can be a source of therapeutic cells for hundreds of millions of individuals of differing genders, ages and racial background with minimal immune rejection after transplantation. hpSCs offer the potential to create the first true stem cell bank, UniStemCell™. ISCO also produces and markets specialized cells and growth media for therapeutic research worldwide through its subsidiary Lifeline Cell Technology (www.lifelinecelltech.com), and stem cell-based skin care products through its subsidiary Lifeline Skin Care (www.lifelineskincare.com). More information is available at www.internationalstemcell.com or follow us on Twitter @intlstemcell.
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, the potential benefits of research programs and products, and other opportunities for the company and its subsidiaries, along with other statements about the future expectations, beliefs, goals, plans, or prospects expressed by management constitute forward-looking statements. Any statements that are not historical fact (including, but not limited to statements that contain words such as "will," "believes," "plans," "anticipates," "expects," "estimates,") should also be considered to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, risks inherent in the development and/or commercialization of potential products, regulatory approvals, need and ability to obtain future capital, application of capital resources among competing uses, and maintenance of intellectual property rights. Actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements and as such should be evaluated together with the many uncertainties that affect the company's business, particularly those mentioned in the cautionary statements found in the company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. The company disclaims any intent or obligation to update forward-looking statements.

International Stem Cell Corporation
Dr. Simon Craw, Executive Vice President Business Development
Phone: 760-940-6383
Email: ir@intlstemcell.com
or
Investor Relations:
MZ Group
Mark McPartland
Phone: 212-301-7130
Email: markmcp@mzgroup.us
Web: www.mz-ir.com

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

International Stem Cell Corporation Announces Marketing Plans for its wholly owned subsidiary Lifeline Skin Care


CARLSBAD, CA June 12, 2012, International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB: ISCO) www.internationalstemcell.com has announced new sales and marketing initiatives for its Lifeline Skin Care products (www.lifelineskincare.com).  These efforts are designed to enable Lifeline to robustly, strategically and profitably grow the business.

Consumer Advertising
During June and July, new integrated advertising campaigns will be launched in three marketing channels—online, in newspapers and magazines, and through direct mail.  The campaigns will feature Lifeline’s innovative stem cell technology and proof of the brand’s potential:  younger looking skin.  Although the ads will eventually be national in reach, the first few months will be devoted to optimizing the creative approach, targeting, frequency, timing, positioning, offer and ROI.

Key Opinion Leader and Peer Group Influencer
Elizabeth K. Hale, MD., one of the nation's top dermatologists, is now endorsing Lifeline Skin Care to both consumer and trade audiences.  Dr. Hale is an Associate Clinical Professor of Dermatology at New York University, a private practitioner and a guest of the Doctor Oz show, the Today Show and Good Morning America.  During the week of June 4 she met with beauty editors for Prevention, Health, Town and Country, Allure, FoxNews.com and InStyle, to present Lifeline Skin Care and its unique technology.  The endorsement of a leading dermatologist should not only enhance the credibility of the brand but increase its visibility.

Strategic Partners
Email campaigns through strategic partners have been very successful at marketing Lifeline products.  To expand that effort, several new key opinion leaders have now agreed to endorse Lifeline Skin Care to their social networks, including Mrs. Jeri Thompson, a conservative spokesperson, radio and TV guest and advocate for non-embryonic stem cell research; and authors, experts and media personalities in the areas of women's health, yoga, cosmetic dentistry, and retirement planning.  Many of these partners plan to market Lifeline through their social network (email marketing, blogs, Facebook, etc.) as well as through personal and radio appearances.  Most of these campaigns will launch during the third quarter.

Professional Channels
During the week of June 12, Lifeline is launching two campaigns directed to 27,000 cosmetic dermatologists and day spas. These campaigns are focused on providing information to skin care professionals, including dermatologists and plastic surgeons, to understand and embrace the significance and value of stem cell extracts for skin rejuvenation.  

Donna Queen, newly appointed President and CEO of Lifeline Skin Care said, “There is an enormous opportunity for us in skincare and we’re now prepared to commit the people, energy and resources.  We intend to take the leadership role and intend to make Lifeline own the stem cell skincare category.  Effective immediately, we are accelerating and expanding our marketing and sales efforts to increase awareness and drive sales.
“Increasing awareness of Lifeline’s unique technology will enable us to stand apart and ahead in the anti-aging category. Stem cell skin care is still in a nascent phase, it’s time for us to seize the opportunity,” continued Ms. Queen.

About International Stem Cell Corporation

International Stem Cell Corporation is focused on the therapeutic applications of human parthenogenetic stem cells (hpSCs) and the development and commercialization of cell-based research and cosmetic products. ISCO's core technology, parthenogenesis, results in the creation of pluripotent human stem cells from unfertilized oocytes (eggs). hpSCs avoid ethical issues associated with the use or destruction of viable human embryos. ISCO scientists have created the first parthenogenic, homozygous stem cell line that can be a source of therapeutic cells for hundreds of millions of individuals of differing genders, ages and racial background with minimal immune rejection after transplantation. hpSCs offer the potential to create the first true stem cell bank, UniStemCell™. ISCO also produces and markets specialized cells and growth media for therapeutic research worldwide through its subsidiary Lifeline Cell Technology (www.lifelinecelltech.com), and stem cell-based skin care products through its subsidiary Lifeline Skin Care (www.lifelineskincare.com). More information is available at www.internationalstemcell.com or follow us on Twitter @intlstemcell.

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, the potential benefits of sales and marketing initiatives, 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, competitive conditions and developments, the 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.


Contacts:

International Stem Cell Corporation
Dr. Simon Craw, Executive Vice President Business Development
Phone: 760-940-6383

Investor Relations:
MZ Group
Mark McPartland
Phone: 212-301-7130
Email: markmcp@mzgroup.us