International Stem Cell Corporation Signs Agreement Including Certain Terms for a Definitive License Agreement with Rohto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. of Japan

CARLSBAD, CA - (Marketwired) - 07/08/2014 - International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCQB: ISCO) (www.internationalstemcell.com, ISCO or the Company), a California-based biotechnology company developing novel stem cell-based therapies, announced today that it has entered into a research agreement with Rohto Pharmaceutical Company, Ltd. (“Rohto”), a global Japanese pharmaceutical company that develops new technology for the medical and cosmetics markets with approximately $1.3 billion in consolidated annual sales. Under this agreement, Rohto will evaluate stem cell-derived human cells owned and provided by ISCO in a number of pre-clinical animal models. If the research is successful and the parties agree on remaining terms, it is anticipated that a definitive license agreement will be signed at the end of the twelve-month period of this research agreement. Certain key terms of such a license agreement, including the target disease areas and intellectual property rights, have been established in the research agreement.

“We are delighted to have such an outstanding company work with us, and we believe that the potential for this agreement is significant,” said Dr. Simon Craw, EVP of Business Development at ISCO. “Under the terms of the agreement Rohto will begin working with our cells immediately and if the program is successful we may move to the next stage, signing a definitive license agreement. Such an agreement would significantly enhance our standing in a number of ways. Firstly, having diligently built up our scientific strength and patent portfolio over the last few years, it would both validate our research as well as our ability to generate licensing revenue from our proprietary platform. Secondly, by expanding the use of our technology into new areas beyond that which we can address alone, it would add value to the Company.”

Under the agreement ISCO will provide a number of differentiated human cells derived from the Company’s collection of pluripotent human stem cells known as UniStemCellTM. The Company has a track record of successfully demonstrating that human cells derived from UniStemCellTM are effective in animal models of various diseases and have the potential to be used as a basis for developing human therapies. The Company has adopted this approach successfully with a number of academic collaborators in the past.

About Rohto Pharmaceutical Company, Ltd.

Founded in 1899, Rohto Pharmaceutical is the second-largest consumer health company in Japan, and is a world leader in the manufacturing and marketing of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and skincare and healthcare products. Rohto has global operations and its products are available in more than 150 countries.

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) hence avoiding ethical issues associated with the use or destruction of viable human embryos. ISCO scientists have created the first parthenogenetic, 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.

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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.

Contacts:
International Stem Cell Corporation
Dr. Simon Craw
Executive Vice President
Phone: 760-940-6383
Email: ir@intlstemcell.com