International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB: ISCO), www.internationalstemcell.com,
announced today that ISCO's Research and Therapeutic Development Group,
together with a group of scientists from the University of California,
Irvine (UCI), is starting a second phase of essential pre-clinical
experiments to test retinal pigment epithelium derived from
parthenogenetic stem cells. Follow on pre-clinical experiments will be
conducted to rescue vision in disease models.
Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) has been derived from parthenogenetic
stem cells by ISCO scientists in close collaboration with UCI
scientists. The RPE cells will be tested for the presence of specific
markers and for functional activity.
Retinal pigment epithelium plays a critical role in maintaining proper
eye function. Loss of function or dysfunction of RPE is involved in a
range of disabling eye conditions, particularly age-related macular
degeneration (AMD) that is the major cause of vision loss in seniors.
Encouraging data from animal models have shown that visual degradation
caused by AMD can be slowed through the transplantation of RPE. One of
the major barriers for this therapy is the lack of sufficient RPE cells
from suitable donated tissue.
According to Dr. Hans Keirstead, Professor of Anatomy and Neurobiology
at the University of California, Irvine, "The derivation of RPE from
stem cells will allow the availability of an unlimited source of RPE for
transplantation." Referring to the upcoming work with ISCO, Dr.
Keirstead said, "This research will enable us to then test the ability
of these cells to restore vision in rodent models of retinal
degeneration."
Dr. Nikolay Turovets, ISCO's Director of Research and Therapeutic
Development, says, "RPE derived from human parthenogenetic stem cells
can overcome the problem of immune-matching for transplantation since
ISCO's parthenogenetic stem cell lines can be made to carry the most
common sets of immune genes found among various racial groups. That is
why the differentiated derivatives from one hpSC line may be
transplanted into millions of people."
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). hpSCs avoid 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 immune-matched therapeutic
cells to minimize 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. More information is available at ISCO's website, www.internationalstemcell.com.
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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Statements pertaining to anticipated technological developments and
therapeutic applications, 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
Brian
Lundstrom, President
760-640-6383
bl@intlstemcell.com |
