International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB:ISCO), http://www.internationalstemcell.com, will lead a free public discussion highlighting the ethical considerations and medical advantages surrounding the derivation of human stem cells from unfertilized human eggs using ISCO's patented technology known as parthenogenesis. The discussion, sponsored by The Center for Ethics in Science and Technology, will take place on Wednesday, January 5th from 5:30-7:00 pm at the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center Community Forum, 1875 El Prado, San Diego, CA. Jeffrey Janus, Senior VP, will be the featured speaker in a program moderated by Michael Kalichman, Ph.D., Director of the Research Ethics Program at UC San Diego and co-founder and director of the Center of Ethics in Science and Technology.
ISCO's patented method of parthenogenesis results in pluripotent human stem cell lines having the positive characteristics of embryonic stem cells without the damage or destruction of a viable human embryo.
In preparation for the discussion, Dr. Kalichman and Mr. Janus will be interviewed on Monday, January 3, on XETV channel 6 at 7:25 am, and on the radio show "These Days" broadcast on KPBS, 89.5 FM at 9:20 am.
Registration for the free event can be made at http://www.ethicscenter.net.
In addition to the ethical advantages of not requiring the destruction of a viable human embryo, parthenogenetic stem cells possess unique qualities allowing them to be immune matched to millions of persons, giving them the potential to be used in many future stem cell based therapeutic applications. ISCO has derived ten parthenogenetic stem cell lines in Russia using Western-style informed consent processes, and is now setting up processes in the United States. However, the ethical and regulatory requirements involved in obtaining unfertilized human eggs in the U.S. present challenges to ISCO and other researchers working in stem cell field. ISCO's hope is to conform to these complicated regulatory and ethical frameworks so clinical-grade human parthenogenetic stem cells may be derived in the U.S. and used to create a bank of parthenogenetic stem cells that may be used by millions of persons of different sexes and racial groups.
According to Dr. Kalichman, "Success in scientific development often depends on both public understanding of science and on understanding by scientists of public concerns. The participation of ISCO in the proposed public forums is praiseworthy as a way to meet both of these goals."
"In addition to the ethical considerations, human parthenogenetic stem cells offer a potentially superior solution to stem-cell based therapies because they allow immune-matching that may alleviate immune rejection problems that are likely to hamper other stem cell therapies. This is especially important when the patients have a genetically-based disease, and cannot use their own stem cells," says Jeffrey Janus. "ISCO is one of the few therapeutic research organizations pursing the utilization of these unique cells because of not only the ethical advantages, but also because of these important medical considerations."
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, http://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 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, 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
Jeffrey Janus, Senior Vice President
760-940-6383
jjanus@intlstemcell.com
