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Heightened Interest from the Medical Research Community and New Funding of International Stem Cell Corporation’s (ISCO) Therapeutic Research

Posted: November 7, 2010 at 9:32 am

International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB: ISCO), http://www.internationalstemcell.com, announced today that the recent presentation entitled "Hepatocyte-like cells derived from patient-specific human parthenogenetic stem cells possess functions of mature human hepatocytes including P450 activity" has been identified as an "AASLD Presidential Poster of Distinction" in the Stem Cells session of The Liver Meeting, the 61st Annual Meeting of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD), in Boston, MA, one of the most prestigious annual medical and scientific conferences. The abstract of the presentation is published in the peer-reviewed supplement to Hepatology, volume 52, number 4 (SUPPL), Oct. 2010, pg 965A, the official journal of the AASLD.

ISCO's CEO Andrey Semechkin, Ph.D., said, "For our cell biologists to have received this award from the leading society in the U.S. focused on treating liver diseases, demonstrates the high caliber of research being carried out at ISCO, and that human parthenogenetic stem cells and their differentiated derivatives are becoming of greater interest to the medical research community as a potential source of therapeutically valuable cells."

ISCO also announced today the initiation of the first in a series of animal studies designed to demonstrate whether hepatocytes and their progenitors derived from the human parthenogenetic stem cells show any disease modifying activity in vivo.

Dr. Nikolay Turovets, ISCO's Director of Research and Therapeutic Development said, "ISCO's continued focus on therapeutic development is critical to show that hepatocytes derived from stem cells can reproduce missing liver function in a diseased organism. Our first series of experiments are designed to test the ability of our cells to engraft and survive in vivo. A second set of experiments will investigate the functional activity of successfully engrafted cells. Data from these studies will also be used to guide the development of future IND submissions."

In other research news, ISCO announced that a grant in which ISCO is a partner, was recently funded by the Qualified Therapeutic Discovery Project Grants Program created under the healthcare reform legislation enacted last March. The study is led by Paul H. Chen, M.D. to investigate healing after corneal surgery using ISCO's corneal epithelial cells developed by ISCO's wholly-owned subsidiary Lifeline Cell Technology. ISCO's cells, combined with a proprietary surgical device developed by Dr. Chen, may provide safer and better long term results than LASIK. By utilizing ISCO's human corneal cells, ISCO and Dr. Chen believe that cellular enhanced PRK could eventually replace LASIK for many of the hundreds of thousands of patients who require corrective eye surgery.

According to Dr. Chen, "This collaborative work with ISCO could lead to a safer and more effective treatment that hopefully will provide quicker visual recovery, less pain, and an improved refractive correction outcome."

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 is developing a line of cosmeceutical products via 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, http://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 and therapeutic applications, 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" could", "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, 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 forward-looking statements.

Key Words: Stem cells, parthenogenesis, biotechnology, hepatocytes, liver disease

International Stem Cell Corporation
Jeffrey D. Janus
Sr. Vice President, Operations
1-760-940-6383
jjanus@intlstemcell.com
or
Nikolay Turovets, Ph.D.
Director of Research and Therapeutic Development
nturovets@intlstemcell.com

Posted in Stem Cells, Stem Cell Therapy | Comments Off on Heightened Interest from the Medical Research Community and New Funding of International Stem Cell Corporation’s (ISCO) Therapeutic Research

Notes from The Chairman Concerning ISCO Price Fluctuations

Posted: November 7, 2010 at 9:32 am

As a matter of policy, we at ISCO refrain from commenting on movements in the price of our stock. However, events yesterday were so unusual and have resulted in so many questions, that I think it is our duty to our shareholders to tell you what we know.

As best we can determine, Patrick Cox, who has been and continues to be a strong supporter of our company, was required yesterday by his publisher to cease coverage of our stock and issue a sell recommendation because he has an equity interest in a company with which we do business that could have been perceived as a conflict of interest. That has resulted in numerous negative comments on investor message boards that referred to the sell recommendation without giving the background or a full explanation. As a result, I felt it was important that we put the day's events into proper context. The following are what I believe to be the relevant excerpts from Patrick's article:

As you know, I've been a huge promoter of International Stem Cell Corp.'s (OTCBB: ISCO) parthenogenic stem cell technology. I've not only told you about the company, but I appeared on John Mauldin's podcast show with ISCO board chairman Ken Aldrich about six months ago. Aldrich and Mauldin subsequently became friends and found that their organizations were a perfect fit for marketing ISCO's cosmeceutical skin care product.

John Mauldin asked me to be a part of that organization. We looked hard at Agora Financial's policies as well as applicable SEC regulations and concluded that there would be no conflict of interest because the position gave me no direct interest in ISCO or its stock price....

My publisher, however, has grown increasingly uncomfortable with this arrangement. The reason is not that Agora Financial believes that there would be an actual conflict of interest. Rather, it is that it might be perceived as one by some, in particular SEC lawyers....

My publisher's trading policy's aim, however, is to keep me purely objective and disinterested. This policy is debatable, but I respect it. My only option, therefore, is to issue a sell order or face the wrath of a disappointed spouse.

You can probably guess what that means. I'm going to have to issue a sell order.

Patrick followed that with a supplement, in which he said, in part,

Just to re-iterate, now that I've seen the price action from this afternoon's sell alert, I'm not parting with the shares of International Stem Cell Corp. (OTCBB: ISCO) because I believe they are a bad investment (my feelings, as you probably know, are quite the opposite)...ISCO still has the transformational potential that I've told you about. The only real change is that I won't be able to update you from here on out -- due to an over abundance of caution from my publisher.

Obviously, we can't know for certain if these articles caused the price movement yesterday, but we believe they were a major factor. Moreover, the comments and the response of investors to them are beyond our control, but we do want to reassure all interested parties that there is no information of which we are aware to justify the price fluctuation that occurred yesterday.

I hope this will prove helpful.

Sincerely,

Ken Aldrich

Chairman

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS:

Statements pertaining to anticipated developments, 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.

Posted in Stem Cells, Stem Cell Therapy | Comments Off on Notes from The Chairman Concerning ISCO Price Fluctuations

Exercise in Adolescence May Cut Risk of Deadly Brain Tumor

Posted: November 7, 2010 at 9:30 am

(HealthDay News) -- Exercising during adolescence may help guard against a deadly form of brain tumor in adulthood, new research suggests.

The study also found that avoiding obesity during the teen years was associated with a lower risk of developing the cancerous brain tumors called gliomas, while being tall increased the chances of such malignancies.

The study appears in the Nov. 1 issue of Cancer Research.

Gliomas are the most common type of brain and central nervous system cancers, accounting for 80 percent of cases, according to background information in the study. Gliomas cause 13,000 deaths in the United States each year.

Though little is known about why people develop the tumors or who is at risk, previous research has hinted that "early life exposures" may increase the risk of developing the cancer in adulthood, said study author Steven C. Moore, a research fellow in the Nutritional Epidemiology Branch of the U.S. National Cancer Institute. Studies have shown that people who are left-handed, for example, are at higher risk of the disease. Read more...

Memory concentration, loss of memory, short term memory loss

Posted in Integrative Medicine | Comments Off on Exercise in Adolescence May Cut Risk of Deadly Brain Tumor

Chinese mushroom found to have powerful anti-aging benefits

Posted: November 7, 2010 at 9:30 am

The cordyceps mushroom is back in the spotlight again, except this time for its anti-aging properties. Researchers from Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc., and LifeGen Technologies have found that Cordyceps sinensis (Cs-4), a traditional Chinese mushroom, is a powerful anti-aging food with the ability to improve energy metabolism, decrease fatigue, bolster endurance levels and lengthen lifespan.

Back in March, we covered breakthrough research on the power of cordyceps to treat cancer (http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=22848,http://www.dreddyclinic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=22276), but the new research has found even more beneficial uses for this emerging superfood. By encouraging human genes to express in ways that promote longevity, cordyceps has incredible potential in helping to reverse the negative effects of aging.

"We're making great breakthroughs in gene expression science that have application in the fields of health and longevity," explained Joe Chang, Ph.D., chief scientific officer and executive vice president of development at Nu Skin. "These studies ... help validate the critical role gene expression modulation plays in the aging process. We believe that the future of anti-aging is in developing consumer solutions that support youthful gene expression." Read more...

Youtharia for Anti-Aging & Longevity

Posted in Integrative Medicine | Comments Off on Chinese mushroom found to have powerful anti-aging benefits

Carla wants to know

Posted: November 7, 2010 at 9:30 am

In response to a question posed by one of my oldest and most perceptive friends, I posted what follows to my Facebook profile.

Her question was posed after watching this video http://vimeo.com/15979195

"Rocky, am I really ignorant and paranoid?

It seems like this technology holds they key to either really, really good stuff for us as a species, or it has the potential for really really bad stuff.

I trust the science and the scientists. I don't trust the Money that controls what's done with the science.

Einstein was a really nice guy. He had no idea his science would be used for war. I don't think any of the Manhattan Project scientists went into it knowing what they were unleashing on the world."

~ Carla Conrad

My answer: A most perspicacious observation, and right on the mark. Occam’s Razor, 21st century style, meaning that you have hit upon the simplest explanation for the potential outcome; like every technological innovation in the past, nanoscale technologies have both the potential for tremendous good and/or tremendous bad. And don’t let my seemingly cavalier use of "tremendous" lull you into a false sense of security; I mean "tremendous" as in "things that have the potential to change everything we think we know about ourselves, while enabling each of us with the power to effect and experience our surroundings in ways heretofore only imagined."

I have been actively and intensely following nanoscale technologies since the early ‘90’s. At the end of the day, my most prescient observation would be that these technologies will have an impact on our global society many times greater than ALL past technological revolutions. Let me put it another way: nanoscale technologies - and the products thereof - will enable far greater change than our discovery, development and use of fire, bronze, iron, steel, electrical power, cars, planes and space travel put together.

Any person, institution or government entity that says "Oh yeah, nanotechnology, we got that handled" is lying their ass off. Equally, any person, institution or government entity that says "Oh yeah, nanotechnology, it’s gonna kill us all in one or more horrible ways" is also lying their ass off. Anyone that fervent usually has a hidden agenda, and one which serves a higher master. You’ll notice I said "usually" – many of my colleagues in the nanospace are humanitarians in the best sense and are talking about and planning for ways in which the good things can be emphasized and the bad minimized or eliminated.

My philosophy is summed up thus:

Nanotechnology will certainly play a pivotal role in our future; now, with the introduction of lighter/stronger materials in the auto, space, and military industries, and later, with the introduction of molecular manufacturing (making items per your specifications, in your own home, for pennies on the dollar of current prices – think "replicator" and you will not be too far off).

Expect to see revolutionary changes in solar, fuel cell and hydrogen storage technologies within the next few years. And expect to see a great deal of interest in and subsequent higher funding of nanotech-enabled sensor technologies for military, homeland security and civilian applications within the next few years. Put another (albeit obvious) way: expect to see cultural tsunamis of a magnitude that rival anything we have thus far experienced.

No informed person doubts that developments at the nanoscale will be significant. We debate the time frame, the magnitude and the possibilities, but not the likelihood for large-scale change. The least-speculative views suggest that we're in for changes of an order that justifies – if not demands – our undivided attention. Will we be ready? (BTW: not kidding, not even the weensiest amount)

OK, off my high horse and back to your previously programmed station…

Posted in Nano medicine | Comments Off on Carla wants to know

Bacteria, the anti-cancer soldier

Posted: November 7, 2010 at 9:30 am

Everyone knows about cancer. According to the World Health Organization eight million people died of one of the many forms of cancer 2007 and this number is expected to grow to more than 12 million by 2030. However, unlike many other significant diseases, cancer is not confined to a continent or socioeconomic cohort. Also unlike other entrants on the WHO’s top 10 there is no vaccine or wonder drug. This insidious disease requires surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy all of which wreak havoc on the patient during and often long after treatment. But recently novel research looking at using certain bacteria as a therapy is gaining traction that may result in new treatment options that are cheap, easy to produce, noninvasive and if the current research is any indication capable of complete remission in some cases.

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Posted in Gene therapy | Comments Off on Bacteria, the anti-cancer soldier

TEDMED 2010: Technology and the people

Posted: November 7, 2010 at 9:30 am

SAN DIEGO-- On day two of TEDMED , running between Oct. 27 and 30, three themes stood out: the difference between children and adults for therapies; the connection between animals, people and disease; and how genetics will shape health care.

Frances Jensen of Harvard University and Children’s Hospital Boston explained the dramatic differences between developing and adult brains. With faster synapses, teens learn faster than adults, for instance. But as a consequence, they also "get addicted faster, longer and stronger than adults do," she said. Because teens have more synaptic material to affect, they suffer greater brain damage from alcohol than in adults. Differences in developing brain mean should have "no more hand-me-down drugs" for youths, added Jensen.

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Posted in Gene therapy | Comments Off on TEDMED 2010: Technology and the people

Clear New Insights into the Genetics of Depression

Posted: November 7, 2010 at 9:30 am

The psychologist Rollo May once described depression as “the inability to construct a future”. [More]

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Posted in Gene therapy | Comments Off on Clear New Insights into the Genetics of Depression

Indian Healthcare IT market & Oracle’s presence in Indian Healthcare

Posted: November 7, 2010 at 9:30 am

Dr. Mehdi Khalid Vice President, Healthcare and Life Sciences Industry Business Unit Asia Paci?c and Japan at Oracle about key aspects of healthcare IT market in India & Oracle’s presence in this space.

DownloadHealth India 2010

Posted in Genetic medicine | Comments Off on Indian Healthcare IT market & Oracle’s presence in Indian Healthcare

India announce Heart Surgery for $1000 USD

Posted: November 7, 2010 at 9:30 am

Launched by British Prime Minister David Cameron on 28 July 2010 in Bangalore, India, Dishaa is an initiative that will expand, enrich and energise relations between India and the UK.

Dishaa means direction in India’s national language Hindi. And that what the it is aiming for direction for for future leaders from India and UK

Dishaa has announced the new challenge for the millenia will be

Heart surgery at $1,000 (USD) – what has to change in how society operates and innovates to make this a reality?

Dr Devi Shetty of  Narayana Hrudayalaya a large hospital group specializing in Cardiac Surgery from Bangalore, India says  it is on the way to become a reality

And he is going ahead with the plan to open India’s first low-cost hospital for caridac surgery will be up and running in Mysore  by early next year, to offer Cardiac Surgery at $1500 USD against the current cost of  $5000 USD in India

These state-of-the art hospitals will be built at a cost of  just $ 35 Million USD, about one-fifth the cost of constructing a 300-bed super-speciality hospital in India.  By 2012 Dr. Shetty plan to open 50 more such hospitals in India. the next are coming up in Siliguri (West Bengal) and Bhubaneswar (Orissa) with help from  The Union health ministry of India

Details on Dishaa page

http://www.commonpurpose.org/info/media-releases/101021_$1,000-(usd)-for-heart-surgery

Posted in Genetic medicine | Comments Off on India announce Heart Surgery for $1000 USD

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