International
Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB:ISCO)(www.internationalstemcell.com),
the first company to perfect a method of creating human
"parthenogenetic" stem cells from unfertilized eggs, announces positive
results of its collaboration with Absorption
Systems to study ISCO's stem-cell-derived human corneal tissue as an
alternative to live animals for drug testing. Initial results using
non-animal or "in vitro" tests indicate an excellent correlation
between the rates at which drugs pass through ISCO's lab-grown corneal
tissue and rabbit corneal tissue. The results offer great promise for
reducing the use of living animals for eye safety testing. ISCO's human
corneal tissue is created from parthenogenetic stem cells in the
laboratories of Lifeline Cell Technology (Walkersville, MD), ISCO's
wholly-owned subsidiary.
According to Dr. Chris Bode of Absorption Systems. "The rank order
correlation of the eight drugs tested so far is almost perfect."
The collaboration between the companies is focused on using Absorption
Systems' know-how in creating assay systems to develop superior
preclinical methods of testing drugs. Such methods can also reduce the
use of laboratory animals currently necessary for other tests, including
the very large global commercial need for a reliable and reproducible
non-animal method for eye safety testing of consumer products.
In the past, researchers have grown corneal cells in the laboratory, but
ISCO is believed to be the only company to grow a self-assembling
corneal construct from parthenogenetic stem cells that is suitable for
toxicity testing and possibly suitable for corneal transplants. ISCO's
corneal constructs include cell layers and structures normally found in
a human cornea, as confirmed by an independent third-party laboratory.
ISCO's proprietary lines of parthenogenetic stem cells remove the need
for fertilized embryos and, in a therapeutic setting, may minimize the
threat of immune rejection. This breakthrough was published in the
peer-reviewed journal Cloning & Stem Cells (Volume 9, Number 3;
September 2007:432-449 and, Volume 10, Number 1; March 2008: 11-24).
"These initial experiments are very encouraging and will be followed up
with more extensive testing. Absorption Systems' proficiency in
performing tissue-based assays may provide a powerful and unique drug
testing model for the large commercial markets in the pharmaceutical
industry and the field of ophthalmology," commented Jeffrey Janus,
Senior VP of ISCO and CEO of Lifeline. "In addition, this work
complements ISCO's effort to use its parthenogenetic stem cells to
create cell transplant therapies for diseases of the eye. We plan to
further develop our corneal tissue technology with a goal of routinely
growing living human corneas for ultimate use in human corneal
transplants."
"ISCO's corneal construct, combined with Absorption Systems' expertise
in assessing drug disposition, may provide pharmaceutical and
ophthalmology researchers with new insight, without the need for animal
models," said Patrick M. Dentinger, President and CEO of Absorption
Systems. "Absorption Systems' services yield the type of definitive data
expected by the FDA, so we believe that our combined products will be of
great interest to researchers studying diseases of the eye."
For more news and information on International Stem Cell Corporation
please visit www.IRGnews.com/coi/ISCO
where you can find the CEO's video, a fact sheet on the company,
investor presentations, and more. ABOUT INTERNATIONAL STEM CELL CORPORATION (ISCO.OB):
International Stem Cell Corporation is a California biotechnology
company focused on developing therapeutic and research products. ISCO's
technology, Parthenogenesis, results in the creation of
pluripotent human stem cell lines from unfertilized human eggs. ISCO
scientists have created the first Parthenogenetic homozygous stem
cell line (phSC-Hhom-4) that can be a source of therapeutic cells
that will minimize immune rejection after transplantation into hundreds
of millions of individuals of differing sexes, ages and racial groups.
These advancements offer the potential to create the first true "Stem
Cell Bank" and address ethical issues by eliminating the need to use or
destroy fertilized embryos. ISCO also produces and markets specialized
cells and growth media worldwide for therapeutic research through its
subsidiary Lifeline Cell Technology. For more information, visit the
ISCO website at: 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.
ABOUT ABSORPTION SYSTEMS:
Founded in 1996 by Patrick Dentinger and Ismael J. Hidalgo, Ph.D.,
Absorption Systems, LP focuses on performing assays that can predict the
Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion and Toxicity (ADMET) of
small molecules using a variety of in vitro, in situ, and in
vivo biological models. Absorption Systems supports these assays
with state-of–the-art bioanalytical capabilities and preclinical
formulation services. For more information, visit: www.absorption.com FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: Statements pertaining to anticipated future financial and/or
operating results, future growth in research, technology, clinical
development and potential joint venture 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
Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=6064890&lang=en
International Stem Cell Corporation Kenneth C. Aldrich, Chairman,
CEO kaldrich@intlstemcell.com William
B. Adams, Co-Founder, 760-940-6383 wadams@intlstemcell.com Jeffrey
Janus, 760-940-6383 CEO, Lifeline Cell Technology Senior VP,
International Stem Cell Corporation janusj@lifelinecelltech.com or The
Investor Relations Group Media Relations: Laura Colontrelle,
212-825-3210 lcolontrelle@investorrelationsgroup.com or Schwartz
Communications Andrea tenBroek or Wendy Mejia, 781-684-0770 absorptionsystems@schwartz-pr.com |