Data from successful animal study using liver cells derived from
human parthenogenetic stem cells to be presented at two upcoming
scientific conferences Company also announces collaboration with Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
for liver disease research, and completion of research on cytochrome
P450 activity International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB:ISCO) (ISCO) announces
successful completion of the first series of preclinical testing of
hepatocytes derived in the lab from human parthenogenetic stem cells
(hpSC). In the transplantation mouse model, inoculated cells were
capable of engrafting and surviving in specific niches within the liver,
and were further developing into cells with essential hepatocyte-like
features. Moreover, the transplanted cells could be identified in
recipient tissue for a prolonged period of time.
The findings of these studies will be presented at the annual meeting of
American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy, May 18-21 in Seattle, and at
the International Society for Stem Cell Research annual conference, June
15-18 in Toronto.
"These results mark the achievement of a key milestone in our
preclinical research," said Andrey Semechkin, Ph.D., ISCO's Chief
Executive Officer. "Specifically, we have perfected the technique to
transplant hepatocytes, an extremely fragile cell type, into the liver
of animals, which is an easily injured organ. This preclinical research
helps us develop our collaborations with clinics."
Nikolay Turovets, Ph.D., ISCO's Director of Research and Therapeutic
Development commented "The next phase of research is to conduct
experiments to demonstrate the ability of the transplanted cells to
perform the vital functions of normal hepatocytes and, accordingly,
their ability to modify disease by restoring the missing function of a
patient's diseased liver."
The Company also announces the signing of a joint collaboration
agreement with Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles to conduct
research to develop therapies for liver diseases, in particular urea
cycle disorders. Jeffrey Fair, MD., a liver transplant surgeon and
Director of Translational Research for the Cedars-Sinai Comprehensive
Transplant Center and Department of Surgery, will lead the Cedars-Sinai
research team.
Dr. Fair said, "Urea cycle disorders are genetic deficiencies of liver
function, which mostly affect newborns and oftentimes cause catastrophic
neurological injury. It has been shown that transplantation of donor
hepatocytes can save patient lives. Therefore, derivation of hepatocytes
from hpSCs that can be immune-matched to the patient is a very pressing
goal."
The Company also announces the completion of research focused on the
investigation of cytochrome P450 activity and corresponding genes in
hepatocytes derived from hpSC. According to the results, the
differentiation technology developed by ISCO allows the creation of
hepatocytes in the fetal stage of development. This research may
contribute to the design of a product for future drug testing and
discovery.
About International Stem Cell Corporation
International Stem Cell Corporation is 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 the 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 genders, ages and racial background. This offers 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, and cell-based skin care products through its subsidiary
Lifeline Skin Care. More information is available at www.internationalstemcell.com.
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Forward-looking Statements
Statements pertaining to anticipated developments, research and
development goals and related potential therapeutic treatments, the
potential benefits of 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 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.
International Stem Cell Corporation
Kenneth C Aldrich, Chairman
760-940-6383
kaldrich@intlstemcell.com
or
Nikolay
Turovets, Ph.D.
Director, Research and Therapeutic Development
nturovets@intlstemcell.com |
