Thursday, June 30, 2011

Lifeline Cell Technology’s FibroLife Media Used to Cultivate Tissue-Engineered Blood Vessels for Cytograft Tissue Engineering

International Stem Cell Corporation’s (ISCO) subsidiary, Lifeline Cell Technology (Lifeline), contributed a critical role in developing a cell culture media that is suitable to grow the blood vessels used by Cytograft Tissue Engineering. 

As seen in the American Heart Association ‘s innovative forum for late breaking science, “Emerging Science Series” webinar, Focus on Thrombosis and Vascular Biology, Cytograft’s technology has shown positive clinical results in the extensive market for vascular grafts; a market that exceeds 500,000 patients. 

Applications for this technology include vascular shunts for hemodialysis for patients with kidney disease, lower limb circulation problems and coronary artery bypass grafts. If approved in further upcoming clinical trials, Lifeline’s media will be made to clinical grade in its cGMP media manufacturing facilities.

Coverage of this important story has been reported in the following media:
Forbes 


CNN

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

International Stem Cell's Lifeline Cell Technology Subsidiary Expands Sales and Distribution While Enhancing Manufacturing Capability and Clinical Product Opportunities

International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB:ISCO) (www.intlstemcell.com), the first company to perfect a method of creating human "parthenogenetic" stem cells derived from unfertilized human eggs, reports that its wholly owned subsidiary, Lifeline Cell Technology (Lifeline), grew 2011 first quarter product sales by 35% and gained well over 200 new customers compared with the prior year through new product introductions and the development of worldwide distribution channels. Lifeline also made significant progress in its strategy to expand its product applications into manufacturing human tissues and cells for clinical use. Lifeline Cell Technology develops, manufactures and markets the Lifeline® brand of cell culture products used by researchers to grow human cells for basic and pre-clinical research. Lifeline also fulfills an important role in parent ISCO's long-term strategy to be a leading developer and manufacturer of human cells and human-cell-based products for clinical applications.


Lifeline's chief executive officer, Jeffrey Janus, stated, "Our product sales growth was largely due to the development and launch of more than 30 new products in 2010, including products that allow researchers to study human stem cells. Lifeline also opened new distribution channels in Japan, India, Taiwan, South Korea and Singapore and has achieved significant sales in those new markets. Importantly, we have also moved closer to validating the feasibility of ISCO's strategic plan as our proprietary FibroLife® media is being used to cultivate tissue-engineered blood vessels for Cytograft Tissue Engineering in Novato, California. Cytograft's vessels are expected to be used as coronary grafts for coronary bypass procedures, as peripheral grafts to prevent lower limb amputations and as living tissue shunts for hemodialysis patients."


Cytograft's technology was recently featured at the American Heart Association's conference of emerging technology and can be viewed on the AHA's "Emerging Science Series Webinar" at scientificsessions.org/emergingscience.


Cytograft's chief executive officer, Todd McAllister, Ph.D., said, "Cytograft's clinical programs are going forward in Phase III trials and we are excited to be working with Lifeline as one of our key media developers and suppliers as we transition to commercialization and as we develop our next generation platform."


In anticipation of producing clinical grade products, Lifeline recently moved into new laboratory facilities that are capable of cGMP level manufacturing. Said Janus, "Lifeline Cell Technology provides ISCO the capacity to develop and manufacture human cell-based products for growing field of regenerative medicine, while at the same time generating revenue in the research market. The Cytograft opportunity is but one example of many potential clinical applications for Lifeline's products."


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.


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, product development and marketing plans, 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, competition, 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.


http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=bwnews&sty=20110629005531r1&sid=14230&distro=ftp
International Stem Cell Corporation
Jeffrey Janus
President and CEO, Lifeline Cell Technology
760-940-6383
jjanus@lifelinecelltech.com
or:
Lippert/Heilshorn & Associates
Don Markley
310-691-7100
dmarkley@lhai.com


Monday, June 27, 2011

International Stem Cell Corporation Executives to Speak at Health and Beauty Expo in New York City

International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB:ISCO) announced today that Kenneth Aldrich, Chairman of the Board, and Dr. Ruslan Semechkin, President and CEO of Lifeline Skin Care® (www.lifelineskincare.com), a subsidiary of ISCO, which develops and markets stem cell based anti-aging skincare products, will be addressing recent advances in stem cell technology at the HBA Global Expo being held June 28 – 30 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City. This annual conference attracts more than 15,000 beauty industry professionals and is one of the largest events in the cosmetics and personal care industry. Product development and marketing executives attend the annual HBA conference for education and information on the latest trends in ingredients and raw materials.


Mr. Aldrich is participating in the "Executive Leadership Panel: Generating the Future in the Skin Anti-Aging Category," on Tuesday, June 28, at 1:30 p.m. Dr. Semechkin is presenting at the Expo's Anti-Aging Symposium as an expert on emerging technologies in skincare. Dr. Semechkin's presentation, titled "Stem Cell Derived Growth Factors - the Next Breakthrough in Anti-Aging," is scheduled for Wednesday, June 29, at 1:30 p.m.


International Stem Cell is a world leader in the research and development of parthenogenetic stem cells for therapeutic applications and is developing and commercializing stem cell-based research and cosmetic products through Lifeline Skin Care®. The first cosmetic products, a defensive day moisture serum and a recovery night moisture serum containing extracts from human parthenogenetic stem cells, were launched in November 2010 and are available for purchase through www.lifelineskincare.com and selected luxury spas across the United States.


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.


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, product development and marketing plans, 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, competition, 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.


http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=bwnews&sty=20110627005249r1&sid=14230&distro=ftp
International Stem Cell Corporation
760-940-6383
Kenneth C. Aldrich, Chairman
kaldrich@intlstemcell.com
Ruslan Semechkin, PhD
Vice President, ISCO
President and CEO, Lifeline Skin Care
ras@intlstemcell.com
or:
Lippert/Heilshorn & Associates
Don Markley, 310-691-7100
dmarkley@lhai.com


Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Kurt May to Join International Stem Cell Corporation as Senior Vice President

Andrey Semechkin, Ph.D., CEO of International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB:ISCOE) ("ISCO") announced today that Kurt May, a highly experienced senior business executive and biotechnology entrepreneur, is concluding his service as a faculty member at the University of San Diego's School of Business Administration and is joining ISCO as a Senior Vice President.
Mr. May's duties will include mergers and acquisitions and development of new international collaborations, and he will work directly with Dr. Semechkin in implementing the Company's business model of combining cutting-edge scientific research and building multiple revenue streams to support that research.


Prior to joining ISCO, Mr. May was a senior executive with GTE Corporation, a Fortune 50 company, where he enjoyed 23 years of progressive management experience. Mr. May then went on to serve as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer with PriceSmart Inc. Since 2001 Mr. May has founded and led a privately owned biotech company, Psynomics Inc., as CEO. Psynomics Inc. is a spin out of the University of California San Diego, where Mr. May served as a faculty member and Assistant Dean of the Rady School of Management from 2005 until 2009.


"Mr. May strengthens an accomplished management team at ISCO, and I am delighted that we attracted a professional of his caliber to our Company," said ISCO'S CEO, Dr. Semechkin.


About International Stem Cell Corporation
International Stem Cell Corporation is focused on the therapeutic applications of human parthenogenetic stem cells (hpSCs) 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.


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 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, competition, 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.


http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=bwnews&sty=20110621005505r1&sid=14230&distro=ftp
International Stem Cell Corporation
Andrey Semechkin, PhD
CEO & President
760-940-6383
aes@intlstemcell.com
or:
Lippert/Heilshorn & Associates
Don Markley, 310-691-7100
dmarkley@lhai.com

Monday, June 20, 2011

Why Stem Cells?

• Proteins extracted from stem cells enable skin cells to produce collagen
and grow.

• Stem cells are immortal cells that can both proliferate (divide) and change (differentiate) into more specialized cells such as skin, liver, or blood cells.

• The most powerful stem cells are known as pluripotent because they have the potential to become any cell in the body.

• Lifeline Skin Care uses a proprietary extract from a class of human pluripotent stem cells called parthenogenetic stem cells. These stem cells come from unfertilized human eggs, so no human embryos are harmed in this process.



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Thursday, June 16, 2011

International Stem Cell Corporation (ISCO) Announces That Donna Queen, Former President and CEO of ZO SKIN HEALTH, the Luxury Brand Created by Zein Obagi, MD, Has Joined ISCO Executive Team

International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB:ISCOE) announced today that Donna Queen has joined ISCO's executive team. Ms. Queen will be primarily responsible for ISCO's wholly owned subsidiary Lifeline Skin Care's (Lifeline) brand identity and international marketing as well as broadening the range of Lifeline products currently available.


Prior to joining ISCO, Ms. Queen was President and CEO of ZO SKIN HEALTH® by Zein Obagi, MD. Dr. Obagi is the dermatologist who created the original Obagi Nu-Derm skincare system, which has since become the leading physician-dispensed brand of anti-aging skincare. Earlier Ms. Queen founded and led one of Virginia's largest advertising and marketing agencies, specializing in aesthetic and dermatological marketing and brand development.


Dr. Andrey Semechkin, President and CEO of ISCO, commented: "I'm very pleased that Ms. Queen has joined our team. Ms. Queen's industry experience and expertise particularly in marketing prescription-based products will be invaluable as we expand our skin care business and further enhance our line of products."


Ms. Queen adds, "I'm very excited to be joining such a dynamic, science-driven company. There have been no recent meaningful technological breakthroughs in skin care, but with ISCO's scientific leadership in stem cells and their knowledge of skin tissue physiology we have an opportunity to continue to deliver new and innovative treatments."


ISCO previously announced sales of approximately $1.1 million from the pilot direct-to-consumer launch of Lifeline's first two products, an anti-aging Day Serum and a Night Serum. These products were developed by ISCO's scientific research team in collaboration with internationally recognized cosmetics experts. The serums contain an extract from ISCOʽs proprietary human parthenogenetic stem cells combined with antioxidants and botanically derived ingredients. Using these serums on a regular basis provides significant benefits to the skin including improvement in skin tone and elasticity and the improvement in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, results that have been independently established by clinical studies performed at industry-leading testing laboratories. The serums can be purchased by visiting Lifelineʽs website at www.lifelineskincare.com and are also available at selected luxury spas and physicians' offices in the United States.


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.


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, product development and marketing plans, 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, competition, 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.


http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=bwnews&sty=20110616005464r1&sid=14230&distro=ftp
International Stem Cell Corporation
760-940-6383
Ruslan Semechkin, PhD
Vice President, ISCO
CEO, Lifeline Skin Care
ras@intlstemcell.com
or
Simon Craw, PhD
Vice President, ISCO
sc@intlstemcell.com
or
Lippert/Heilshorn & Associates
Don Markley
310-691-7100
dmarkley@lhai.com