OCEANSIDE, California - April 8, 2010 - International Stem Cell Corporation (ISCO.OB), http://www.internationalstemcell.com, announces today that it’s wholly owned subsidiary, Lifeline Skin Care Inc., has achieved positive results in human safety tests of its cosmetic products and is moving forward with arrangements with Cosmetic Enterprises Ltd. for the manufacture of three cosmetic products. These developments allow Lifeline Skin Care to plan a launch of its cosmetic product line in the late summer or fall of 2010.
Cosmetic face products developed by Lifeline Skin Care Inc., contain extracts from human parthenogenetic stem cells (hpSC) combined with a vitamin complex and other active ingredients. The products utilize a form of nanotechnology to deliver concentrated active ingredients to damaged skin. Laboratory tests show that an active “complex” of stem cell extract has the ability to rejuvenate skin. Also, early human trials show that these cosmetic products moisturize skin and strongly indicate the ability to decrease the depth of wrinkles and provide factors that lead to anti-aging effects.
Lifeline Skin Care is working with Cosmetic Enterprises, Ltd., located in California, to formulate and package its unique skin care product. Cosmetic Enterprises is a well-known OTC drug licensed manufacturer with over 30 years of experience. Lifeline Skin Care’s “parthenogenetic stem cell complex” the product’s active ingredient, is made in Lifeline Skin Care’s laboratory in Oceanside, California.
According to Gregory S. Keller, MD, FACS, “These positive safety studies in human testing are important, especially considering that preliminary human trial data show that products of the production of International Stem Cell’s parthenogenetic stem cells have significant beneficial effects on the skin and might also provide long term benefits in reducing wrinkles and other visible signs of aging. These results are a significant step forward in making this unique product available to the public.” Dr. Keller was named the 2007 “Specialist of the Year in Facial Cosmetic Surgery” in Strathmore’s “Who’s Who”.
The results of recent human safety tests show there were no identifiable signs or symptoms of sensitization (contact allergy). Safety testing is a series of tests to insure the product does not cause negative reactions such as irritation to the skin. This completed round of testing allows Lifeline Skin Care to move forward confidently with its commercial manufacturing plans.
International Stem Cell Corporation is a pioneer in development of a new class of stem cells called “human parthenogenetic stem cells” which avoid critical ethical issues by eliminating the need to use fertilized embryos and can be immune-matched to large segments of the population. As of today, ISCO has successfully derived 10 hpSC lines. One of these lines (hpSC-Hhom-4), carries the most common immune type found across racial groups within the US population and can be immune-matched to millions of people.
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). 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. 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 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," "should," "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: Skin Care, Stem Cells, Biotechnology, Parthenogenesis
CONTACTS:
International Stem Cell Corporation
Kenneth C. Aldrich, Chairman
760-940-6383
kaldrich@intlstemcell.com
Or
Lifeline Skin Care Inc.
Ruslan Semechkin, PhD, CEO
760-940-6383
ras@intlstemcell.com