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International Stem Cell Corporation Applauds Research Showing Parthenogenesis as a Potential Strategy for Treating Inherited Disease

February 14th, 2011 9:47 am

International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB:ISCO), http://www.internationalstemcell.com, applauds a recent announcement by researchers at Nationwide Children's Hospital showing the use of parthenogenetic stem cells as a potential strategy to treat genetic diseases such as Huntington's disease, beta thalassemia or tuberous sclerosis.

In a scientific paper entitled, "Gene therapy by allele selection in a mouse model of beta-thalassemia" recently published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, a team of researchers from the Center for Molecular and Human Genetics (NationwideChildren's Hospital, Columbus, OH), the University of Pennsylvania, the University of North Carolina and the University of Minnesota led by John McLaughlin Ph.D., describe how they used a mouse model of an inherited blood disorder to show that parthenogenesis could be used to create "genetically clean" stem cells. These parthenogenetic stem cells demonstrated the ability to correct certain symptoms of such a disease.

Dr. Andrey Semechkin, CEO of ISCO, commented, "We at ISCO are particularly pleased to note this animal model research into the potential of parthenogenetic stem cells since ISCO has created method for creating immortal human parthenogenetic stem cell (hpSC) lines. We are constantly seeking ways to use such technology to treat human diseases, and this announcement is a positive indication showing the potential of parthenogenetic stem cells to treat certain types of autosomal dominant diseases such as particular forms of beta thalassemia or even Huntington's disease. We expect that the transition from animal models to human therapy using parthenogenetic cells will continue to evolve as ISCO continues to conduct its own therapeutic research and to collaborate with researchers across the world to discover new ways to use parthenogenesis and parthenogenetic stem cells to cure human disease. We have great hope that animal research such as that just reported will open new doors to human therapy and look forward to making our human parthenogentic lines available for such therapies."

ISCO created and patented the first proven technology to create human parthenogenetic stem cell lines from unfertilized human eggs. This technology has similar potential advantages as those described in the work done at Nationwide Children's Hospital; i.e., the creation of human parthenogenetic stem cells that could eliminate a defective copy of a gene and can be immune-matched to the egg donor. ISCO's technology has the additional ethical advantage of not harming a viable human embryo.

Dr Semechkin continues, "ISCO is actively conducting research on the creation and application of differentiated derivatives of hpSC for therapeutic use. Specifically, ISCO has initiated a number of pre-clinical animal studies utilizing both hepatocytes and separately retina pigment epithelium cells, derived from hpSC. ISCO's scientists were also the first to demonstrate the ability of hpSC to differentiate into neural cells and to develop approaches to obtain stable lines of parthenogenetic neural cells. These achievements open up the opportunity to assess the efficacy and safety of using parthenogenetic stem cells as a source to create neural cells for the treatment of diseases such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and other neurodegenerative disorders. The work presented by Dr. McLaughlin once again confirms ISCO's unique position in the field of stem cell based therapies."

The work done by Dr. McLaughlin can be found at: http://www.jci.org/articles/view/45377?search%5Barticle_text%5D=&search%5Bauthors_text%5D=mclaughlin.

ABOUT INTERNATIONAL STEM CELL CORPORATION (ISCO.OB):

International Stem Cell Corporation is a California-based biotechnology company 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 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 and cell-based skin care products through its subsidiary Lifeline Skin Care. More information is available at 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 technological developments and therapeutic applications, 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, 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

International Stem Cell Corporation
Kenneth C. Aldrich, Chairman
760-940-6383
kaldrich@intlstemcell.com
or
Jeffrey Janus, Senior Vice President
760-940-6383
jjanus@intlstemcell.com

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International Stem Cell Corporation Announces Company Update Conference Call

February 14th, 2011 9:47 am

International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB:ISCO), http://www.internationalstemcell.com, announced today that its Chairman, Kenneth Aldrich and the CEO of its Lifeline Skin Care subsidiary, Ruslan Semechkin, PhD, will present a Webinar discussion of the State of the Company and its plans for its Skin Care subsidiary on Wednesday, January 19, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. PST. In announcing the event, Mr. Aldrich stressed that its purpose is not to announce any new programs or financial results, but to attempt to provide an overview of events during the past year and offer shareholders a perspective on what to expect in the coming year. The dial-in number for participants is: 1 (800) 588-4973. Please provide the confirmation number 28808144 to the operator upon calling in. An alternate dial-in number is 1 (847) 230-5643. The confirmation number will be the same for both numbers. A replay of the call will be available on the home page of the company's website at:http://www.internationalstemcell.com.

ABOUT INTERNATIONAL STEM CELL CORPORATION (ISCO.OB):

International Stem Cell Corporation is a California-based biotechnology company 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 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 and cell-based skin care products through its subsidiary Lifeline Skin Care. More information is available at 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.

Key Words: Stem Cells, Biotechnology, Parthenogenesis

International Stem Cell Corporation
Kenneth C. Aldrich, Chairman
760-940-6383
kaldrich@intlstemcell.com
or
Ruslan Semechkin, PhD,
Vice President, ISCO, CEO Lifeline Skin Care
ras@intlstemcell.com

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International Stem Cell Corporation to Present Ethical and Technical Qualities of Human Parthenogenetic Stem Cells at the Center for Ethics in Science

February 14th, 2011 9:47 am

International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB:ISCO), http://www.internationalstemcell.com, will lead a free public discussion highlighting the ethical considerations and medical advantages surrounding the derivation of human stem cells from unfertilized human eggs using ISCO's patented technology known as parthenogenesis. The discussion, sponsored by The Center for Ethics in Science and Technology, will take place on Wednesday, January 5th from 5:30-7:00 pm at the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center Community Forum, 1875 El Prado, San Diego, CA. Jeffrey Janus, Senior VP, will be the featured speaker in a program moderated by Michael Kalichman, Ph.D., Director of the Research Ethics Program at UC San Diego and co-founder and director of the Center of Ethics in Science and Technology.

ISCO's patented method of parthenogenesis results in pluripotent human stem cell lines having the positive characteristics of embryonic stem cells without the damage or destruction of a viable human embryo.

In preparation for the discussion, Dr. Kalichman and Mr. Janus will be interviewed on Monday, January 3, on XETV channel 6 at 7:25 am, and on the radio show "These Days" broadcast on KPBS, 89.5 FM at 9:20 am.

Registration for the free event can be made at http://www.ethicscenter.net.

In addition to the ethical advantages of not requiring the destruction of a viable human embryo, parthenogenetic stem cells possess unique qualities allowing them to be immune matched to millions of persons, giving them the potential to be used in many future stem cell based therapeutic applications. ISCO has derived ten parthenogenetic stem cell lines in Russia using Western-style informed consent processes, and is now setting up processes in the United States. However, the ethical and regulatory requirements involved in obtaining unfertilized human eggs in the U.S. present challenges to ISCO and other researchers working in stem cell field. ISCO's hope is to conform to these complicated regulatory and ethical frameworks so clinical-grade human parthenogenetic stem cells may be derived in the U.S. and used to create a bank of parthenogenetic stem cells that may be used by millions of persons of different sexes and racial groups.

According to Dr. Kalichman, "Success in scientific development often depends on both public understanding of science and on understanding by scientists of public concerns. The participation of ISCO in the proposed public forums is praiseworthy as a way to meet both of these goals."

"In addition to the ethical considerations, human parthenogenetic stem cells offer a potentially superior solution to stem-cell based therapies because they allow immune-matching that may alleviate immune rejection problems that are likely to hamper other stem cell therapies. This is especially important when the patients have a genetically-based disease, and cannot use their own stem cells," says Jeffrey Janus. "ISCO is one of the few therapeutic research organizations pursing the utilization of these unique cells because of not only the ethical advantages, but also because of these important medical considerations."

ABOUT INTERNATIONAL STEM CELL CORPORATION (ISCO.OB):

International Stem Cell Corporation is a California-based biotechnology company 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 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 and cell-based skin care products through its subsidiary Lifeline Skin Care. More information is available at 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 technological developments and therapeutic applications, 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, 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

International Stem Cell Corporation
Kenneth C. Aldrich, Chairman
760-940-6383
kaldrich@intlstemcell.com
or
Jeffrey Janus, Senior Vice President
760-940-6383
jjanus@intlstemcell.com

Read More...

International Stem Cell Corporation Announces Start of Marketing Collaboration with John Mauldin for Skin Care Products

February 14th, 2011 9:47 am

OCEANSIDE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB:ISCO),http://www.internationalstemcell.com, announced today that it had launched the first phase of its previously announced joint marketing campaign with John Mauldin, the founder and Chairman of Millennium Wave Investments, to market Lifeline Skin Care’s (LSC) new topical skin care products to more than one million of Mauldin’s subscribers. This launch follows ISCO’s earlier successful release to its own investor base and to the general public through its website,http://www.lifelineskincare.com.

“Having seen a strong demand from our investors and followers, we have been working diligently to increase both our marketing and production capabilities. John Mauldin’s participation will support the continuation of our rapid progress”

Mauldin, a best-selling writer, author of a monthly investment newsletter, and recognized marketing expert, provides LSC with the skills and a platform to enable LSC to continue expanding its sales while keeping marketing cost per customer lower than would be possible with a traditional media campaign.

Lifeline Skin Care’s exclusive patent pending skin rejuvenation serums contain extracts from ISCO’s proprietary “parthenogenetic” stem cells created from unfertilized eggs. The stem cell extract was discovered during ISCO’s therapeutic research that revealed the extract’s potential applications in skin cell rejuvenation. Independent third party testing indicates that both the day and the night serums now being offered have significant positive effects on the look and feel of the skin.

“Having seen a strong demand from our investors and followers, we have been working diligently to increase both our marketing and production capabilities. John Mauldin’s participation will support the continuation of our rapid progress,” says Dr. Ruslan Semechkin, CEO of Lifeline Skin Care.

John Mauldin adds, “I’m pleased to be involved with LSC and to help these truly revolutionary skin care products reach a broader audience. This new collaboration gives me the ability to offer these unique LSC products to my loyal client base.”

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 has developed and is now marketing a line of skin care 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, product introduction plans and related support, the potential benefits of planned products, anticipated sales growth for recently introduced 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.

Key Words: Stem cells, parthenogenesis, biotechnology, skin care, anti-aging

Read More...

International Stem Cell Corporation Announces $25 Million Common Stock Financing Agreement

February 14th, 2011 9:47 am

International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB:ISCO),http://www.internationalstemcell.com, announced today that it had entered into an agreement with Aspire Capital Fund, LLC, to provide, at the Company's sole option, up to $25 million of equity capital over the next three years. As part of this transaction, Aspire purchased, upon execution of the agreement, 333,333 shares of ISCO Common Stock at a price of $1.50 per share, a 7% premium over Friday's closing price of $1.40 per share.

Pricing of future sales under the agreement will be determined each time the Company elects to sell shares to Aspire by a formula that is based on the actual sale prices of the Company's stock over the 12 days preceding each sale to Aspire. Thus, the Company will control the timing and amount of any sales of its Common Stock to Aspire, and will always know at the time it gives a notice of sale what the cost of that round of financing will be.

Aspire has no right to require any sales by the Company, but is obligated to make purchases as the Company directs in accordance with the purchase agreement, and the Company has the right to terminate the agreement at any time. The agreement does not restrict other financings by the Company. A more detailed description of the transaction agreements with Aspire is set forth in the Company's current report on Form 8-K, filed today with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Ray Wood, Chief Financial Officer of ISCO, commented on the agreement, "This transaction is designed to provide both a source of working capital and maximum flexibility for the Company in determining the pricing and timing of any future financing it elects to use under this agreement. It provides us with access to capital that we believe will be adequate to fund our research activities for an extended period of time, but does not preclude us from pursuing additional financing during the term of the agreement. Because of the pricing flexibility this facility gives us, we believe that this agreement will provide both the lowest cost of capital currently available, plus maximum flexibility in meeting our future financing needs. If we don't need working capital or don't need as much as expected, we may elect not to use the facility. If we do need capital, it is available and we can choose when to obtain it."

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 humanstem cells from unfertilized oocytes (eggs). These proprietary cells avoid ethical issues associated with use or destruction of viable human embryosand, 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 has developed and is now marketing a line of skin care 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.

ABOUT ASPIRE CAPITAL FUND, LLC

Aspire Capital Fund, LLC is an institutional investor based in Chicago,Illinois, with a fundamental investment approach. Aspire Capital invests in a wide range of companies and industries emphasizing life sciences, energy and technology.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Statements pertaining to financing plans and capital needs, anticipatedtechnological developments and therapeutic applications, the potential benefits of 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," "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: Stem Cells, Biotechnology, Parthenogenesis

International Stem Cell Corporation
Kenneth C. Aldrich, Chairman, 760-940-6383
kaldrich@intlstemcell.com
or
Ray Wood, CFO, 760-640-6383
rwood@intlstemcell.com

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International Stem Cell Corporation Announces Commercial Sales to General Public of Its Breakthrough Stem Cell-Based Lines of Skin Care Products

February 14th, 2011 9:47 am


International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB:ISCO), http://www.internationalstemcell.com, announced today that the first new topical skin care products of its subsidiary, Lifeline Skin Care, are now available to the general public within the United States at http://www.lifelineskincare.com. Lifeline Skin Care's first two products consist of a Defensive Day Moisture Serum and Recovery Night Moisture Serum. Previously, these breakthrough serums, containing extracts from "parthenogenetic" stem cells, were available only to individuals and organizations formerly identified and selected for their interest in innovative approaches to skin care.

According to Lifeline Skin Care CEO, Dr. Ruslan Semechkin, "Because the quality products Lifeline Skin Care offers are experiencing strong demand and the human stem cell extracts require innovative manufacturing processes, we chose to develop our sales channels gradually and incrementally. We are very pleased with the customer feedback from our first limited launch and are delighted to now be able to expand production and make the products available to the general public within the US."

Purchases that could previously be made only by phone, can now be made directly through the company's website,http://www.lifelineskincare.com. "Enabling electronic order processing though our website provides the benefit of both lowering our transaction costs and increasing our scalability, while simultaneously simplifying the ordering process for our customers," said ISCO VP, Dr. Simon Craw.

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, product introduction plans and related support, the potential benefits of planned products, anticipated sales growth for recently introduced 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.

Key Words: Stem cells, parthenogenesis, biotechnology, skin care, anti-aging

International Stem Cell Corporation

Kenneth C. Aldrich, Chairman

1-760-940-6383

kaldrich@intlstemcell.com

or

Lifeline Skin Care, Inc.

Ruslan Semechkin, PhD, President & CEO Vice President, ISCO

ras@intlstemcell.com

Read More...

International Stem Cell Corporation Announces the Commercial Launch of Its Breakthrough Stem Cell-Based Line of Skin Care Products

February 14th, 2011 9:47 am

International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB:ISCO), http://www.internationalstemcell.com, announced today the commercial launch of its innovative line of topical skin care products by the company's wholly-owned subsidiary, Lifeline Skin Care ™ (http://www.lifelineskincare.com). Containing extracts from human "parthenogenetic" stem cells (hpSC), the products were formulated by a team of ISCO's research scientists in collaboration with cosmetic formulation experts to create an advanced scientific approach to skin care. The patent pending serums, which come in separate formulations for day and night time use, have been safety tested by highly regarded, independent laboratories, and have been shown to promote anti-aging of the skin.

The initial launch of the serums is to a pre-existing list of interested parties. We expect that the products will be available to the general public via our online store http://www.lifelineskincare.com in the near future.

A key innovation in creating the Lifeline Skin Care™ serums was the encapsulation of the parthenogenetic stem cell extractsinto nanospheres, which not only protect the proteins, but substantially enhance the effectiveness of the serums. World renowned skin cream formulation experts assisted ISCO's scientists to create the finished products and ensure that the final serums deliver the most up-to-date advances in skin rejuvenation technology that also helps to prevent and repair damage caused by the environment.

According to Gregory S. Keller, MD, FACS (2007 Specialist of the Year in Facial Cosmetic Surgery in Strathmore's "Who's Who"): "These new day and night serums represent a huge step forward in anti-aging skin care products. Combining liposome-encapsulated proteins derived from ISCO's powerful new class human stem cells with a unique blend of anti-oxidants, vitamins and natural extracts, allowed Lifeline Skin Care to create highly effective stem cell-based serums that provide strong anti-aging benefits."

The new skin rejuvenation serums are based on the breakthrough discovery that certain proteins derived from ISCO's proprietary pluripotent human parthenogenetic stem cells are beneficial to the culture of human skin cells in the laboratory. ISCO, the world leader in human parthenogenetic stem cell technology, is studying this new class of stem cells, and has demonstrated their therapeutic potential in many fields of regenerative medicine. Human parthenogenetic stem cells are created from unfertilized human eggs and do not involve any harm to a viable human embryo, thus avoiding serious ethical questions that surround other areas of stem cell research. hpSC possess unique immune-matching attributes making them an excellent platform for the development of cellular therapies for large populations of individuals. As of today, ISCO has successfully derived ten hpSC lines. One of these lines carries the most common immune type found within the US population and can be immune-matched to an estimated 75 million people worldwide.

"The commercial launch of the new skin care products represents an important step in the execution of ISCO's strategy. The revenue generated from sales will help support the development of our therapeutic programs utilizing our unique and powerful class of human pluripotent stem cells," said Dr. Ruslan Semechkin, CEO of Lifeline Skin Care.

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, product introduction plans, the potential benefits of planned products, 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.

Key Words: Stem cells, parthenogenesis, biotechnology, skin care, anti-aging

http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=bwnews&sty=20101116005754r1&sid=14230&distro=ftp

International Stem Cell Corporation
Kenneth C. Aldrich, Chairman
1-760-940-6383
kaldrich@intlstemcell.com

or
Lifeline Skin Care, Inc.
Ruslan Semechkin, PhD, President & CEO
Vice President, ISCO
ras@intlstemcell.com

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Cell Therapies: Commercializing a New Class of Biopharmaceuticals

February 7th, 2011 6:12 pm


Over the past six months I have been honored and pleased to have seen and been part of an increasing focus and attention being paid to the unique manufacturing and bioproduction issues related to cell therapy.


Certainly it is the Cell Therapy Group's view, that this is both timely and much-needed as more cell therapies reach later-stage. Issues related to larger scale production and lowering the costs associated with it will be critical to successful commercialization of these products. It is encouraging to see both content-providers and and companies involved in potentially bringing solutions to these issues now bringing their focused energies to this sector.

This focus has come from a number of different sources including conferences focused solely on the topic, companies engaging stakeholders in identifying potential bottlenecks they might be positioned to solve, more conference sessions dedicated to these issues, and now a commitment by one of the leading publications in bioprocessing to engage both the cell therapy industry and the traditional bioprocessing community in stepping up the level of two-way education, dialog, and problem-solving that will be critical to commercializing these products.

In March/April 2011, watch for a special issue of BioProcess International entitled "Cell Therapies: Commercializing a New Class of Biopharmaceuticals".

BioProcess International is a publishing leader of cutting edge technologies, improved processes and breakthrough sciences. With this cell therapy focused issue, in partnership with ISCT and others, BPI is launching what we hope will be a regular supplement and increased focus on the unique bioproduction issues related to cell-based therapies.

BioProcess International aims to accomplish three main objectives with this supplement:
  • Educate the bioprocess and cell therapy market (suppliers and end-users) on the similarities and differences between the two processes;
  • Educate and encourage the investor community to keep increasing their interest and investment;
  • Expedite the commercialization process.

Distribution will include:

  • BPI's 30,010 qualified readers;
  • Delegates attending ISCT's 2011 Annual Meeting (included in all delegate bags)
  • Delegates attending ESACT 2011 (Chair drop at the Cell Therapy Plenary Session)
  • INTERPHEX 2011 Cell Therapy Roundtable (VIP Invitations, 200 attendees, produced by BPI)
  • BIO 2011 International Convention (BioProcess Theatre - Cell Therapy track)

If you are interested in advertising, click here for more info.

While the content for this issue is now being finalized, it you are interested in contributing something to BPI, we are looking for more cell therapy related content. As the cell therapy representative on BPI's advisory board I would be happy to champion it through submission.

Cheers.

--Lee

http://www.celltherapyblog.com hosted by http://www.celltherapygroup.com
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How to improve R&D productivity: the pharmaceutical industry’s grand challenge

February 7th, 2011 6:11 pm

 

 

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Woman finds cancer cure in dairy-free diet based on anti-cancer plants

February 3rd, 2011 6:13 pm

Eminent geologist Jane Plant is now promoting a dietary program for the treatment of cancer, saying that going dairy-free and eating cancer-protective foods helped cure her breast cancer where conventional Western medicine had failed.

Plant was first diagnosed with cancer at age 42. Over the next five years, the cancer recurred four times "despite a radical mastectomy, three further operations, 35 radiotherapy treatments, several chemotherapy treatments and irradiation of my ovaries to induce the menopause," she writes in her book Your Life in Your Hands.

After the discovery of a cancerous lump in her neck, Plant came across statistics detailing the low rates of breast and prostate cancer in China. Since dairy is almost never consumed in China, she cut it out of her diet entirely and limited her intake of foods containing high levels of chemicals and hormones. She built her diet around foods that have been shown to protect against cancer.

The idea of a connection between diet and cancer is not new.

"The American Cancer Society estimates that of the 500,000 cancer deaths that occur in the United States, about one-third can be attributed to dietary factors, with another third being caused by cigarette smoking," writes Phyllis A. Balch in her book Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 4th Edition. Read more...

Cardiofy Heart Care Supplement

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International Stem Cell Corporation: A Multitude Of Potential Products From Its Parthenogenesis Technology by Jason Chew

February 3rd, 2011 6:13 pm

International Stem Cell Corporation (ISCO) is at the forefront in the field of stem cell research. Its key technology is a technique to create an immortal stem cell line by activating a human egg to create stem cells without the need for fertilization by a sperm. This method is called parthenogenesis and is one of only two known ways to create human stem cell lines without genetic manipulation that have the potential to become any cell in the body that might be needed for therapy.

Most commonly, these cell lines are created from unwanted embryos stored at IVF clinics. To distinguish the two methods, stem cell lines created through parthenogenesis are called hpSC; those created from fertilized eggs are called “embryonic” or hESC. Both have the potential to create any cell in the human body, but only hpSC lines do not involve the use or destruction of a fertilized human egg.

ISCO has formed several business units to advance its hpSC technology. The Lifeline Skin Care unit has created a stem cell based anti-aging cream. The Lifeline Cell Technologies division encompasses both the sale of growth media and human cells used in stem cell and other research. UniStemCell® was established to create a stem cell bank. And most recently, a business unit call Cytovis® was formed to further the company’s stem cell derived corneal and retinal tissue programs.

The Company launched its skin care products, consisting of a Day and a Night conditioning crème, in December through a joint marketing venture with noted Internet financial and economic advisor, John Mauldin. The initial launch involved only a limited number of targeted customers and was intended to analyze acceptance rates and refine the company’s customer service and delivery systems. The Company has stated that, although the data base needs to be expanded by an additional offering scheduled in January before meaningful statistics can be generated, early customer responses indicate that users of the crèmes are getting favorable results from the product, which confirms the Company’s own pre-market test results.

The market for skin care products is large; according to Mintel market research, total US sales in 2009 was $4.35 billion. By individual brand, the best selling anti-aging creams in 2008 range in market share from 3% for Olay Regenerist, to 1.3% for L’Oreal RevitaLift. Applied to the 2009 sales total, this translates to roughly $130 million and $57 million, respectively. These are likely upper bounds for sales of any new product.

Without the ability to run a large marketing campaign, ISCO is smart to offer its product first to its shareholders and followers. On the surface, its partnership with entrepreneur and newsletter writer John Mauldin seems a bit odd, it will be interesting to see how his marketing skills will be used to convert his 1.5 million readers into Lifeline Skin Care buyers.

ISCO sells reagents and human cells for research through its Lifeline Cell Technology unit. Stem cell research is a fast-growing field requiring specialized, high quality products. Lifeline Cell Technology has signed distribution agreements with such powerhouses as American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) and Millipore for its products, as well as regional distributorships in Europe, Japan and elsewhere. These products generate revenue for the company while providing a source of quality reagents for in-house research.

Other business units under the ISCO umbrella are still in the early stages of development. The unit that may best leverage the hpSC technology may be the UniStemCell cell bank.

One of the major promises in stem cell research is in the field of regenerative medicine. Embryonic and parthenogenetic stem cells can be turned into any human cell type; in theory, these cells can then be used to treat diseases such as diabetes, degenerative brain diseases, cardiac arrest, spinal cord injury, all by aiding in the re-growth of damaged tissue.

A major problem in the use of hESC in regenerative medicine is the ability to find proper matches for the recipient. As with any transplant, strategies must be used to prevent rejection of the donor tissue. By their nature, hESC cell lines express a highly variable set of antigens involved in graft rejection. These antigens are part of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC).

The high variability causes difficulty in finding matches between hESC lines and recipients. On the other hand, hpSC technology produces cell lines with a much more uniform set of MHC molecules. Through proper selection, a single hpSC cell line can provide fairly good histocompatibility match for a large segment of the US population. Additional cell lines can provide matches for additional subgroups so that, in time, a match may be possible for almost all potential transplant candidates.

Through the cell bank, ISCO is providing material for outside groups to conduct cutting edge research and develop therapies based on hpSC technology. The potential is great, but revenue in the form of royalties is far off and uncertain.

Further along in development is the company’s stem cell derived corneal and retinal tissue therapy program. ISCO has partnered with Absorption Systems in the US, Sankara Nethralaya in India, and Automation Partnership in the UK to develop the technology, now under the Cytovis® brand- CytoCor ®for corneal tissue and CytoRet® for retinal tissue.

The Cytovis® technology is in pre-clinical testing and has many potential therapeutic applications including: age-related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, and the repair of traumatic eye injuries.

The company is also actively testing its CytoCor® tissue for use as an alternative to live animals and animal eyes in drug and consumer products testing. ISCO estimates this to be a $500 million dollar market. Recent laboratory results have shown the CytoCor® corneal tissue to have optical properties. It was also observed to have drug absorption properties similar to real cornea.

The large number of business units is unusual for a company this size. A lack of focus is always a concern, but at the same time, it speaks to the considerable potential of the company’s stem cell technology.

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The downfall of science and the rise of intellectual tyranny

January 29th, 2011 6:12 pm

The very reputation of so-called "science" has been irreparably damaged by the invocation of the term "science" by GMO lackeys, pesticide pushers, mercury advocates and fluoride poisoners who all claim to have science on their side. It seems that every toxin, contamination and chemical disaster that now infects our planet has been evangelized in the name of "science."

Where "science" used to be highly regarded in the 1950's, today the term is largely exploited by pharmaceutical companies, biotech giants and chemical companies to push their own for-profit agendas. Actual science has little to do with the schemes now being pushed under the veil of science.

To make matters even worse for the sciences, many so-called "science bloggers" have been revealed to have financial ties to the very same companies whose profits are shored up by their activities (http://www.ageofautism.com/2010/08/the-new-york-times-exposes-scienceblogs.html).

Rather than defending any sort of scientific truth, science bloggers have become the internet whores of Big Pharma, Monsanto, pesticide manufacturers, chemical companies and toxic mercury factories. There's hardly a dangerous chemical in widespread use today that the science bloggers haven't venomously defended as safe and effective. Many are just blatantly paid off by corporate entities to run around the internet pushing GMOs, chemicals and vaccines. Read more...

Immunice for Immune Support

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International Stem Cell’s Scientists in Collaboration with World Leading Stem Cell Experts Extend Understanding of Human Parthenogenetic Stem Cells…

January 26th, 2011 6:12 pm

International Stem Cell's Scientists in Collaboration with World Leading Stem Cell Experts Extend Understanding of Human Parthenogenetic Stem Cells in Peer-Reviewed Publications


International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB:ISCO), http://www.internationalstemcell.com, in collaboration with leading stem cell scientists, announces findings that human parthenogenetic stem cells (hpSC) and human embryonic stem cells (hESC) are similar in their undifferentiated state, and are capable of differentiating into neural lineages such as functional retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells that have potential to treat retinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration.

ISCO's CEO Andrey Semechkin, Ph.D., said: "These data are extremely important as they demonstrate that parthenogenetic stem cells have therapeutic potential like conventional embryonic stem cells; however, parthenogenetic stem cells have the additional benefit of superior immune-matching capabilities."

This evidence is presented in a recently published paper entitled: "Equivalence of conventionally-derived and parthenote-derived human embryonic stem cells" published in PLoS ONE (Public Library of Science).

Hans Keirstead, Ph.D., Professor of Anatomy and Neurobiology and Neurological Surgery at the University of California, Irvine and the senior author of the paper, said: "This work is the first wide-ranging comparison between these two important pluripotent stem cell types and demonstrates that human parthenogenetic stem cells are capable of differentiation along retinal lineages."

According to Nikolay Turovets, Ph.D., ISCO's Director of Research and Therapeutic Development and co-author of the paper, "Derivation of RPE from hpSC is the next logical step on the way to developing patient-specific therapies to treat eye degenerative disorders. If studies using RPE derived from hESC demonstrate utility in treating such diseases, it may become necessary to address problems associated with immune rejection. RPE derived from hpSC can be better immune-matched to the patient, thus reducing the chance of immune rejection."

This work forms part of ISCO's ophthalmology program developed in collaboration with the team of scientists at the University of California, Irvine led by Dr. H. Keirstead. One of the principal aims of the program is to create three-dimensional retinal tissue for transplantation that may be used to rescue the vision of individuals with retinitis pigmentosa, a group of inherited disorders characterized by progressive vision loss.

ISCO has established collaborations with other leading stem cell researchers to exploit the unique qualities of hpSCs. In addition to the collaboration with Keirstead, ISCO scientists co-authored a publication with Jeanne Loring, Ph.D., the Director of the Center for Regenerative Medicine at The Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, entitled "Dynamic changes in the copy number of pluripotency and cell proliferation genes in human ESCs and iPSCs during reprogramming and time in culture" published in Cell Stem Cell in January, 2011. Ruslan Semechkin, Ph.D., Vice President of ISCO and co-author on this paper, said: "We are excited about being involved in Dr. Loring's work, which compares molecular characteristics of hundreds of different human pluripotent cell lines." Dr. Loring added: "hpSCs are intriguing because they are pluripotent like hESCs, but have differences in imprinting, the process in embryonic development in which certain genes are inactivated. This makes hpSCs tremendously valuable for understanding the molecular basis of the imprinting process in humans."

ABOUT INTERNATIONAL STEM CELL CORPORATION (ISCO.OB):

International Stem Cell Corporation is a California-based biotechnology company 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 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 and cell-based skin care products through its subsidiary Lifeline Skin Care. More information is available at 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 technological developments and therapeutic applications, 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, 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

International Stem Cell Corporation
Kenneth C. Aldrich, Chairman
760-940-6383
kaldrich@intlstemcell.com
or
Jeffrey Janus, Senior VP
760-940-6383
jjanus@intlstemcell.com

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Mercury-Caused Endocrine Conditions Causing Widespread Adverse Health Effects

January 22nd, 2011 6:11 pm

Mercury-Caused Endocrine Conditions Causing Widespread Adverse Health Effects, Cognitive Effects, and Fertility Effects B.Windham(Ed.)http://www.home.earthlink.net/~berniew1/endohg.html

Introduction.
As will be documented in this paper, the majority of the population receives significant mercury exposures and significant adverse health effects are common. Mercury has been found to be an endocrine system disrupting chemical in animals and people, disrupting function of the pituitary gland, thyroid gland, thymus gland, adrenal gland, enzyme production processes, and affecting many hormonal functions at very low levels of exposure . The main factors determining whether chronic conditions are induced by metals appear to be exposure and genetic susceptibility, which determines individuals immune sensitivity and ability to detoxify metals(405). Very low levels of exposure have been found to seriously affect large groups of individuals who are immune sensitive to toxic metals, or have an inability to detoxify metals due to such as deficient sulfoxidation or metallothionein function or other inhibited enzymatic processes related to detoxification or excretion of metals. Read more...

Ayurtox for Body Detoxification

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How to Fix the Obesity Crisis (preview)

January 22nd, 2011 6:11 pm

Obesity is a national health crisis--that  much we know. If current trends continue, it will soon surpass smoking in the U.S. as the biggest single factor in early death, reduced quality of life and added health care costs. A third of adults in the U.S. are obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and another third are overweight, with Americans getting fatter every year. Obesity is responsible for more than 160,000 “excess” deaths a year, according to a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association . The average obese person costs society more than $7,000 a year in lost productiv­ity and added medical treatment, say researchers at George Washington University. Lifetime added medical costs alone for a person 70 pounds or more overweight amount to as much as $30,000, depending on race and gender.

All this lends urgency to the question: Why are extra pounds so difficult to shed and keep off? It doesn’t seem as though it should be so hard. The basic formula for weight loss is simple and widely known: consume fewer calories than you expend. And yet if it really were easy, obesity would not be the nation’s number-one lifestyle-related health concern. For a species that evolved to consume energy-dense foods in an environment where famine was a constant threat, losing weight and staying trimmer in a modern world of plenty fueled by marketing messages and cheap empty calories is, in fact, terrifically difficult. Almost everybody who tries to diet seems to fail in the long run--a review in 2007 by the American Psychological Association of 31 diet studies found that as many as two thirds of dieters end up two years later weighing more than they did before their diet.

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The LinkedIn Cell Therapy Industry Group – 1,000 members strong

January 18th, 2011 6:11 pm

As some of you may know, much of my recent social media energy has been spent on LinkedIn rather than blogging. This was not a conscious decision but I will admit to finding the immediacy and interconnectivity of the LinkedIn/Twitter combo to be more seductive of my limited time than the more laborious and seemingly more unidirectional facets of blogging. I'm still working on a return to more diligent and regular blogging - we'll see how that goes.

In any event, today's blog entry is ironically about the very thing which has replaced my blogging in many ways for the interim: the LinkedIn Cell Therapy Industry Group which I founded in July 2008 (about the same time as I launched this blog).
Primarily due to the outstanding participation of great members, the group has turned out to be what I had hoped would be and I believe has become a fairly valuable resource for those in or interested in the cell therapy industry.
The group grew exponentially throughout 2010 and we are proud today to announce our 1,000th member. Without his knowledge, Luc Gervais today became the 1,000th member of the LinkedIn Cell Therapy Industry Group.
Luc Gervais lists himself on LinkedIn as a "Technologist Entrepreneur" but is also a Researcher at IBM Research, Zurich Research Laboratory in addition to being a researcher at the University Hospital Basel.
He was recently involved in the development of IBM's novel, microfluidic "lab on a chip" technology that uses capillary action to create a potential one-step diagnostic tool, and which could ultimately test for a wide range of diseases and viruses. The chip requires only a small drop of blood, which it draws through tiny channels within the device. The blood reacts with different disease markers to provide accurate diagnoses in about 15 minutes.
Luc represents what I believe is one of the most exciting signs of development in and maturation of the cell therapy industry. Luc's career has included being a Game Developer at Unlikely Games, a Computational Chemistry Developer at Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, and a Quality Assurance Specialist at Steltor. On LinkedIn, he lists "regenerative medicine" as one of his interests.
People with the kind of experience Luc possesses are bringing a world of scientific, technical, and commercial expertise to regenerative medicine and cell therapy from outside the sector. This promises to revolutionize the way we think about, develop, and apply our technologies.
Luc and others like him who are exploding into the regenerative medicine and cell therapy field bring with them the potential for interdisciplinary exploration, the opportunity to draw from lessons already learned in other sectors, and the chance to view our field not just in terms of the incredible potential for new therapeutics which cell therapy represents but how that fits into the broader world in which cell therapy is growing up. A world that includes phenomenal advancements in personalized medicine, diagnostics, theranostics, biomarkers, bioinformatics, the ability to access and interpret personal genomics data, etc.
I have yet to speak to Luc (this was all posted from publicly available information) but I'm hoping to bring you an interview of him shortly not because being the 1,000th member of the LinkedIn Cell Therapy Industry Group is deserving of any particular attention (and certainly will not rank in his list of accomplishments I'm sure) but because I'm curious about what Luc represents.
Stay tuned....
--Lee
http://www.celltherapyblog.com hosted by http://www.celltherapygroup.com
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International Stem Cell Corporation Applauds Research Showing Parthenogenesis as a Potential Strategy for Treating Inherited Disease

January 18th, 2011 6:11 pm

International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB:ISCO), http://www.internationalstemcell.com, applauds a recent announcement by researchers at Nationwide Children's Hospital showing the use of parthenogenetic stem cells as a potential strategy to treat genetic diseases such as Huntington's disease, beta thalassemia or tuberous sclerosis.

In a scientific paper entitled, "Gene therapy by allele selection in a mouse model of beta-thalassemia" recently published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, a team of researchers from the Center for Molecular and Human Genetics (NationwideChildren's Hospital, Columbus, OH), the University of Pennsylvania, the University of North Carolina and the University of Minnesota led by John McLaughlin Ph.D., describe how they used a mouse model of an inherited blood disorder to show that parthenogenesis could be used to create "genetically clean" stem cells. These parthenogenetic stem cells demonstrated the ability to correct certain symptoms of such a disease.

Dr. Andrey Semechkin, CEO of ISCO, commented, "We at ISCO are particularly pleased to note this animal model research into the potential of parthenogenetic stem cells since ISCO has created method for creating immortal human parthenogenetic stem cell (hpSC) lines. We are constantly seeking ways to use such technology to treat human diseases, and this announcement is a positive indication showing the potential of parthenogenetic stem cells to treat certain types of autosomal dominant diseases such as particular forms of beta thalassemia or even Huntington's disease. We expect that the transition from animal models to human therapy using parthenogenetic cells will continue to evolve as ISCO continues to conduct its own therapeutic research and to collaborate with researchers across the world to discover new ways to use parthenogenesis and parthenogenetic stem cells to cure human disease. We have great hope that animal research such as that just reported will open new doors to human therapy and look forward to making our human parthenogentic lines available for such therapies."

ISCO created and patented the first proven technology to create human parthenogenetic stem cell lines from unfertilized human eggs. This technology has similar potential advantages as those described in the work done at Nationwide Children's Hospital; i.e., the creation of human parthenogenetic stem cells that could eliminate a defective copy of a gene and can be immune-matched to the egg donor. ISCO's technology has the additional ethical advantage of not harming a viable human embryo.

Dr Semechkin continues, "ISCO is actively conducting research on the creation and application of differentiated derivatives of hpSC for therapeutic use. Specifically, ISCO has initiated a number of pre-clinical animal studies utilizing both hepatocytes and separately retina pigment epithelium cells, derived from hpSC. ISCO's scientists were also the first to demonstrate the ability of hpSC to differentiate into neural cells and to develop approaches to obtain stable lines of parthenogenetic neural cells. These achievements open up the opportunity to assess the efficacy and safety of using parthenogenetic stem cells as a source to create neural cells for the treatment of diseases such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and other neurodegenerative disorders. The work presented by Dr. McLaughlin once again confirms ISCO's unique position in the field of stem cell based therapies."

The work done by Dr. McLaughlin can be found at: http://www.jci.org/articles/view/45377?search%5Barticle_text%5D=&search%5Bauthors_text%5D=mclaughlin.

ABOUT INTERNATIONAL STEM CELL CORPORATION (ISCO.OB):

International Stem Cell Corporation is a California-based biotechnology company 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 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 and cell-based skin care products through its subsidiary Lifeline Skin Care. More information is available at 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 technological developments and therapeutic applications, 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, 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

International Stem Cell Corporation
Kenneth C. Aldrich, Chairman
760-940-6383
kaldrich@intlstemcell.com
or
Jeffrey Janus, Senior Vice President
760-940-6383
jjanus@intlstemcell.com

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International Stem Cell Corporation Announces Company Update Conference Call

January 18th, 2011 6:10 pm

International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB:ISCO), http://www.internationalstemcell.com, announced today that its Chairman, Kenneth Aldrich and the CEO of its Lifeline Skin Care subsidiary, Ruslan Semechkin, PhD, will present a Webinar discussion of the State of the Company and its plans for its Skin Care subsidiary on Wednesday, January 19, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. PST. In announcing the event, Mr. Aldrich stressed that its purpose is not to announce any new programs or financial results, but to attempt to provide an overview of events during the past year and offer shareholders a perspective on what to expect in the coming year. The dial-in number for participants is: 1 (800) 588-4973. Please provide the confirmation number 28808144 to the operator upon calling in. An alternate dial-in number is 1 (847) 230-5643. The confirmation number will be the same for both numbers. A replay of the call will be available on the home page of the company's website at:http://www.internationalstemcell.com.

ABOUT INTERNATIONAL STEM CELL CORPORATION (ISCO.OB):

International Stem Cell Corporation is a California-based biotechnology company 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 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 and cell-based skin care products through its subsidiary Lifeline Skin Care. More information is available at 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.

Key Words: Stem Cells, Biotechnology, Parthenogenesis

International Stem Cell Corporation
Kenneth C. Aldrich, Chairman
760-940-6383
kaldrich@intlstemcell.com
or
Ruslan Semechkin, PhD,
Vice President, ISCO, CEO Lifeline Skin Care
ras@intlstemcell.com

Read More...

Drink your sleep troubles away: tart cherry juice helps beat insomnia

January 9th, 2011 6:13 pm

Millions of Americans have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, resulting in excessive fatigue and even more serious consequences. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC): "Insufficient sleep is associated with a number of chronic diseases and conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and depression...it is also responsible for motor vehicle and machinery-related accidents."

Of course, Big Pharma has come up with a huge array of supposedly easy solutions for those who have a hard time getting enough shut-eye. All you have to do is pop a pill such as the heavily hyped Sonata, Rozerem, Lunesta or Silenor and you'll soon be snoozing away happily, the drug advertisements promise. Of course, you might decide that's not the healthiest idea if you check out the side effects which can include hallucinations, thoughts of suicide, loss of coordination, fever, "sleep driving" while not fully awake and memory problems. Read more...

Immunice for Immune Support

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IBM Files Application to Patent The Patent

January 9th, 2011 6:13 pm

Ever heard of people getting obnoxious amount of money to conduct research or get a PhD for pointless research. Thats what came to my mind when I first came across this news from IBM.

Just remind these were some of the winning ideas that funded by Government in US for Research papers and PhDs

1. the National Science Foundation once gave $100K grant to research why American players go to greater lengths to mod the popular MMO than do Chinese WoW players.

2.  Pressures Produced When Penguins Pooh — Calculations on Avian Defaecation”, Polar Biology, 2004

3. Suicide rates are linked to the amount of country music played on the radio, , Medicine, 2005

4. Rats can’t always tell the difference between Japanese spoken backwards and Dutch spoken backwards, winner, Linguistics, 2007

 As much as I stand to loose a chance to get a job at IBM by this post, its  so hard not to think loud, and ask IBM what the heck was wrong with your brains, when you made the decision to patent the patent.

 The Original Post Pasted from http://www.tomshardware.com/news/ibm-patents-the-patent,11868.html

IBM Files Application to Patent The Patent Process

6:40 PM – January 3, 2011 by Douglas Perry – source: ConceivablyTech

   Reading through IT patents these days requires patience and tolerance. When you can patent common sense, there is clearly something wrong with the system. But as long as no changes are being made, you are inviting people to exploit what is available and IBM has just demonstrated what may be possible, if one of their most recent patent applications is accepted by the USPTO.

The company felt it would be beneficial to patent the patent strategy process all the way from training inventors, to competitor monitoring and protecting (i.e. suing someone) a patent from infringement. This patent does not describe anything new, but a strategy that is being pursued by anyone who owns a patent and especially patent trolls or people like Paul Allen, who is just taking another shot at suing Google for patent infringement.

The patent application could mean that IBM in fact is working on a software that automates patent management or the company simply felt it was necessary to patent the idea of filing a patent and treating it in the way it could be considered common sense. It is especially revealing how much focus the inventor put on a “defend” module that implies a lawsuit strategy. It would take a genius to figure that out.   

Reading through this patent is a good lecture how a patent these days should not look like. IBM is the natural place for this idea as there is no other company that files for as many patents (and receives as many patents) as IBM does. But if the patent idea gets approved

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