International Stem Cell Corporation Begins Pre-Clinical Trials On Human Corneal Epithelial Cells

International Stem Cell Corporation Begins Pre-Clinical Trials On Human Corneal Epithelial Cells
Article Date: 01 Feb 2009 - 0:00 PSTInternational Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB:ISCO) , the first company to perfect a method of creating human "parthenogenetic" stem cells from unfertilized eggs, is planning pre-clinical trials aimed at applying its laboratory-grown human corneal epithelial cells to improve photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), a form of corrective laser eye surgery. These trials are the first step toward Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clinical trials to test the efficacy of using ISCO cells to improve healing after corneal surgery, and are part of the company's efforts to increase the clinical utility of its discoveries in culturing corneal cells and tissues. This work is being done in collaboration with Dr. Paul H. Chen, M.D., who has developed the cell transfer technology. Dr. Chen is an eye surgeon at North County Laser Eye Associates, and he is on staff at Scripps Memorial La Jolla and Scripps Encinitas Hospitals . "This collaboration is an excellent opportunity for ISCO to use its cell culture and manufacturing expertise to create therapeutic human cells that can enter the market relatively quickly and improve patient's quality of life," said Jeffrey Janus, ISCO's president. "We are fortunate to be working with Dr. Chen on this exciting project." About International Stem Cell Corporation (ISCO.OB) International Stem Cell Corporation is a California biotechnology company focused on developing therapeutic and research products. ISCO's technology, Parthenogenesis, results in the creation of pluripotent human stem cell lines from unfertilized human eggs. ISCO scientists have created the first Parthenogenetic homozygous stem cell line (phSC-Hhom-4) that can be a source of therapeutic cells that will minimize immune rejection after transplantation into hundreds of millions of individuals of differing sexes, ages and racial groups. These advancements offer the potential to create the first true "Stem Cell Bank" and address ethical issues by eliminating the need to use or destroy fertilized embryos. ISCO also produces and markets specialized cells and growth media worldwide for therapeutic research through its subsidiary Lifeline Cell Technology. For more information, visit the ISCO website at: http://www.internat ionalstemcell. com. Forward-Looking StatementsStatements pertaining to anticipated future financial and/or operating results, future growth in research, technology, clinical development and potential joint venture and other opportunities for the company and its subsidiary, along with other statements about the future expectations, beliefs, goals, plans, or prospects expressed by management constitute forward-looking statements. Any statements that are not historical fact (including, but not limited to statements that contain words such as "will," "believes," "plans," "anticipates," "expects," "estimates") should also be considered to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, risks inherent in the development and/or commercialization of potential products, uncertainty in the results of clinical trials or regulatory approvals, need and ability to obtain future capital, application of capital resources among competing uses, and maintenance of intellectual property rights. Actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements and as such should be evaluated together with the many uncertainties that affect the company's business, particularly those mentioned in the cautionary statements found in the company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. The company disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.