Seeking Alpha Article: 3 Contenders To Be The First Profitable Stem Cell Company by Ryan Pollock
By Dr. Matthew Watson
Seeking Alpha is a "stock market news and financial analysis website, including free earnings call transcripts, investment ideas and ETF & stock research written by finance experts". Ryan Pollock recently initiated coverage on International Stem Cell Corporation (ISCO). Although the views and opinions are Mr. Pollock’s own and not necessarily those of ISCO, we thought you would be interested in his insights about our company.
To read the complete article 3 Contenders To Be The First Profitable Stem Cell Company, please click HERE
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November 6th, 2011
Stem Cell Agency’s Lobbyist Now Ranked No. 1 in California
By Dr. Matthew Watson
The $3 billion California stem cell agency likes to align itself with the very best science. And as of today it is also hooked up with the best lobbyist in California – at least based on earnings.
CIRM hires many firms to perform work, given its unusual needs, rather than building a large and relatively permanent staff. The tasks of the outside contractors range from publishing the annual report to grant review matters. Today Laurel Rosenhall of The Sacramento Bee reported that one of the firms that CIRM has hired now ranks as the No. 1 lobbyist in California, based on its earnings.
The firm of Nielsen, Merksamer, Parrinello, Gross & Leoni pulled down nearly $5 million during the first three quarters of this year. The firm knocked KP Public Affairs out of the top spot, which it had held for at least the last 10 years.
Nielsen has had a contract with CIRM since its earliest days in 2005, but it doesn't amount to much in the scope of Nielsen's business. According to the latest CIRM report on outside contracting, Nielsen was paid $79,984 during the fiscal year 2010-2011 for services that also extended into the current fiscal year. The report did not list payments for earlier years, but it is our recollection that Nielsen was paid about $50,000 every year since 2005. It is not known whether the firm continues to hold a contract for the current fiscal year.
One of Nielsen's partners, Gene Erbin, was one of the drafters of Prop. 71, the ballot initiative that created the California stem cell agency in 2004. Merck and Pfizer, in addition to CIRM, are among the firm's clients.
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November 6th, 2011
IOM and California Stem Cell Agency: Study Lacks Key Perspective
By Dr. Matthew Watson
The prestigious Institute of Medicine earlier this month kicked off its $700,000 study of the California stem cell agency minus an important perspective – the view directly from California.
None of the persons on the 13-member panel evaluating the performance of the $3 billion enterprise comes from California. The reasons for that are not clear. The IOM is all but mum on the matter.
One could argue that it is not necessary to be geographically located in California to determine whether CIRM is working at peak performance. However, some conditions do exist in California that are difficult for many others to grasp. They include its state budget crisis that has now placed the once Golden State at the bottom of the heap in terms of its credit. Some even liken it to Greece. Obviously that situation can be understood in the abstract by reading The Sacramento Bee and the Los Angeles Times. But the intensity and emotion surrounding that issue and others are difficult to comprehend for many folks living in more blessed states.
Count among the other volatile issues the cutbacks in the state's once vaunted higher education system, including the University of California, which showed its back to students by increasing tuition by nearly 18 percent this fall. Couple that with a visceral antipathy -- and that is putting it mildly -- among some Californians to what they regard as execessive state salaries, including those at the stem cell agency.
What does all this have to with financing stem cell research through an agency that was supposed to have a guaranteed stream of income isolated from mischief that could be wreaked by the governor or legislature. It turns out that CIRM's cash flow is not as guaranteed as its backers believed. Instead of issuing bonds, the state is going to finance the agency over the next 18 months with commercial paper, if necessary. That's because Gov. Jerry Brown wants to reduce the interest costs on state borrowing, which have risen sharply and now consume 8 percent of the state budget along with funds that could otherwise go to educate California's children, among other things.
Brown's parsimony is famous. During his first term in office, he denied pay raises to state college professors, saying they are amply rewarded through "psychic income." More recently, he objected to out-of-state travel by CIRM staff. Too much "lollygagging in London on the taxpayer's dime," a Brown spokesman said. CIRM Chairman Jonathan Thomas promptly cut travel in the chairman's office by 50 percent and asked CIRM President Alan Trounson to do the same for the rest of the staff.
It is an environment that can be difficult to navigate under the best of circumstances. It places limitations on the stem cell agency and tends to focus its operations and funding in different directions than might be the case if California's economic climate were rosier.
The IOM has no real response to the question of why no Californian is on the panel. The California Stem Cell Report last week asked the institute whether an overt decision had been made to exclude persons from California. The IOM did not answer directly. Instead it referred to a generic description of how panel members are selected. The institute's unwillingness to address the specific question does not speak well for the openness and transparency of the IOM examination of CIRM.
Currently the IOM does have a comment period available on the selection of the panel members, who will not become official for another three days. Interested parties can make their views known to the IOM by using this link.
A Californian or two on the IOM panel would help to bring a valuable, broader perspective to this important study, which is sure to affect the future of the state's stem cell research and voter approval of another possible multibillion dollar bond issue in the next few years.
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November 6th, 2011
International Stem Cell Comments on Recent SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN Article: “You Say Embryo, I Say Parthenote”
By Dr. Matthew Watson
“We at International Stem Cell Corporation (ISCO.OB) are finding it increasingly gratifying that mainstream and highly respected publications like Scientific American are now beginning to take notice of the fact that our Parthenogenetic Stem cells may well turn out to be a viable alternative to the embryonic stem cells that have dominated research and headlines for the last 10 years.
Like embryonic stem cells, our Parthenogenetic stem cells can be converted into almost any kind of cell that might ever be needed for therapy, but can also provide a solution to the two biggest issues that have surrounded embryonic stem cell research: 1) the ethics of destroying a fertilized embryo, which our process never does, and 2) the problem of immune rejection by the patient. We hope you enjoy the attached article."
Ken Aldrich, Founder and Co-Chairman, International Stem Cell Corporation
October 21st, 2011
“You Say Embryo, I Say Parthenote”
Stem cells from unfertilized eggs may be too tightly regulated
By Julia Galef
Source: Scientific America November 2011
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October 23rd, 2011
Patrick Cox’s Breakthrough Technology Alert: International Stem Cell Corp. Progressing Despite Incompetent MSM
By Dr. Matthew Watson
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October 11, 2011
International Stem Cell Corp. Progressing Despite Incompetent MSM
Dear Breakthrough Technology Alert Reader,
"American journalism (like the journalism of any other country) is predominantly paltry and worthless. Its pretensions are enormous, but its achievements are insignificant."
-- H.L. Mencken
Last week, an article by Rob Stein appeared in The Washington Post titled "Scientists Report Possibly Crucial Advance in Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research." Stein, whose credentials include science editor positions at NPR and The Washington Post, describes the use of cloning techniques to turn oocytes, immature eggs, into embryonic cells. The first one-sentence paragraph is as follows:
"Scientists reported Wednesday that for the first time, they had used cloning techniques to generate embryonic stem cells containing the genes of specific patients."
Frankly, I don't know what that sentence means. Somatic cloning of stem cells has been going on for years at places such as the Harvard Stem Cell Institute and the University of California San Francisco. It's not a particularly difficult thing to transfer adult DNA into an embryonic stem cell. Maybe the researchers said that it was the first time that "they" had used cloning techniques to make ESCs and the writer misinterpreted their statements. I have no idea.
Moreover, that sentence includes the word "patients." There were no patients involved in the study. It was a laboratory demonstration of a cloning technique in which DNA from mature cells is transferred into immature eggs, oocytes. Then, the oocytes transformed into stem cells with the implanted genes. The interesting thing about the procedure, which you can access here, is that the DNA from a normal cell, from two parents, was added to a cell with only a mother's genes.
This resulted in a cell with the DNA of three people -- a triploid cell. While fascinating, it also raises all kinds of scientific and safety issues. We have no idea what triploid cells would actually do if they were implanted in a patient. With extra haploid matching points, they might even be immunocompatible with no one.
I do, however, have a great script idea if somebody with money would like to hear the pitch. I'm thinking Species meets Mommie Dearest. Regardless, the possibility that triploid cells will be therapeutically useful in the foreseeable future is very low.
This brings me to the real flaw in the story. Read the second sentence/paragraph:
"The step marks a possibly pivotal advance toward the long-sought goal of creating stem cells that could be used to treat many major diseases, because they would not be rejected by patients' immune systems."
Balderdash. There are at least two solutions already available for dealing with immune rejection -- induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and human parthenogenic stem cells (hpSCs).
The iPS cell technology uses an individual's own cells to create cells that are functionally equivalent to embryonic stem cells. These would be compatible with the donor. The other solution is the human parthenogenic stem cells developed by International Stem Cell Corp. (OTCBB:ISCO). These, scientists believe, will solve the immune rejection problem on a mass-market basis.
ISCO long ago demonstrated that they have made the "pivotal advance" using oocytes, to which the Post article refers. ISCO scientists discovered and patented the techniques that successfully create human parthenogenic stem cells (hpSCs), which can be programmed to become any other cell type. With ISCO's cell banks, which will match the various HLA profiles of the human species, the immune rejection problem will be solved for the vast majority of the human race.
You will recall from my recent issue about ISCO that the company has already begun collecting oocytes to create these parthenogenic cells lines. It does so with complete approval of regulatory and ethical agencies.
As you know, it took ISCO many years and millions of dollars to accomplish their technological breakthrough. Interestingly, it had previously been done, apparently in an accidental and nonreproducible manner. Stem cell scientist Woo Suk Hwang of Seoul University announced in 2004 that he had produced a stem cell line derived from an embryonic human clone. Later, it was discovered that Hwang did not have a cloned stem cell line. He had a parthenogenic stem cell line.
Though Hwang was disgraced, the irony is that cloned stem cell lines are far easier to produce than hpSC lines. I don't understand all the details about what he did, wrong or right. The irony is this, however: If he had presented his stem cells as hpSCs, he might have been acclaimed a scientific hero, instead of the super-villain he is considered today.
The Washington Post article goes on to cite the usual stem cell controversies. Those opposed to ESC research have voiced opposition to the triploid stem cell technology when asked. They believe the triploid cells are embryonic stem cells. Since they are, in a sense, fertilized, that may be true. It's not at all clear, though, that they could develop into an embryo. I doubt it.
Also, the fact that some fertility therapy patients were paid well for oocytes unneeded in the fertilization process has caused serious concern among feminist commentators. They are seriously concerned. Seriously.
The big point, however, is that this article badly misrepresents the state of the science. ISCO scientists have long had the ability to create pluripotent stem cells using oocytes. More to the point, cells made using their process have none of the ethical issues of these triploid cells. They are not fertilized and cannot become embryos. They require no genetic manipulation. No foreign DNA is inserted into them. The company does not pay for oocytes and has followed every ethical guideline acquiring them.
The Wall Street Journal apparently picked up on the "breakthrough" story and helped spread the disinformation, as did other news outlets and bloggers. I'm not, per se, a journalist, but if I were writing for a nationally read publication that purports to present science accurately, I would have started by checking around to see if there were other perspectives on stem cells from parthenogenic oocytes.
In fact, I did a simple Google search using key words "parthenogenic" (or "parthenogenetic"), "stem" and "cell." The first page yielded this link to ISCO's description of their human technology.
Then, looking around the site, we find a list of respected scientific partners who are assisting in further research on ISCO's hpSCs, as well as some of their research areas.
They include:
Novocell Inc., San Diego, Calif., endocrine pancreas cells.
University of California, San Francisco, Calif., hepatocyte cells.
University of California, Irvine, Calif., retinal pigment epithelium.
University of Wurzburg, Germany, neuronal cells.
The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, Calif., characterization of human parthenogenetic stem cells.
None of these organizations is inaccessible. You can find their phone numbers on the innerwebz, and it has been my experience that scientists are more than happy to tell journalists what's really going on. Oh, well.
Having spent so much time in debunking mode, now I feel like I ought to at least bring you up-to-date on some new developments at ISCO. Several important events have, in fact, occurred lately.
ISCO to Expand Cosmeceutical Product Lines
One, ISCO has been perfecting the process of growing and preserving the active ingredient in parthenogenic stem cells used for their cosmeceutical skin care product line. As a result, they've been able to stockpile enough of the growth factors found in stem cells to allow additional marketing efforts. In the past, availability of product has limited those efforts.
Moreover, the company has announced development of several new skin care products, including one designed to work on the sunken area under the eyes. The skin care line, while not cosmically meaningful, is doing very well for the company and is on track to fund serious work, such as ISCO's liver cell science.
Also, ISCO has brought in an experienced corporate executive to help move the company forward. Dr. Andrey Semechkin, currently CEO, will become co-chairman. Kurt May, currently senior vice president, will take the helm as president and CEO.
From the press release:
"Prior to joining ISCO, Mr. May was a senior executive with GTE Corp. and with PriceSmart Inc., and the founder and CEO of a privately owned biotech company, Psynomics, based on medical technology derived from the University of California, San Diego. Mr. May served as a faculty member and assistant dean of UCSD's Rady School of Management from 2005-09.
"During his tenure as PriceSmart's chief operating officer, Mr. May led the company from startup to growth over three years that included establishing 22 stores in 11 countries, reaching annual revenues of more than $500 million, achieving profitability and expanding staff from 356 to more than 4,200.
"'In addition to its therapeutic programs, ISCO is dedicated to building its revenue-generating subsidiaries to high levels of profitability. We view Mr. May's commercial and entrepreneurial skills as an essential part of our business plan for success,' said Kenneth Aldrich, co-founder and co-chairman of ISCO."
Yours for transformational profits,
Patrick Cox
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Wurzburg, Germany, neuronal cells.
The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, Calif., characterization of human parthenogenetic stem cells.
None of these organizations is inaccessible. You can find their phone numbers on the innerwebz, and it has been my experience that scientists are more than happy to tell journalists what's really going on. Oh, well.
Having spent so much time in debunking mode, now I feel like I ought to at least bring you up-to-date on some new developments at ISCO. Several important events have, in fact, occurred lately.
ISCO to Expand Cosmeceutical Product Lines
One, ISCO has been perfecting the process of growing and preserving the active ingredient in parthenogenic stem cells used for their cosmeceutical skin care product line. As a result, they've been able to stockpile enough of the growth factors found in stem cells to allow additional marketing efforts. In the past, availability of product has limited those efforts.
Moreover, the company has announced development of several new skin care products, including one designed to work on the sunken area under the eyes. The skin care line, while not cosmically meaningful, is doing very well for the company and is on track to fund serious work, such as ISCO's liver cell science.
Also, ISCO has brought in an experienced corporate executive to help move the company forward. Dr. Andrey Semechkin, currently CEO, will become co-chairman. Kurt May, currently senior vice president, will take the helm as president and CEO.
From the press release:
"Prior to joining ISCO, Mr. May was a senior executive with GTE Corp. and with PriceSmart Inc., and the founder and CEO of a privately owned biotech company, Psynomics, based on medical technology derived from the University of California, San Diego. Mr. May served as a faculty member and assistant dean of UCSD's Rady School of Management from 2005-09.
"During his tenure as PriceSmart's chief operating officer, Mr. May led the company from startup to growth over three years that included establishing 22 stores in 11 countries, reaching annual revenues of more than $500 million, achieving profitability and expanding staff from 356 to more than 4,200.
"'In addition to its therapeutic programs, ISCO is dedicated to building its revenue-generating subsidiaries to high levels of profitability. We view Mr. May's commercial and entrepreneurial skills as an essential part of our business plan for success,' said Kenneth Aldrich, co-founder and co-chairman of ISCO."
Yours for transformational profits,
Patrick Cox
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We expressly forbid our writers from having a financial interest in any security recommended to our readers. All of our employees and agents must wait 24 hours after on-line publication or 72 hours after the mailing of printed-only publication prior to following an initial recommendation. Any investments recommended in this letter should be made only after consulting with your investment advisor and only after reviewing the prospectus or financial statements of the company.
©2011 Agora Financial, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Protected by copyright laws of the United States and international treaties. This Newsletter may only be used pursuant to the subscription agreement and any reproduction, copying, or redistribution (electronic or otherwise, including on the world wide web) , in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited without the express written permission of Agora Financial, LLC. 808 Saint Paul Street, Baltimore MD 21202.
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October 16th, 2011
International Stem Cell’s Research Scientists Successfully Completed the First Series of Preclinical Animal Trials of Neuronal Cells
By Dr. Matthew Watson
International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB: ISCO) announces today successful completion of the first series of preclinical studies designed to support the safety and utility of neuronal cells derived from human parthenogenetic stem cell line (hpSC). These initial experiments, demonstrating that the derived neuronal cells were able to survive in mice brains without giving rise to tumors, represent a key milestone towards possible therapeutic applications including treating Parkinson's disease.
Dr. Albrecht Müller, Professor at the Institute of Medical Radiology and Cell Research, Würzburg University (Germany), commented: "Human parthenogenetic stem cells are potentially very promising candidates for use in regenerative medicine primarily because of the possibility that they immune-match a large number of recipients. The result of these safety and survival studies is a very important step along the path towards the clinical use of such cells."
Although most cases of Parkinson's disease occur in people with no family history of the disease, a number of genetic mutations have nevertheless been identified with the disease. While the inheritance pattern is largely unknown, as a condition with a genetic component "autologous" treatment, that is to say treatment using the patient's own cells, is far from ideal and does not offer the potential of a cure. To treat Parkinson's disease successfully a source of cells free of the mutated genes is necessary. Human parthenogenetic stem cells provide this source, as well as superior immune-matching capabilities.
ISCO currently has the world's largest collection of human parthenogenetic stem cells including heterozygous examples, where the cells immune match the donor as is the case with induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS), and homozygous examples which immune-match millions of individuals. ISCO is actively expanding this collection of cell lines and creating a "bank" of homozygous human parthenogenetic stem cells that can be used as a platform to not only reduce the chances of tissue rejection, but also make cellular-based therapies economically more viable.
Dr. Ruslan Semechkin, ISCO's Vice President, commented: "One of ISCO's main therapeutic targets is treatment of Parkinson's disease, a common neurodegenerative disease in the US, where the current standard of care is designed mostly to treat the symptoms, but not the disease. These results clearly represent an important step towards the therapeutic application of human parthenogenetic stem cells derived cells in addressing the basic underlying mechanisms and potentially transforming the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases."
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, UniStemCellTM. 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 http://www.internationalstemcell.com
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Forward-looking Statements
Statements pertaining to anticipated developments, research and development goals and related potential therapeutic treatments, the potential benefits of products, and other opportunities for the company and its subsidiaries, along with other statements about the future expectations, beliefs, goals, plans, or prospects expressed by management constitute forward- looking statements. Any statements that are not historical fact (including, but not limited to statements that contain words such as "will," "believes," "plans," "anticipates," "expects," "estimates,") should also be considered to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, risks inherent in the development and/or commercialization of potential products and the management of collaborations, regulatory approvals, need and ability to obtain future capital, application of capital resources among competing uses, and maintenance of intellectual property rights. Actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements and as such should be evaluated together with the many uncertainties that affect the company's business, particularly those mentioned in the cautionary statements found in the company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. The company disclaims any intent or obligation to update forward-looking statements.
International Stem Cell Corporation
Kenneth C. Aldrich, co -Chairman
760-940-6383
kaldrich@intlstemcell.com
Or:
Dr. Ruslan Semechkin, Vice President
760-940-6383
ras@intlstemcell.com
Or:
Lippert/Heilshorn & Associates
Don Markley
310-691-7100
dmarkley@lhai.com
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October 16th, 2011
International Stem Cell Corporation’s Ken Aldrich Comments on Recent News about SCNT – Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer
By Dr. Matthew Watson
Last week's newspapers carried the news of what was widely described as a significant “breakthrough” in stem cell science: the first successful human use of a technology known as Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (also referred to as SCNT). This is essentially a variation on a process that was used some years ago to create a cloned sheep named Dolly. Cloning has since been used commercially in various animal applications.
What is strange about the flurry of publicity about this discovery, however, is the almost total lack of commentary about a method of creating stem cells that has been available to researchers for almost half a decade, holds the same kind of promise as embryonic stem cells for providing cells for the treatment of almost any kind of degenerative disease, is free of ethical issues (including issues with egg donation), and can potentially make immune matched cells available to any patient anywhere in the world, on demand, at a far lower cost.
I am talking about human stem cells derived from a process called, “Parthenogenesis”, developed and first announced in 2007 by a company called International Stem Cell Corporation, whose discoveries were first published in the peer reviewed journal, Cloning and Stem Cells, edited by the scientist who first created “Dolly”, the first cloned animal.
I realize that I could be accused of bias because I am one of the founders of International Stem Cell, but, in fact, our company also owns license rights to some of the key intellectual property that is required to create cells through SCNT technology and our scientists are very familiar with its promise and its limitations. As a result, International Stem Cell will benefit from the development of either technology, but it is important that the public and the scientific community be fully aware of all alternatives in the field of regenerative medicine, not just the ones that capture public imagination at any particular time.
For that reason, I would like to comment on Parthenogenesis and compare it to SCNT technology and the other options available today. The technology known as "Parthenogenesis" begins with human eggs that are created and used every day throughout the world for in-vitro fertilization (IVF). What is not generally known is that the IVF process can often result in the creation of far more unfertilized eggs than will ever be needed for fertility purposes. It is possible, with informed consent from the IVF patient, to hold back some unfertilized eggs for creation of parthenogenetic stem cells, all at no additional risk to the donor.
Instead of wasting those eggs, what International Stem Cell does, with the full consent of the donors, is to save those eggs from the trash bin, induce them through a simple, but patented, process to create the small cluster of cells from which a stem cell line can be created that can be used for scientific research and the eventual treatment of patients with such diseases as Parkinson’s, Macular Degeneration, Liver Disease, Diabetes, and possibly many others.
What are critical to understand in thinking about Parthenogenetic stem cells are six things:
Like embryonic stem cells and SCNT cells, these cells can be converted into almost any cell in the human body and thus have enormous potential for human therapy.
Unlike embryonic stem cells, the human eggs used to create parthenogenetic stem cells are never fertilized and cannot become a human being. No viable embryo is ever harmed or destroyed.
Unlike SCNT cells, parthenogenetic stem cells require no genetic manipulation or insertion of foreign DNA.
No donor is every subjected to any additional physical risk beyond what she has already agreed to as part of the IVF procedure in which she elected to participate. In fact, all egg donors voluntarily participate through a very transparent, peer-reviewed, and medically supervised process. Protocols are approved by Independent Review Boards (IRBs) to protect the safety of donors and by an independent Stem Cell Research Oversight (SCRO) committee to insure compliance with state laws and research ethics, regulations established by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Human Research Protections, in addition to state-level requirements.
The cell lines that are produced from this method, unlike cell lines from embryonic stem cells or from SCNT, can potentially be matched to millions of people in the same way that an organ transplant is matched between donor and patient. In fact, by some estimates, as few as 100 parthenogenetic stem cell lines could provide immune-matched cells to over 50 percent of the world’s population, and could accelerate disease therapies and treatments for severe chronic conditions, including diabetes, spinal cord injuries, liver diseases, blinding diseases such as macular degeneration, and neural diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
The possibility of immune-matching to millions of persons can vastly reduce the potential costs relative to SCNT or embryonic stem cell technology, which create stem cell lines that can match only a few persons.
In summary, what we find particularly exciting about Parthenogenesis is that it addresses all the major issues of stem cell therapy. It is free from the traditional bioethical issues that have clouded federal policies towards stem cell research because parthenotes are derived from unfertilized eggs and cannot develop into human beings. Parthenogenesis is not cloning, and it does not involve the creation or destruction of a viable human life. Also, the creation of a parthenogenetic stem cell bank will not require a large number of human eggs and many individual donors, as has been a fear surrounding other stem cell approaches. Parthenogenesis is at once effective and efficient, and one line of parthenogenetic stem cells can be used to create treatments for millions of persons. This is not a situation where one line must be made for each patient treated.
To learn more about Parthenogenesis, visit http://www.internationalstemcell.com, or click on ISCO.OB at any financial web site for information about our company.
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October 16th, 2011
International Stem Cell Corp. Chairman Kenneth Aldrich Comments on Recent TIME Article “A Stem Cell First: Using the ‘Dolly’ Method on Human Cells”
By Dr. Matthew Watson
“Since we at International Stem Cell Corporation (trading symbol: ISCO.OB) are licensees of some of the key intellectual property necessary to use SCNT in therapeutic products, we were delighted to read about this new discovery. However, what disappointed us somewhat was the failure of most news reports to mention that a technology already exists that solves the same ethical problems and has the potential also to solve many of the problems of immune rejection that worry scientists who are working with cells obtained from fertilized embryos.
That technology is called "Parthenogenesis" and results in a "cell line" that can provide an essentially unlimited supply of human cells for a wide range of therapeutic purposes, yet does not involve the destruction of any fertilized embryo and results in cells that can be matched to large groups of people who may not even know the patient, much like the way blood from donors can be stored and used by accident victims as needed. Unlike the SCNT cells, parthenogenetic cells require no genetic manipulation or insertion of foreign DNA.
Our scientists at ISCO created and patented the process for making such human parthenogenetic stem cell lines and have already successfully made liver cells, cornea cells, retina cells and nerve cells from those cell lines. Each of these applications is being studied as a possible future source of transplanted cells to treat diseases such as Parkinson's, Liver Disease, Macular Degeneration, and others.
To learn more about parthenogenesis, visit our website at http://www.internationalstemcell.com or click on ISCO.OB at any financial web site for information about our company.”
Kenneth C. Aldrich
Chairman
International Stem Cell Corporation
TIME Article – A Stem Cell First: Using the 'Dolly' Method on Human Cells
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 for hundreds of millions of individuals of differing genders, ages and racial background with minimal immune rejection after transplantation. hpSCs offer 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 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, 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.
Source:
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October 9th, 2011
International Stem Cell Names Dr. Andrey Semechkin as Co-Chairman and Kurt May as President and Chief Operating Officer
By Dr. Matthew Watson
International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB:ISCO) today announced that its Board of Directors designated Dr. Andrey Semechkin, the Company's Chief Executive Officer, as a Co-Chairman with the Company's founder, Kenneth Aldrich, and also named Kurt May as President and Chief Operating Officer, effective immediately. Mr. May is currently Senior Vice President and this represents both a promotion and the delegation of additional duties and responsibilities consistent with his increasingly important role in the future of ISCO.
Dr. Semechkin commented, "Kurt May is an extremely capable executive who has managed both a multi-billion dollar public company and a successful life sciences startup company. His willingness to assume operational responsibilities for ISCO will allow me, as CEO, to focus more intently on scientific and strategic initiatives that are central to developing ISCO into a major force in the world of stem cell therapy. Working together with the fine team of executives and scientists already within ISCO, I have high hopes and confidence we can reach that goal."
Prior to joining ISCO, Mr. May was a senior executive with GTE Corporation and with PriceSmart, Inc., and the founder and CEO of a privately owned biotech company, Psynomics, based on medical technology derived from the University of California, San Diego. Mr. May served as a faculty member and Assistant Dean of UCSD's Rady School of Management from 2005 to 2009.
During his tenure as PriceSmart's Chief Operating Officer, Mr. May led the company from startup to growth over three years that included establishing 22 stores in 11 countries, reaching annual revenues of more than $500 million, achieving profitability, and expanding staff from 356 to more than 4,200.
"In addition to its therapeutic programs, ISCO is dedicated to building its revenue-generating subsidiaries to high levels of profitability. We view Mr. May's commercial and entrepreneurial skills as an essential part of our business plan for success," said Kenneth Aldrich, Co-Founder and Co-Chairman of ISCO.
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 for hundreds of millions of individuals of differing genders, ages and racial background with minimal immune rejection after transplantation. hpSCs offer 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 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, and other opportunities for the company and its subsidiaries, along with other statements about the future expectations, beliefs, goals, plans, or prospects expressed by management constitute forward-looking statements. Any statements that are not historical fact (including, but not limited to statements that contain words such as "will," "believes," "plans," "anticipates," "expects," "estimates,") should also be considered to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, risks inherent in the development and/or commercialization of potential products and the management of collaborations, regulatory approvals, need and ability to obtain future capital, application of capital resources among competing uses, and maintenance of intellectual property rights. Actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements and as such should be evaluated together with the many uncertainties that affect the company's business, particularly those mentioned in the cautionary statements found in the company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. The company disclaims any intent or obligation to update forward-looking statements.
International Stem Cell Corporation
Kenneth C. Aldrich, Co-Chairman
760-940-6383
kaldrich@intlstemcell.com
or
Lippert/Heilshorn & Associates
Don Markley, 310-691-7100
dmarkley@lhai.com
Source:
http://intlstemcell.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default?alt=rss
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October 9th, 2011
Representative Brian Bilbray Meets with International Stem Cell Executives to Discuss Research Funding
By Dr. Matthew Watson
International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB: ISCO) today announced that Representative Brian Bilbray recently met with Company executives, including Chairman Kenneth Aldrich, President and Chief Executive Officer Andrey Semechkin, and Senior Vice President Kurt May, to discuss key federal government issues relating to stem cell research. Rep. Bilbray represents California's 50th congressional district, which includes portions of San Diego's North County.
Following the meeting, Rep. Bilbray stated, "I have tremendous respect for the innovative healthcare companies in my district, such as International Stem Cell, that are at the forefront of developing important new treatments and therapies. I'm committed to helping remove unnecessary regulations and barriers that may inhibit the research of new life science technologies, and I greatly appreciate the efforts of ISCO's management team to clarify many of the issues surrounding their work."
Said Dr. Semechkin, "We are very pleased to have the opportunity to meet with Congressman Bilbray and explain the importance of our parthenogenesis technology and how it differs from human embryonic stem cell development, particularly from an ethical standpoint. We look forward to continued discussions with Congressman Bilbray and his colleagues regarding the Dickey-Wicker Amendment. We believe that with increased understanding of our technology the National Institutes of Health (NIH) will support parthenogenesis research and development."
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 for hundreds of millions of individuals of differing genders, ages and racial background with minimal immune rejection after transplantation. hpSCs offer 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 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, and other opportunities for the company and its subsidiaries, along with other statements about the future expectations, beliefs, goals, plans, or prospects expressed by management constitute forward-looking statements. Any statements that are not historical fact (including, but not limited to statements that contain words such as "will," "believes," "plans," "anticipates," "expects," "estimates,") should also be considered to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, risks inherent in the development and/or commercialization of potential products and the management of collaborations, regulatory approvals, need and ability to obtain future capital, application of capital resources among competing uses, and maintenance of intellectual property rights. Actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements and as such should be evaluated together with the many uncertainties that affect the company's business, particularly those mentioned in the cautionary statements found in the company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. The company disclaims any intent or obligation to update forward-looking statements.
International Stem Cell Corporation
Kenneth C. Aldrich, Chairman
760-940-6383
or
Lippert/Heilshorn & Associates
Don Markley
310-691-7100
Source:
http://intlstemcell.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default?alt=rss
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October 2nd, 2011
Lifeline Skin Care Video: Care For Your Skin with Lifeline Skin Care
By Dr. Matthew Watson
Stem Cell Skin Care
Born Different.
Lifeline Skin Care® (Lifeline) is a wholly owned subsidiary of International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB:ISCO), a publicly traded biotechnology company which has developed a powerful and ethical new stem cell technology called “parthenogenesis”. ISCO created Lifeline Skin Care® to further develop its discoveries that extracts from human parthenogenetic stem cells had beneficial effects on human skin cells.
International Stem Cell is focused on advancing its human parthenogenetic stem cell technology towards finding treatments for blinding diseases of the eye, liver disease, diseases of the nervous system and diabetes.
Our goal at Lifeline Skin Care® is to help individuals improve the look and feel of their skin by combining the latest discoveries in the fields of stem cell biology, nanotechnology and skin cream formulation technology to create the highest quality, scientifically tested and most effective skin care products.
Source:
http://intlstemcell.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default?alt=rss
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September 25th, 2011
Cancer Stem Cell Chronicle
By Dr. Matthew Watson
About 3 months ago, as an experiment, I launched the Cancer Stem Cell Chronicle, an online daily newspaper that's based on excerpts from 3 streams of content: 1) Twitter content tagged #cancerSC, 2) Twitter content that includes the keywords "cancer stem", and, 3) content derived from a PubMed RSS feed for the search term "cancer stem".
The experiment looks promising. The CSC Chronicle is beginning to provide a convenient way to monitor recent research news about cancer stem cells. Archives are available. The section headings in the CSC Chronicle aren't very meaningful, and should be ignored.
The CSC Chronicle is hosted by Paper.li.
Source:
http://cancerstemcellnews.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default?alt=rss
International Stem Cell to Present at the Rodman & Renshaw Annual Global Investment Conference on September 12
By Dr. Matthew Watson
International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB: ISCO) announced today that Kenneth Aldrich, Chairman, is scheduled to present at the Rodman & Renshaw Annual Global Investment Conference on Monday, September 12, 2011 at 11:40 a.m. Eastern (8:40 a.m. Pacific). The conference takes place at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City.
A webcast of the International Stem Cell Corporation presentation can be viewed live at http://www.wsw.com/webcast/rrshq20/isco. The presentation will be archived and available at the same link for 90 days. After the conference, a link to the presentation will also be posted to the ISCO website, http://www.intlstemcell.com.
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 for hundreds of millions of individuals of differing genders, ages and racial background with minimal immune rejection after transplantation. hpSCs offer 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 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.
International Stem Cell Corporation
Kenneth C Aldrich, Chairman
760-940-6383
or
Lippert/Heilshorn & Associates
Don Markley
310-691-7100
Source:
http://intlstemcell.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default?alt=rss
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September 11th, 2011
Video: The Promising Cells Presented by International Stem Cell Corporation
By Dr. Matthew Watson
Ken Aldrich of International Stem Cell Corporation (ISCO.OB) on the latest research involving stem cell technology utilizing unfertilized eggs, as a basis for cell generation with a goal toward organ transplants which are immune to rejection by the body...as well as other applications. Mr. Aldrich also discusses neurological applications focusing on reversing Parkinson's disease.
This corporate video was produced by Big Sky Productions Inc. (BGSI.OB).
Executive Producer: Ellis Martin
Producer and Creative Director, Narrator, Editor: Bob Lange
contact: bigskymedia@yahoo.com
Video Link - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CcXPMHqENys
Source:
http://intlstemcell.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default?alt=rss
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September 11th, 2011
International Stem Cell Corporation presents "The Promising Cells" Video
By Dr. Matthew Watson
In this video presentation, see and hear an overview of International Stem Cell Corporation (ISCO.OB). ISCO has developed a process to derive stem cells similar to Embryonic Stem Cells without the need for fertilized embryos and with minimal exposure to non-human cells. These factors provide ISC a unique leadership role in the field of regenerative cell therapy. You'll hear directly from Executive Chairman, Kenneth Aldrich. Lifeline Cell Technology and Skin Care Products, revenue generating units of ISCO are also reviewed.
This presentation was produced by Big Sky Productions, INC (BGSI.OB), Co-Executive Producers Ellis Martin and Bob Lange.
contact: bigskymedia@yahoo.com
Unfortunately, this content is currently being updated and will be posted again soon.
Source:
http://intlstemcell.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default?alt=rss
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August 28th, 2011
Onemedplace.com Interview – "International Stem Cell Corp Develops Similar Embryonic Stem Cells Without Fertilized Embryos"
By Dr. Matthew Watson
Ken Aldrich, Executive Chairman of International Stem Cell Corporation [OTC:ISCO] was interviewed by OneMedRadio where he discussed the company’s regenerative medicine therapies.
Brett Johnson: Good day, this is Brett Johnson in New York City with OneMedRadio. Today, I am with Ken Aldrich. He is the co-founder and executive chairman for International Stem Cell, symbol ISCO on the bulletin board. It is a Carlsbad, California company in the stem cell business. Ken, thanks for joining us today.
Kenneth Aldrich: Thank you. I appreciate the opportunity to speak with you.
BJ: Ken, go ahead and tell us a little bit about the business of International Stem Cell and what you guys are doing that’s unique and distinctive.
KA: I’d be happy to. International Stem Cell is in the regenerative medicine business broadly speaking. We produce and develop therapies that are based on what are called pluripotent stem cells. Pluripotent stem cell simply means a stem cell that can be converted (the technical word is differentiated) into any cell in the body and theoretically treat any kind of disease that can be treated with cell therapy.
There are today basically only two ways to create a pluripotent stem cell. One is what’s been around for ten years called embryonic stem cells derived from a fertilized human embryo, and the other is parthenogenesis, which is our own creation, our own patent. Our people really developed it from the very beginning.
They function very much the same but we have two unique advantages. One, we take the ethical issue right off the table. We do not use a fertilized egg and we never damage or destroy anything that could become a human being. And second, the DNA that results when we go through that process of using only an unfertilized egg is a much simpler DNA structure. It’s complete, but simpler in its form. It enables us to use a single cell line from a single donor to match very large numbers of people. So it gives us the potential a few years down the road to have a true stem cell bank. And by that I don’t mean the banking of somebody’s own cells, but a bank much like a blood bank in which any patient who needs stem cells can come, get cells that will match their immune system and thereby eliminate or reduce the need for immunosuppressant drugs.
We think ultimately that’s going to be the single defining differentiator for our company because a cell transplant is like a miniature organ transplant. If the body rejects it, there’s no benefit, and we’re working on a way to provide cells that anyone can use at any time for any disease that any scientist is smart enough to figure out a way to treat with cells. It’s a tall order but we think we’re up to it.
To read the full text or listen to the interview, please visit onemedplace -http://www.onemedplace.com/blog/archives/9031
Source:
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August 28th, 2011
International Stem Cell Corporation to Present at the Southern California Investor Conference on Monday, August 29th
By Dr. Matthew Watson
International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB: ISCO) announced today that Kenneth Aldrich, Chairman, will be presenting at the 2011 Southern California Investor Conference on Monday, August 29, 2011 at 1:30 p.m. Pacific (4:30 p.m. Eastern). The conference takes place at The Island Hotel in Newport Beach, California.
The Southern California Investor Conference is the only conference focused exclusively on the wealth of exciting growth companies from Southern California. The annual one-day conference features more than 35 companies from the region presenting to attendees from throughout the nation. The conference is open to the public and investors can find a list of 2011 presenting companies and registration information at http://www.CaliforniaStocks.com
A webcast of the International Stem Cell Corporation presentation will be accessible online at http://events.powerstream.net/002/00271/20110829_SCIC_T2/ or from the link on the Company's web site at http://www.internationalstemcell.com. An archived version will be available for 30 days.
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 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.
International Stem Cell Corporation
Kenneth C Aldrich, Chairman
760-940-6383
kaldrich@intlstemcell.com
or
Lippert/Heilshorn & Associates
Don Markley
310-691-7100
dmarkley@lhai.com
Source:
http://intlstemcell.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default?alt=rss
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August 28th, 2011
International Stem Cell’s Q2 Revenues Nearly Triple by Deborah Sterescu
By Dr. Matthew Watson
International Stem Cell Corporation (ISCO) (OTCBB:ISCO) reported Wednesday that second quarter sales more than doubled to almost triple, while year-to-date sales jumped a whopping 271%, as the company's operating subsidiaries continue to generate more revenue.
In addition to its hugely potentially valuable stem cell therapy business, the company also two other operations that have reflected revenue growth in the meantime, including Lifeline Cell Technology, which sells its cell-culture products to researchers to grow human cells for pre-clinical research, and Lifeline Skin Care, which sells skin care products based on its parent's stem cell technology.
For the three months ending June 30, International Stem Cell saw revenues rise to $1.1 million, from $0.44 million a year earlier.
Year-to-date revenues totaled $2.6 million, versus $0.7 million for the same period in 2010, helped by a $1.7 million contribution from Lifeline Skin Care, and a $0.9 million addition from Lifeline Cell.
In the last quarter, Lifeline Cell gained over 200 new customers due to new product introductions and the development of distribution channels internationally, a strategy ISCO plans to continue.
Meanwhile, the company's skin care business is coming off a highly successful launch at the end of last year, exceeding its plans to sell 1,000 products, with 7,000 products sold initially. Lifeline Skin plans to aggressively kick start major marketing initiatives again in September.
While these two subsidiaries are busy chalking up revenues, ISCO, whose parthenogenetic stem cell technology can be used to derive pluripotent stem cells, meaning they can be transformed into any cell type in the body, has many important advantages at its fingertips.
Regenerative medicine is a market that is set to boom in the coming years, as more and more companies are developing therapies based on stem cell use. International Stem Cell's long-term goal is to be a universal supplier of stem cells for not just one, but a host of therapies.
The company's parthenogenetic stem cells are derived from unfertilized eggs, avoiding the ethical issues behind the destruction of viable human embryos. Like embryonic stem cells, they also have the capacity to become almost any cell type in the body, but have demonstrated they are better in terms of the immune system, as one single stem cell line can be genetically matched to millions of people, reducing the need for immunosuppressants.
Its plan is to establish a US bank of its clinical-grade human parthenogenetic stem cells that will be capable of being immune-matched to millions of patients, so that a physician could call up and request a specific cell type for people. The company, which recently received approvals to enroll around 3 US donors for its bank, already has a collection of ten human parthenogenetic stem cell lines used for research purposes, which were derived outside the US.
These cell lines could potentially be used to cure a number of diseases, including cancer, heart disease, liver disease, among many others. Already, the company has several trials in the works, and has successfully demonstrated in pre-clinical animal studies that its stem cells can be used to create viable liver cells. It has also started pre-clinical animal trials to create neuronal cells in the brain, to potentially cure Parkinson's disease.
Unsurprisingly, all this work to progress the company's technology has increased expenses, contributing to a $2.5 million loss in the second quarter, or a 3 cent loss per share.
Research and development costs grew on account of greater scientific projects, while general and administrative costs leapt on increased headcount as the company bulks up its management team.
International Stem Cell, with $3.6 million in the bank at the end of the quarter, said that it has not ruled out future capital raising, but it already has a facility that allows it to draw equity as necessary to secure its planned growth.
Source:
http://intlstemcell.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default?alt=rss
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August 21st, 2011
International Stem Cell Corporation Announces Second Quarter 2011 Financial Results and Corporate Events
By Dr. Matthew Watson
International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB: ISCO), a biotechnology company that developed a powerful new stem cell technology called "parthenogenesis" which promises to significantly advance the field of regenerative medicine, today announced financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2011 and for the first six months of the fiscal year and provided an update on corporate events.
ISCO reported year-to-date revenues of $2.6 million compared to $0.7 million for the same time period in 2010, representing an increase of 271%. The increase in our revenues relates to sales generated by ISCO's wholly-owned subsidiaries Lifeline Skin Care (LSC) which contributed $1.7 million and Lifeline Cell Technology (LCT) which contributed $0.9 million of revenues.
Total year-to-date expenses, excluding cost of sales increased $2.0 million or 38%, compared to the first six months of the previous year. The most significant reasons for the increase in total expenses related to increases in R&D and G&A. Research & Development expenses increased primarily due to increased activity on our scientific projects. General & Administrative expenses increased primarily due to increased headcount, non-cash stock-based compensation and increased expenses related to business development activity and general corporate expenses.
Our cash balance at June 30, 2011 was $3.6 million. Net cash used in operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2011 was $3.0 million.
Second Quarter 2011 Highlights:
-- The first U.S.-based donor was enrolled in ISCO's program to establish a bank of clinical-grade human parthenogenetic stem cells (hpSCs) capable of being immune-matched to millions of patients.
-- We strengthened our senior management team to assist in the continued development of the Company. Kurt May was appointed Senior Vice President responsible for mergers and acquisitions and development of new international collaborations. Donna Queen was added to the management team as Vice President of LSC, where she is responsible for marketing and business development.
-- We started a series of preclinical animal studies of neuronal cells derived from hpSCs. The studies will evaluate the in vivo safety and tumorigenicity of neuronal cells as well as their ability to develop into functioning dopaminergic neuron–like cells to treat Parkinson's disease.
-- We successfully completed the first series of preclinical testing of hepatocytes derived from hpSCs. In the transplantation mouse model, inoculated cells were capable of engrafting and surviving in specific niches within the liver, and were further developing into cells with essential hepatocyte-like features.
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 http://www.internationalstemcell.com.
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International Stem Cell Corporation Kenneth C. Aldrich, Chairman 760-940-6383 kaldrich@intlstemcell.com Or Ray Wood, CFO 760-940-6383 rwood@intlstemcell.com | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Source:
http://intlstemcell.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default?alt=rss
Stem Cell Therapy
Comments Off on International Stem Cell Corporation Announces Second Quarter 2011 Financial Results and Corporate Events |
August 21st, 2011
Part 3: The Ellis Martin Report with Ken Aldrich of Int Stem Cell Corp (ISCO.OB)
By Dr. Matthew Watson
Ellis Martin of The Ellis Martin Report interviews Ken Aldrich of International Stem Cell Corporation (ISCO.OB) on the latest research involving stem cell technology utilizing unfertilized eggs, as a basis for cell generation with a goal toward organ transplants which are immune to rejection by the body...as well as other applications. Mr. Aldrich also discusses neurological applications focusing on reversing Parkinson's disease. Preventing and reversing blindness is another topic covered.
contact:martinrepots@gmail.com
International Stem cell Corporation is a paid sponsor of The Ellis Martin Report
Source:
http://intlstemcell.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default?alt=rss
Stem Cell Therapy
Comments Off on Part 3: The Ellis Martin Report with Ken Aldrich of Int Stem Cell Corp (ISCO.OB) |
August 21st, 2011