International Stem Cell Corporation to Provide Corneal Epithelial
Cells Differentiated from Its Parthenogenetic Stem Cells for Use in
Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) FDA Clinical Trials
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© Business Wire 2008
2008-01-14 19:00:03 -
www.internationalst
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providing corneal epithelial cells, derived from its Parthenogenetic
stem cells and human keratinocytes (a type of skin cell), for use in
Federal Drug Administration (FDA) clinical trials aimed at creating a
tissue transplant technology to improve photorefractive keratectomy
(PRK).
ISCO entered into a
research agreement with Dr. Paul H. Chen, M.D. who has developed the
cell transfer technology. He has a separate collaboration with the
University of Michigan and is expanding his research team to include
the University of California San Diego Shiley Eye Center, and Burnham
Research Institute, both located in La Jolla, CA, and The State
University New York (SUNY) Albany. Dr. Chen is on staff at Scripps
Memorial, La Jolla and Scripps Encinitas Hospitals.
Today's announcement is part of ISCO's efforts to increase the
clinical utility of its discoveries in culturing corneal-like tissues
from its Parthenogenetic stem cells and to provide human stem cells
for the study and cure of disease. Parthenogenetic cells come from
unfertilized human eggs and can be immune-matched to millions of
people therefore reducing ethical and immune rejection issues. "Our
goal, in addition to conducting our own clinical trials in our
targeted areas of ocular, liver and pancreatic diseases, is to do
collaborations with other prominent researchers and provide our
Parthenogenetic stem cells for their human trials," said Jeff
Krstich, CEO, International Stem Cell Corporation.
"It is exciting to have our cells involved in studies that could lead
to a safer and more effective treatment that hopefully will provide
improved visual recovery, less pain, and an improved refractive
correction outcome," noted Krstich. "If successful, such technology
might also provide broader applications for the treatment of a
variety of conditions, including non-healing epithelial defects, such
as diabetic epithelial defects, neuropathic epithelial defects, and
alkali burn epithelial defects."
PRK was the first clinical laser procedure to be developed for
refractive vision correction, but lost favor to LASIK because the PRK
procedure calls for laser ablation of the surface of the cornea which
is relatively more painful and requires a longer healing time. PRK's
advantages, however, include better vision improvement and fewer side
effects associated with complications of the surgical "flap" that is
created in the LASIK process. The PRK procedure does not require the
creation of a flap and is associated with less risk of corneal
ectasia, dry eyes, flap striae and epithelial ingrowth.
ABOUT INTERNATIONAL STEM CELL CORPORATION:
International Stem Cell Corporation (ISCO) 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
that can be transplanted without immune-rejection. One of these lines
called phSC-Hhom-4 can be a source of therapeutic cells that will not
be immune rejected after transplantation into millions of individuals
of differing sexes, ages and racial groups. These advancements offer
the potential to create the first true "Stem Cell Bank" and addresses
critical ethical issues by eliminating the need to use or destroy
fertilized embryos. ISCO also produces and sells specialized cells
and growth media worldwide for therapeutic research through its
subsidiary Lifeline Cell Technology. For more information, visit the
ISCO website at: www.internationalst
To subscribe to receive ongoing corporate communications please click
on the following link: www.b2i.us/irpass.
About Dr. Paul H. Chen, M.D.
Dr. Paul H. Chen is a Board Certified ophthalmologist who provides
comprehensive eye care with an interest in cataracts, glaucoma,
eyelid enhancements, and laser vision correction.
Dr. Chen graduated summa cum laude in Molecular Biology from
Princeton University and received his MD degree from Harvard Medical
School. He completed his specialty training in Ophthalmology at the
UCSF Medical Center in San Francisco.
His laboratory investigations have resulted in several scientific
publications. Furthermore, he is the inventor of two U.S. patents
used for the rapid diagnosis of infections. Dr. Chen has been
involved in FDA clinical research on new eye drop treatments for
corneal erosions, and he performed the first AlphaCor artificial
corneal implants in San Diego County.
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements pertaining to future financial and/or operating results,
future growth in research, technology, clinical development and
potential 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,
) 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, 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
Vision
Eye
Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)
International Stem Cell Corporation
Kenneth C. Aldrich, Chairman
kaldrich@intlstemce
or
Jeff Krstich, CEO
jkrstich@intlstemce
760-940-6383
or
Media Relations:
The Orbach Company, Inc.
Nevena Orbach, 818-904-0500
nevena@orbachco.
http://www.pr-
r385617.htm
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StemCells subscribers may also be interested in these sites:
Children's Neurobiological Solutions
http://www.CNSfoundation.org/
Cord Blood Registry
http://www.CordBlood.com/at.cgi?a=150123
The CNS Healing Group
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CNS_Healing
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