International Stem Cell Corporation to Present at the Southern California Investor Conference on Monday, August 29th

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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 An archived version will be available for 30 days.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

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A Look at the 'Son of CIRM' Proposal on the June California Ballot

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In the last couple of weeks, two
well-respected Los Angeles Times columnists have visited what
might be called the "Son of CIRM" initiative on the
June ballot in California. It is aimed at fighting cancer by spending
$800 million or so annually on research with the money coming from a
$1-a-pack tax on cigarettes.

One of the columnists, Michael
Hiltzik, said the measure, Proposition 29, is another
example of why California is a world leader in "paving the road to hell with good intentions." The other writer, George
Skelton, said,

"Prop. 29 would increase cancer
research. Reduce smoking. Save lives. Hurt the lying tobacco
companies. Good plan."

In his work at the Times, Hiltzik deals primarily with business
and financial news. He has written from time to time critically about
the $3 billion California stem cell agency.  Skelton is a longtime
observer of the Califorrnia political scene and has been around since
Pat Brown was governor.
In a column slated for publication
Sunday, Hiltzik said that the drafters of the cancer measure closely
examined Proposition 71, which created the stem cell agency in
2004, and "managed to reproduce the earlier measure's worst
features."
He said the Proposition 71 "retired
the trophy for doing the wrong thing in the wrong way for what sounds
like the right reasons." Hiltzik wrote,

"Proposition 71, you may recall, was sold to a gullible
public via candy-coated images of Christopher Reeve walking
again and Michael J. Fox cured of Parkinson's.
The implication was that these miracles would happen if voters
approved a $3-billion bond issue for stem cell research. Who could be
against that? 

 "As it turned out, the stem cell
measure created an unwieldy bureaucracy and etched conflicts of
interest into the state Constitution. By last count about 85% of the
$1.3 billion in grants handed out by the program, or some $1.1
billion, has gone to institutions with representatives on the stem
cell board. The program is virtually immune to oversight by the
Legislature or other elected officials. For these reasons and others,
it has grappled with only mixed success with changes in stem cell
science and politics that have called its original rationale into
question."

Hiltzik continued,

"Proposition
29, similarly, places most spending from the tobacco tax in the hands
of a nine-member board that must comprise one cardiovascular
physician affiliated with a California academic medical center; the
chancellors of UC Berkeley, UC San Francisco and UC
Santa Cruz; two representatives of lobbying groups devoted to
tobacco-related illness (including one who has been treated for such
a disease); and three representatives from National Cancer
Institute-designated cancer centers in the state. There are
10 of the latter, including five UC campuses and the City of Hope.
Plainly, every member of the board will represent an employer that
thinks it's in line for some of the money."

Skelton took a different approach on May 14. Using the words of a federal judge,
he lambasted the tobacco industry for its "a
certified history of deception, distortion and lying. And let's not
forget fraud and racketeering."
Skelton dealt with the current TV ads
being aired in California against the initiative. They criticize the
measure for its conflicts of interest and also say that the money
would be spent out of state.
Skelton wrote,

"The anti-29 side is hitting this
hard: that the research money generated in California could be spent
out of state. And the politest thing possible to say about that claim
is that it's disingenuous. It's stretching something that's
conceivable into a virtual certainty."

Skelton continued,

"The anti-29 camp charges that
(the structure of the board) would allow a conflict of interest in
awarding contracts. But there are state laws that protect against
such conflicts.

"Anyway, the tobacco crowd can't have it
both ways: complaining that the money could be spent outside
California and also griping when the system is set up to practically
guarantee that it will be spent in California."

Our take:
Ballot box budgeting – which is at
the heart of both the stem cell and cancer initiatives -- is one of the
reasons that California is staggering from one year to the next in a
perennial financial mess. Initiatives also sometimes create nasty
blowback that can damage the effort that they ostensibly serve. Such
is the case with the California stem cell agency, which suffers from
management and other minutia embedded in Proposition 71 that is virtually
politically impossible to change.
Hiltzik wrote,

"Gov. Brown's latest budget
proposal calls for cuts of $1.2 billion in Medi-Cal and
$900 million in CalWorks (a relief program for families with
children) and steep cuts in financial aid for college students and in
court budgets. The University of California and Cal State systems are
becoming crippled by 20 years of cutbacks in state funding,
leading to soaring tuition charges. Tobacco-related illnesses create
some of the burden on Medi-Cal and other public healthcare programs,
yet a minimal portion of Proposition 29 revenue, if any, would go to
helping taxpayers carry that burden. 

"With the overall state budget gap
approaching $16 billion, how can anyone make the case for diverting a
huge chunk of $800 million a year in new revenue to long-term
scientific research, whether in California or not? Even if you
believe that case can be made, the proper place to make it is in the
Legislature, where all these demands on the budget can be weighed and
balanced against one another — not at the ballot box, where the
only choice is to spend it the way the initiative's drafters choose
or not to raise it at all."

The California Stem Cell Report agrees
wholeheartedly.
(A personal disclosure: I worked for
Skelton when he was bureau chief for United Press International in
Sacramento some decades ago and consider him a friend. I am also
acquainted with Hiltzik but have not known him as long. I hold both
men in high regard.)

Source:
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Patent application: Levels of Oct1 as a method of identifying CSCs

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(WO2010065400) Cancer Biomarker and Methods of Using Thereof.

Excerpt from PCT Biblio. Data:

International Application No.: PCT/US2009/065742
Publication Date: 10.06.2010

Excerpt from Description:

Described herein are biomarkers which can be used for identifying a subject at risk for or evaluating the progression of cancer. In certain aspects, these biomarkers can be used to identify cancer stem cells. These biomarkers can include Octl or molecular variants thereof and downstream targets of Octl. In addition, described herein are methods for reducing the expression of these biomarkers associated with cancer.

Insights into the stem cells of CML

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Insights into the stem cells of chronic myeloid leukemia by I Sloma, X Jiang, A C Eaves and C J Eaves, Leukemia 2010(Sep 23). [Epub ahead of print][PubMed citation]. Abstract:

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) has long served as a paradigm for generating new insights into the cellular origin, pathogenesis and improved approaches to treating many types of human cancer. Early studies of the cellular phenotypes and genotypes represented in leukemic populations obtained from CML patients established the concept of an evolving clonal disorder originating in and initially sustained by a rare, multipotent, self-maintaining hematopoietic stem cell (HSC). More recent investigations continue to support this model, while also revealing new insights into the cellular and molecular mechanisms that explain how knowledge of CML stem cells and their early differentiating progeny can predict the differing and variable features of chronic phase and blast crisis. In particular, these emphasize the need for new agents that effectively and specifically target CML stem cells to produce non-toxic, but curative therapies that do not require lifelong treatments.

StemCells, Inc., Hoping for as Much as $40 Million from California Stem Cell Agency

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StemCells, Inc., said today it has
applied for as much as $40 million in funding from the California
stem cell agency for two projects dealing with Alzheimer's disease
and cervical spinal cord injury.
The announcement came in a news release
dealing with the publicly traded firm's quarterly earnings. The applications are part of a $240 million round expected to be acted on in late July by the board
of the $3 billion California stem cell agency. Funding for
businesses in the disease team round is expected to come through a
loan.
StemCells, Inc., of Newark, Ca., said,

"In January 2012, we submitted two
applications to the California Institute of Regenerative Medicine
(CIRM) for 'Disease Team Therapy Development Research Awards,' one
for Alzheimer's disease and one for cervical spinal cord injury. A
research award may be up to $20 million, payable over four years, to
fund preclinical and IND-enabling activities with the aim of starting
human clinical trials within a four-year window."

Applications in the round were reviewed
behind closed doors in April. CIRM also has a policy of not releasing the
names of applicants until its board acts and then only if an
applicant is approved. CIRM says it does not want to embarrass firms
that do not win approval. That includes individual researcher names
as well as the names of such institutions as the University of
California.
During discussion of grant applications by the CIRM board, directors are not told the names of the applicants,
just the number of the application. If board members have conflicts
of interest on specific applications, they are barred from voting on
and discussing the application. The names of applicants have
occassionally slipped out. Sometimes their identities can also be
discerned by information contained in the summaries of the reviews of
the applications, which become available on the CIRM web site shortly before the directors act. The summaries normally carry scientific scores and recommendations for funding.
Most companies seeking funding from
CIRM do not identify themselves in advance, although they do if they
appeal a negative decision by reviewers. The board has ultimate
authority for approval of grants but has almost never rejected a
recommendation for funding by reviewers.
StemCells Inc. was founded by Irv Weissman of Stanford, who sits on its board of directors. Weissman is also on its scientific advisory board along with Fred Gage
of Salk and David Anderson of Caltech. Weissman and Gage have won
substantial grants from CIRM. 
StemCells Inc.'s stock price closed at
92 cents yesterday. Its 52-week high was $8.20, and its 52 week low
was 70 cents.
Here is a link to an analyst's report
on the company.

(Editor's note: An earlier version of this item incorrectly stated that the disease team round will be acted on later this month.)

Source:
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Stem Cell Directors Order More Consideration on $20 Million UCLA Research Application

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Directors of the California stem cell
agency today deferred action on a $20 million proposal that was
rejected by its grant reviewers and sent it back for more consideration. 

The move involved an application by
Stanley Nelson and M. Carrie Miceli of UCLA dealing with Duchenne
muscular dystrophy. They are parents of a child with the affliction,
which is usually fatal by age 25. The CIRM review summary said it is
“a devastating and incurable muscle-wasting disease caused by
genetic mutations in the gene that codes for dystrophin, a protein
that plays a key role in muscle cell health.”
Nelson had filed an appeal seeking to
overturn reviewers' action. Five  mothers and two fathers with
children suffering from the disease made emotional appeals to
CIRM directors on behalf of the application. Following their presentation, Art
Torres, co vice chairman of the CIRM board, responded equally
emotionally that the board is dedicated to finding therapies for such
afflictions as Duchenne muscular dystrophy
The board approved more review for the
application after it was disclosed that a company issued a press
release two days ago that showed that  a drug involved in the
proposal was more effective than reviewers believed. Philip Pizzo, a
member of the board and dean of the Stanford medical school,
expressed caution about the press release, given its timing and
source. His comments came prior to the appearance of the parents.
The application is scheduled to be
brought back to the full board in September for further action.

Source:
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International Stem Cell Corporation Completes $5 Million Financing and Elects Jim Berglund to the Board of Directors

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CARLSBAD, Calif. (March 12, 2012) – International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB:ISCO) http://www.internationalstemcell.com, a California-based biotechnology company focused on therapeutic, cosmetic and research products, announced today that it had obtained new capital financing and made important changes in the composition of its Board of Directors to ensure that Independent Directors hold the majority of Board seats.
The financing consists of $5 million in newly issued Series G Convertible Preferred Stock (without warrants), convertible into Common Stock at a conversion price of $0.40/share, the market price of the Company’s Common Stock on the date the offer to purchase was made.  This financing was made by AR Partners LLC, a healthcare investment firm owned by Dr. Andrey Semechkin ISCO’s CEO and Co-Chairman of the Board of Directors.
Concurrently with the closing of this financing, the Company elected to its Board of Directors Dr. James Berglund, co-founder of Enterprise Partners Venture Capital - one of the premier venture capital firms in the field of healthcare technology founded in 1985. Dr. Berglund, with his extensive professional experience, continues as an active participant in the biotech and healthcare industries. Dr. Berglund will replace Kenneth C. Aldrich, co-founder and former CEO of the Company during the period 2008-2009, who is stepping down as ISCO Board of Directors Co-Chairman. Although Mr. Aldrich is retiring from our Board, he will remain as one of ISCO’s largest shareholders and an active consultant to the Board and executive management and will continue to represent the Company as “Chairman Emeritus” in a variety of public and private venues.
According to Mr. Aldrich, “In my view, Dr. Semechkin’s willingness to commit such a significant amount of capital to ISCO at the market price of the Company’s stock on the date of his offer represents a major vote of confidence in ISCO’s future by its most senior executive. We are thankful to Dr. Semechkin for his support that will further advance ISCO’s parthenogenetic stem cell-based therapeutic programs and income generating businesses.”
Having a majority of independent directors on our company’s Board represents an important step in ISCO’s development and in transforming ISCO into a leading public company in the field of regenerative medicine.
“I want to thank Mr. Aldrich for his long-standing dedication and continued involvement in guiding the Company,” said Dr. Semechkin. “This long-term investment, along with the new executive management team recruited over the previous twelve months, will provide ISCO with the necessary economic stability and resources to pursue its goals of consolidating our leadership position and accelerating our therapeutic programs” continued Dr. Semechkin.
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 backgrounds.  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.
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.
Contacts:
International Stem Cell Corporation
Andrey Semechkin, Co-Chairman and CEO
760-940-6383
Kurt May, President/COO
760-940-6383
Lippert/Heilshorn & Associates 
Don Markley (dmarkley@lhai.com)
310-691-7100

Source:
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Advisor to CIRM Nominated to Board of CIRM Grant Recipient Expecting $5 Million from Agency

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A "special
advisor" to the $3 billion California stem cell agency has been nominated to the board of directors of Sangamo BioSciences, Inc., a
firm that is sharing in a $14.5 million grant from the state research
enterprise.
She is Saira Ramasastry, managing partner of Life Sciences Advisory, LLC, of
Emerald Lake Hills, Ca., and who also has worked as a consultant to
Sangamo. Ramasastry's ties to CIRM go back to at least May of 2010,
when she served as a consultant for the panel that CIRM hired to
review its operations. The panel strongly recommended that CIRM
engage industry more warmly. Since then Ramasastry's contracts with
CIRM have totalled $65,000. Her current $25,000 contract describes
her work for CIRM as "industry analysis and consultation."
Ramasastry's
website says she serves as "a special advisor to CIRM in
industry engagement initiatives and strategic projects." Her
firm also offers expertise to life sciences firms in "strategic
alternatives advisory, strategic options analysis, tailored business
development solutions and innovative financing strategies."
In a news release April 30 announcing her nomination, Sangamo said Ramasastry has worked as a consultant to the Richmond, Ca., company. William Ringo, chairman of Sangamo's board of
directors, said,

 "Saira's
extensive experience in global healthcare investment banking and
strategic advisory consulting will bring valuable financial,
commercial assessment and business development skills to our board."

Compensation for Sangamo directors in 2011 ranged from $75,000 to $35,000 for those who served a full year plus stock options. 

Sangamo is sharing
in a $14.5 million, four-year grant from CIRM with the City of Hope
in Los Angeles dealing with an AIDS- related lymphoma therapy. The
grant was approved in 2009. Sangamo expects to receive $5.2 million from the grant if it runs for the full four years. As of the end of 2011, the firm has received $2.4 million, according to its financial documents. In March, Ellen Feigal, CIRM senior vice
president for research and development, said the effort is due for an
evaluation late this year.  Earlier this year, CIRM terminated one $19 million grant in the same round after it failed to meet milestones.

Sangamo's board is
scheduled to vote on Ramasastry's nomination on June 21. 
The California
Stem Cell Report has asked Ramasastry if she has any comment for
publication. We are also querying CIRM and Sangamo. Their comments
will be carried verbatim when we receive them.
Our take?
Ramasastry's consulting work with both CIRM and Sangamo demonstrates
again the tiny size of the world of stem cell science. It also raises
questions about conflicts of interest involving CIRM and industry. Can
a consultant in such a position serve two masters and serve them both
equally well? CIRM's interests are not necessarily the same as
Sangamo's, which is a publicly traded firm working diligently to
generate profit and financial returns for its shareholders. To do
that, it needs capital from its financial "backers,"
including CIRM. The stem cell agency, however, is in the business of
getting the results that it wants from Sangamo. If not, the grant
can be cancelled. Working for both the stem cell agency, whose
paramount obligation is to the people of California, and a recipient
of the agency's millions is incompatible.

Source:
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A $25 Million 'Cautionary Tale': CIRM and Geron

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California's $25 million venture into the financing of what once was the first hESC clinical trial in the nation serves as a "cautionary tale" for states that use taxpayer dollars to boost technology, according to a New York public policy expert.

The comments by James W. Fossett, who directs the Rockefeller Institute of Government health, Medicaid studies and bioethics research programs, come midway through an Institute of Medicine examination of the performance of the $3 billion California stem cell agency. Its directors are also currently involved in a revision of of the agency's strategic plan.

Writing on the Rockefeller Institute's web site, Fossett analyzed the fallout from Geron's decision last fall to abandon its clinical trial after it determined the effort was too costly. Just three months earlier, the California stem cell agency had signed a $25 million loan agreement with Geron.

Fossett said,

"For the many states using taxpayer dollars to stimulate jobs in a wide range of technologies, this is a cautionary tale."

He wrote,

"(Geron's) decision has attracted widespread opprobrium from bloggers, stem cell advocacy groups, bioethicists and more than a few newspaper columnists — one blogger called it the 'stem cell misstep of the year.'

"This disapproval has also spilled over onto the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) — the state agency that operates the $3 billion California stem cell research program."

He continued,

"CIRM is coming under considerable political pressure to produce viable therapies to justify the large amount of money it’s been spending, and some have interpreted its hasty involvement with Geron as motivated by the desire to have something concrete to brag about."

Fossett said, however,

"There may be less here, however, than all the rhetoric would suggest. While Geron’s trial had acquired a lot of symbolic baggage because of its status as a 'first,' the decision to pull the plug only reflects one decision by one company about one therapy. The company was looking at having to spend a lot more money over a long period to get the therapy through the clinical trials process for what would likely be a small return.

"The political difficulties that Geron’s withdrawal have caused CIRM, however, have lessons for states proposing to spend significant amounts on biotechnology and other research in hopes of stimulating economic growth. Spending money on research intended to develop new therapies is highly risky. The science is difficult, expensive and evolves at a rapid pace that is difficult to integrate with earlier understandings. There are considerable cultural, political and financial obstacles to getting new products out of the lab and into the clinic."

Fossett suggested several approaches that might ease some of the risks. He cited the 2010 CIRM external review report that recommended adjusting priorities. Fossett said,

"States might experiment with providing more support to biotech companies and entrepreneurs with successful track records and less to basic research, which could increase the odds of short-term success."

At last month's CIRM board meeting, directors engaged in what CIRM is inclined to call a robust discussion of priorities for basic research vs. more focused funding for driving therapies into the clinic.

Fossett cited another external review recommendation that CIRM seek out research with a "high probability of clinical success that could 'come from either inside or outside CIRM-funded research, perhaps out of industry and even from outside of California.'" 

Fossett additionally mentioned the use of venture capital techniques that would give states "a chance to participate in the (financial) benefits of successful therapies."

Nonetheless, he wrote,

"Most products and most companies will likely continue to fail."

Source:
http://californiastemcellreport.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default?alt=rss

IOM's Lagging Effort for Comments on the $3 Billion California Stem Cell Agency

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With the $700,000 Institute of Medicine inquiry into the performance of the California stem cell agency half complete – at least publicly – the blue-ribbon panel seems to be coming up short on comments from outside of the agency itself.

The major public effort by the IOM to secure comments is the passive posting of forms to be filled out on the IOM web site.

How many responses has the IOM received on those forms? The IOM has not disclosed that information despite two inquiries earlier this month by the California Stem Cell Report.

The prestigious institute is undertaking the study of $3 billion agency under contract with CIRM, which is paying the IOM $700,000. Some CIRM directors have expressed hope that the IOM findings will help build support for another multi-billion dollar state bond measure to renew financing for CIRM. It is scheduled to run out of money for new grants in five years.

So far, the IOM panel has held two public meetings, one in Washington, D.C., and one in the San Francisco area. The final California hearing is scheduled for April 10 in Irvine with the last public meetings scheduled for later this year in Washington.

So far, the panel has heard only from CIRM employees or directors as well as researchers who have received tens of millions of dollars in CIRM grants. The IOM has not heard publicly from a single independent witness.

The IOM has posted on its web site forms seeking comments from the public, grant recipients, beneficiary institutions and businesses. However, passive postings of forms are unlikely to generate more than a relative handful of responses. To produce significant numbers requires aggressive and targeted follow-up.

It is also unclear exactly what the IOM is doing to seek information from biotech businesses and unsuccessful grant applicants. Some businesses have complained publicly about the tiny share of funding that industry has received. And some CIRM directors have expressed concern for several years about the inadequacies of business funding.

On Feb. 12, the California Stem Cell Report queried the IOM about its efforts at outreach, asking for specifics on what is being done. Christine Stencel, a spokeswoman for the IOM, replied,

"The IOM has been obtaining and compiling lists of organizations and people to circulate the questionnaires as widely as possible among target groups. For example, IOM has sent a notice to some 300 stakeholder groups encouraging participation."

Other specifics were not forthcoming. (The full text of the questions and responses can be found here.)

On Feb. 15, the California Stem Cell Report followed up with these additional questions,

"Regarding the 300 stakeholder groups, how are those defined? Please give me a few examples.

"Based on your response, is it correct to say that the IOM is not sending out questionnaires directly to all CIRM grant applicants, including those who were rejected?

"Is it correct to say that no special effort -- other than that described in your response -- is being made to seek responses from stem cell businesses?

"The failure to provide numbers on the responses so far would indicate that the numbers are so small that the IOM is choosing not to disclose them. If that is not the case, please email me the numbers."

As of this writing, the IOM has not responded to those questions. We will carry its response verbatim when we receive it.

Source:
http://californiastemcellreport.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default?alt=rss

Researcher Alert: California Stem Cell Agency To Alter How It Administers Grants

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Stem cell researchers and institutions throughout the state are likely to be affected by proposed changes – to be discussed online publicly Tuesday – dealing with how the California stem cell agency will handle its $3 billion in grants.

An important online session – open to all interested parties – comes up then, but advance registration is required.

The proposals are wide-ranging and detailed. The nearly 500 recipients of CIRM grants should examine them closely in addition to any persons seriously interested in California stem cell affairs. The changes deal with such subjects as milestones for research grants, indirect costs, travel costs, withholding payments for failure to file a progress report and much, much more.

Here is a link to the main page for all this, which has instructions on how to register for the online session along with links to the changes and their rationale.

(Editor's note: This item was filed from the Rio Sabana in the Darien in Panama when we found a weak Internet cellular link. We are still underway so postings are unlikely between now and later this month.)

Source:
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International Stem Cell Comments on Recent SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN Article: “You Say Embryo, I Say Parthenote”

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“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:
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International Stem Cell Corporation's Ken Aldrich Comments on Recent News about SCNT – Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer

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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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International Stem Cell's Research Scientists Successfully Completed the First Series of Preclinical Animal Trials of Neuronal Cells

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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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Representative Brian Bilbray Meets with International Stem Cell Executives to Discuss Research Funding

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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

dmarkley@lhai.com

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International Stem Cell Names Dr. Andrey Semechkin as Co-Chairman and Kurt May as President and Chief Operating Officer

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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.
http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=bwnews&sty=20111006005285r1&sid=14230&distro=ftp
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

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International Stem Cell Corp. Chairman Kenneth Aldrich Comments on Recent TIME Article “A Stem Cell First: Using the 'Dolly' Method on Human Cells”

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“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.

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Researchers Study CSCs as Therapeutic Targets for Mesothelioma

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Researchers Study Cancer Stem Cells as Therapeutic Targets for Mesothelioma, Asbestos.com, July 26, 2010. Excerpt:

In a study published in the International Journal of Oncology, Cortes-Dericks and colleagues tested whether cancer stem cells in malignant pleural mesothelioma express resistance to cisplatin and pemetrexed, two chemotherapy drugs commonly used to treat mesothelioma cancer.

This news item is based on the OA publication entitled: Putative cancer stem cells in malignant pleural mesothelioma show resistance to cisplatin and pemetrexed by Lourdes Cortes-Dericks, Giovanni L Carboni, Ralph A Schmid and Golnaz Karoubi, Int J Oncol 2010(Aug); 37(2): 437-44. [PubMed citation].

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

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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.