International Stem Cell Corp. (ISCO): A Reckoning
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California biotech International Stem Cell is developing novel stem cell-based therapies and biomedical products geared toward unmet medical needs with limited treatment options. Many such areas already involve clinically proven cell therapy but lack safe human cells. ISCO’s solution to filling these gaps is the company’s patented new class of human stem cells called parthenogenetic stem cells.
ISCO’s core technology, parthenogenesis, enables the creation of pluripotent human stem cells from unfertilized human eggs. These human parthenogenetic stem cells (hpSCs) avoid ethical issue associated with the use or destruction of viable human embryos.
As the world’s first parthenogenetic homozygous stem cell line, ISCO’s hpSCs, which in late 2014 were cleared by the FDA for clinical use, can be immune-matched to millions of people of differing gender, age and racial background.
Using its patented parthenogenesis process, ISCO earlier this month completed the manufacturing of the cell bank of more than 2.6 billion clinical-grade human neural stem cells needed for its upcoming phase 1/2a clinical trial for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.
In preparation of the clinical study, ISCO formed an Australian subsidiary, Cyto Therapeutics Pty Ltd., designated to manage the regulatory submission to the Australian Therapeutics Goods Administration (TGA) and the up-and-coming clinical study.
Also included in ISCO’s subsidiary portfolio is Lifeline Cell Technology, which manufactures and markets high-quality primary human cells, optimized media and reagents; and Lifeline Skin Care, developer of branded anti-aging skin care products based on growth factors and peptides extracted from hpSCs.
In addition to Parkinson’s disease, ISCO’s scientists are focused on using hpSCs to treat severe diseases of the eye, the nervous system and the liver.
With 220 patents, applications and licenses, a broad pipeline of targets, sturdy balance sheet, and an industry-anticipated clinical trial to launch in mid-2015, ISCO is well-positioned as a reputable innovator in the advance of stem cell-based therapies.
For more information, visit www.internationalstemcell.com
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