CARLSBAD, Calif., Feb. 13, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCQB:ISCO) (www.internationalstemcell.com) ("ISCO" or "the Company"), a California-based clinical stage biotechnology company developing novel stem cell-based therapies and biomedical products, announced today that the results of the Company’s preclinical studies in traumatic brain injury (TBI) have been published in Theranostics, a prestigious peer-reviewed medical journal. The publication, titled, “Human parthenogenetic neural stem cell grafts promote multiple regenerative processes in a traumatic brain injury model,” demonstrated that the clinical-grade neural stem cells used in our Parkinson’s disease clinical trial, ISC-hpNSC®, significantly improve TBI-associated motor, neurological, and cognitive deficits without any safety issues. The paper is available on the Company’s website.

The article details ISCO’s preclinical studies in TBI conducted by world-renowned Dr. Cesar Borlongan, Director and Distinguished Professor of the Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair at the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine.

“ISCO’s human parthenogenetic neural stem cells may have a strong therapeutic value for patients suffering from traumatic brain injury (TBI). Transplantation of the neural stem cells in the brain were able to restore motor function, learning, and memorization in the TBI rodent model. Animals receiving the cells had increased neuronal survival and reduced inflammation compared to the untreated group,” commented Prof. Borlongan.

Rodents injected with moderate and high doses of ISC-hpNSC® significantly improved motor function, neurologic function, and cognition compared to the control animals receiving no treatment. Also, histological analysis demonstrated increased expression of neural and myelination markers and decreased reactive gliosis and inflammation in the brains of animals receiving moderate and high doses of ISC-hpNSC® compared to the untreated group.

“The results of these studies add to the validation of ISC-hpNSC® as a potential therapeutic platform to treat a broad spectrum of neurological disorders. There is currently no approved treatment for TBI and it represents a significant unmet medical need with millions affected annually. For ISCO this may open new opportunities with large market potential,” commented Russell Kern, PhD, ISCO's EVP, Chief Scientific Officer.

According to the World Health Organization, the global incidence for TBI is approximately 10 million people annually. TBI is also a leading cause of death and disability in the United States, contributing to approximately 30% of all injury deaths.

About International Stem Cell Corporation

International Stem Cell Corporation (ISCO) 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 parthenogenetic, 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 ( www.lifelinecelltech.com ), and stem cell-based skin care products through its subsidiary Lifeline Skin Care ( www.lifelineskincare.com ). More information is available at www.internationalstemcell.com .

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Safe harbor statement

Statements pertaining to anticipated developments, clinical studies expectations (including plans for future clinical trials), progress of research and development, 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, 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 Russell A. Kern, PhD Phone: 760-940-6383 Email: ir@intlstemcell.com

Or

Edison Advisors Tirth Patel Vice President, Investor Relations (646) 653-7035 tpatel@edisongroup.com