International Stem Cell launches human cell culture products into commercial research markets

Oct 14 2009

International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB:ISCO), announces that it has launched fifteen new human cell culture products into the commercial research markets over the last twelve months through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Lifeline Cell Technology, (Walkersville, MD), leading to a 12-month average month-to-month revenue growth of 50%. ISCO, the parent company, is the first company to create human “parthenogenetic” stem cells from unfertilized eggs. Parthenogenetic stem cells not only solve ethical problems, but also promise to minimize immune-rejection by providing cells that can be immune-matched to large segments of the population.

These products represent milestone achievements in ISCO’s strategy of generating revenue from the sale of research products, while building infrastructure from that effort to expand the manufacturing and quality control capacities ISCO needs to commercialize the therapeutic applications of human parthenogenetic stem cells.

One of its newest and most promising products consist of “xeno-free” human cells and culture reagents that allow researchers to study embryonic stem cells without contamination from animal (non-human) components. These products meet the needs for stem cell research to be done using “human-only” systems. Other products include Lifeline’s living human cells and reagents for research and drug development into cardiovascular, kidney, lung, nerve, eye and skin disease. Lifeline is continuing to develop unique reagents and media for the growing field of stem cell research. The “Lifeline” brand of products consist of human cells and the culture reagents and growth factors needed to grow the cells.

According to Jeffrey Janus, CEO of Lifeline, “We are proud of the quality of our new products, as reflected in the sales growth they are exhibiting in the human cell research markets. We look forward to launching more new products into the growing markets for stem cell research and drug development. These products will contribute to the success of ISCO, not only by supporting ISCO’s therapeutic research, but also through the development of critical manufacturing and quality control systems necessary for ISCO to produce therapeutic human cells in the future.”