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This article is about the medical therapy. For the cell type, see Stem cell.

Stem-cell therapy is the use of stem cells to treat or prevent a disease or condition.

Bone marrow transplant is the most widely used stem-cell therapy, but some therapies derived from umbilical cord blood are also in use. Research is underway to develop various sources for stem cells, and to apply stem-cell treatments for neurodegenerative diseases and conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and other conditions.

Stem-cell therapy has become controversial following developments such as the ability of scientists to isolate and culture embryonic stem cells, to create stem cells using somatic cell nuclear transfer and their use of techniques to create induced pluripotent stem cells. This controversy is often related to abortion politics and to human cloning. Additionally, efforts to market treatments based on transplant of stored umbilical cord blood have been controversial.

For over 30 years, bone marrow has been used to treat cancer patients with conditions such as leukaemia and lymphoma; this is the only form of stem-cell therapy that is widely practiced.[1][2][3] During chemotherapy, most growing cells are killed by the cytotoxic agents. These agents, however, cannot discriminate between the leukaemia or neoplastic cells, and the hematopoietic stem cells within the bone marrow. It is this side effect of conventional chemotherapy strategies that the stem-cell transplant attempts to reverse; a donor's healthy bone marrow reintroduces functional stem cells to replace the cells lost in the host's body during treatment. The transplanted cells also generate an immune response that helps to kill off the cancer cells; this process can go too far, however, leading to graft vs host disease, the most serious side effect of this treatment.[4]

Another stem-cell therapy called Prochymal, was conditionally approved in Canada in 2012 for the management of acute graft-vs-host disease in children who are unresponsive to steroids.[5] It is an allogenic stem therapy based on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from the bone marrow of adult donors. MSCs are purified from the marrow, cultured and packaged, with up to 10,000 doses derived from a single donor. The doses are stored frozen until needed.[6]

The FDA has approved five hematopoietic stem-cell products derived from umbilical cord blood, for the treatment of blood and immunological diseases.[7]

In 2014, the European Medicines Agency recommended approval of Holoclar, a treatment involving stem cells, for use in the European Union. Holoclar is used for people with severe limbal stem cell deficiency due to burns in the eye.[8]

In March 2016 GlaxoSmithKline's Strimvelis (GSK2696273) therapy for the treatment ADA-SCID was recommended for EU approval.[9]

Stem cells are being studied for a number of reasons. The molecules and exosomes released from stem cells are also being studied in an effort to make medications.[10]

Research has been conducted on the effects of stem cells on animal models of brain degeneration, such as in Parkinson's, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Alzheimer's disease.[11][12][13] There have been preliminary studies related to multiple sclerosis.[14][15]

Healthy adult brains contain neural stem cells which divide to maintain general stem-cell numbers, or become progenitor cells. In healthy adult laboratory animals, progenitor cells migrate within the brain and function primarily to maintain neuron populations for olfaction (the sense of smell). Pharmacological activation of endogenous neural stem cells has been reported to induce neuroprotection and behavioral recovery in adult rat models of neurological disorder.[16][17][18]

Stroke and traumatic brain injury lead to cell death, characterized by a loss of neurons and oligodendrocytes within the brain. A small clinical trial was underway in Scotland in 2013, in which stem cells were injected into the brains of stroke patients.[19]

Clinical and animal studies have been conducted into the use of stem cells in cases of spinal cord injury.[20][21][22]

The pioneering work[23] by Bodo-Eckehard Strauer has now been discredited by the identification of hundreds of factual contradictions.[24] Among several clinical trials that have reported that adult stem-cell therapy is safe and effective, powerful effects have been reported from only a few laboratories, but this has covered old[25] and recent[26] infarcts as well as heart failure not arising from myocardial infarction.[27] While initial animal studies demonstrated remarkable therapeutic effects,[28][29] later clinical trials achieved only modest, though statistically significant, improvements.[30][31] Possible reasons for this discrepancy are patient age,[32] timing of treatment[33] and the recent occurrence of a myocardial infarction.[34] It appears that these obstacles may be overcome by additional treatments which increase the effectiveness of the treatment[35] or by optimizing the methodology although these too can be controversial. Current studies vary greatly in cell-procuring techniques, cell types, cell-administration timing and procedures, and studied parameters, making it very difficult to make comparisons. Comparative studies are therefore currently needed.

Stem-cell therapy for treatment of myocardial infarction usually makes use of autologous bone-marrow stem cells (a specific type or all), however other types of adult stem cells may be used, such as adipose-derived stem cells.[36] Adult stem cell therapy for treating heart disease was commercially available in at least five continents as of 2007.[citation needed]

Possible mechanisms of recovery include:[11]

It may be possible to have adult bone-marrow cells differentiate into heart muscle cells.[11]

The first successful integration of human embryonic stem cell derived cardiomyocytes in guinea pigs (mouse hearts beat too fast) was reported in August 2012. The contraction strength was measured four weeks after the guinea pigs underwent simulated heart attacks and cell treatment. The cells contracted synchronously with the existing cells, but it is unknown if the positive results were produced mainly from paracrine as opposed to direct electromechanical effects from the human cells. Future work will focus on how to get the cells to engraft more strongly around the scar tissue. Whether treatments from embryonic or adult bone marrow stem cells will prove more effective remains to be seen.[37]

In 2013 the pioneering reports of powerful beneficial effects of autologous bone marrow stem cells on ventricular function were found to contain "hundreds" of discrepancies.[38] Critics report that of 48 reports there seemed to be just five underlying trials, and that in many cases whether they were randomized or merely observational accepter-versus-rejecter, was contradictory between reports of the same trial. One pair of reports of identical baseline characteristics and final results, was presented in two publications as, respectively, a 578 patient randomized trial and as a 391 patient observational study. Other reports required (impossible) negative standard deviations in subsets of patients, or contained fractional patients, negative NYHA classes. Overall there were many more patients published as having receiving stem cells in trials, than the number of stem cells processed in the hospital's laboratory during that time. A university investigation, closed in 2012 without reporting, was reopened in July 2013.[39]

One of the most promising benefits of stem cell therapy is the potential for cardiac tissue regeneration to reverse the tissue loss underlying the development of heart failure after cardiac injury.[40]

Initially, the observed improvements were attributed to a transdifferentiation of BM-MSCs into cardiomyocyte-like cells.[28] Given the apparent inadequacy of unmodified stem cells for heart tissue regeneration, a more promising modern technique involves treating these cells to create cardiac progenitor cells before implantation to the injured area.[41]

The specificity of the human immune-cell repertoire is what allows the human body to defend itself from rapidly adapting antigens. However, the immune system is vulnerable to degradation upon the pathogenesis of disease, and because of the critical role that it plays in overall defense, its degradation is often fatal to the organism as a whole. Diseases of hematopoietic cells are diagnosed and classified via a subspecialty of pathology known as hematopathology. The specificity of the immune cells is what allows recognition of foreign antigens, causing further challenges in the treatment of immune disease. Identical matches between donor and recipient must be made for successful transplantation treatments, but matches are uncommon, even between first-degree relatives. Research using both hematopoietic adult stem cells and embryonic stem cells has provided insight into the possible mechanisms and methods of treatment for many of these ailments.[citation needed]

Fully mature human red blood cells may be generated ex vivo by hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), which are precursors of red blood cells. In this process, HSCs are grown together with stromal cells, creating an environment that mimics the conditions of bone marrow, the natural site of red-blood-cell growth. Erythropoietin, a growth factor, is added, coaxing the stem cells to complete terminal differentiation into red blood cells.[42] Further research into this technique should have potential benefits to gene therapy, blood transfusion, and topical medicine.

In 2004, scientists at King's College London discovered a way to cultivate a complete tooth in mice[43] and were able to grow bioengineered teeth stand-alone in the laboratory. Researchers are confident that the tooth regeneration technology can be used to grow live teeth in human patients.

In theory, stem cells taken from the patient could be coaxed in the lab turning into a tooth bud which, when implanted in the gums, will give rise to a new tooth, and would be expected to be grown in a time over three weeks.[44] It will fuse with the jawbone and release chemicals that encourage nerves and blood vessels to connect with it. The process is similar to what happens when humans grow their original adult teeth. Many challenges remain, however, before stem cells could be a choice for the replacement of missing teeth in the future.[45][46]

Research is ongoing in different fields, alligators which are polyphyodonts grow up to 50 times a successional tooth (a small replacement tooth) under each mature functional tooth for replacement once a year.[47]

Heller has reported success in re-growing cochlea hair cells with the use of embryonic stem cells.[48]

Since 2003, researchers have successfully transplanted corneal stem cells into damaged eyes to restore vision. "Sheets of retinal cells used by the team are harvested from aborted fetuses, which some people find objectionable." When these sheets are transplanted over the damaged cornea, the stem cells stimulate renewed repair, eventually restore vision.[49] The latest such development was in June 2005, when researchers at the Queen Victoria Hospital of Sussex, England were able to restore the sight of forty patients using the same technique. The group, led by Sheraz Daya, was able to successfully use adult stem cells obtained from the patient, a relative, or even a cadaver. Further rounds of trials are ongoing.[50]

In April 2005, doctors in the UK transplanted corneal stem cells from an organ donor to the cornea of Deborah Catlyn, a woman who was blinded in one eye when acid was thrown in her eye at a nightclub. The cornea, which is the transparent window of the eye, is a particularly suitable site for transplants. In fact, the first successful human transplant was a cornea transplant. The absence of blood vessels within the cornea makes this area a relatively easy target for transplantation. The majority of corneal transplants carried out today are due to a degenerative disease called keratoconus.

The University Hospital of New Jersey reports that the success rate for growth of new cells from transplanted stem cells varies from 25 percent to 70 percent.[51]

In 2014, researchers demonstrated that stem cells collected as biopsies from donor human corneas can prevent scar formation without provoking a rejection response in mice with corneal damage.[52]

In January 2012, The Lancet published a paper by Steven Schwartz, at UCLA's Jules Stein Eye Institute, reporting two women who had gone legally blind from macular degeneration had dramatic improvements in their vision after retinal injections of human embryonic stem cells.[53]

In June 2015, the Stem Cell Ophthalmology Treatment Study (SCOTS), the largest adult stem cell study in ophthalmology ( http://www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT # 01920867) published initial results on a patient with optic nerve disease who improved from 20/2000 to 20/40 following treatment with bone marrow derived stem cells.[54]

Diabetes patients lose the function of insulin-producing beta cells within the pancreas.[55] In recent experiments, scientists have been able to coax embryonic stem cell to turn into beta cells in the lab. In theory if the beta cell is transplanted successfully, they will be able to replace malfunctioning ones in a diabetic patient.[56]

Human embryonic stem cells may be grown in cell culture and stimulated to form insulin-producing cells that can be transplanted into the patient.

However, clinical success is highly dependent on the development of the following procedures:[11]

Clinical case reports in the treatment orthopaedic conditions have been reported. To date, the focus in the literature for musculoskeletal care appears to be on mesenchymal stem cells. Centeno et al. have published MRI evidence of increased cartilage and meniscus volume in individual human subjects.[57][58] The results of trials that include a large number of subjects, are yet to be published. However, a published safety study conducted in a group of 227 patients over a 3-4-year period shows adequate safety and minimal complications associated with mesenchymal cell transplantation.[59]

Wakitani has also published a small case series of nine defects in five knees involving surgical transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells with coverage of the treated chondral defects.[60]

Stem cells can also be used to stimulate the growth of human tissues. In an adult, wounded tissue is most often replaced by scar tissue, which is characterized in the skin by disorganized collagen structure, loss of hair follicles and irregular vascular structure. In the case of wounded fetal tissue, however, wounded tissue is replaced with normal tissue through the activity of stem cells.[61] A possible method for tissue regeneration in adults is to place adult stem cell "seeds" inside a tissue bed "soil" in a wound bed and allow the stem cells to stimulate differentiation in the tissue bed cells. This method elicits a regenerative response more similar to fetal wound-healing than adult scar tissue formation.[61] Researchers are still investigating different aspects of the "soil" tissue that are conducive to regeneration.[61]

Culture of human embryonic stem cells in mitotically inactivated porcine ovarian fibroblasts (POF) causes differentiation into germ cells (precursor cells of oocytes and spermatozoa), as evidenced by gene expression analysis.[62]

Human embryonic stem cells have been stimulated to form Spermatozoon-like cells, yet still slightly damaged or malformed.[63] It could potentially treat azoospermia.

In 2012, oogonial stem cells were isolated from adult mouse and human ovaries and demonstrated to be capable of forming mature oocytes.[64] These cells have the potential to treat infertility.

Destruction of the immune system by the HIV is driven by the loss of CD4+ T cells in the peripheral blood and lymphoid tissues. Viral entry into CD4+ cells is mediated by the interaction with a cellular chemokine receptor, the most common of which are CCR5 and CXCR4. Because subsequent viral replication requires cellular gene expression processes, activated CD4+ cells are the primary targets of productive HIV infection.[65] Recently scientists have been investigating an alternative approach to treating HIV-1/AIDS, based on the creation of a disease-resistant immune system through transplantation of autologous, gene-modified (HIV-1-resistant) hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (GM-HSPC).[66]

On 23 January 2009, the US Food and Drug Administration gave clearance to Geron Corporation for the initiation of the first clinical trial of an embryonic stem-cell-based therapy on humans. The trial aimed evaluate the drug GRNOPC1, embryonic stem cell-derived oligodendrocyte progenitor cells, on patients with acute spinal cord injury. The trial was discontinued in November 2011 so that the company could focus on therapies in the "current environment of capital scarcity and uncertain economic conditions".[67] In 2013 biotechnology and regenerative medicine company BioTime (NYSEMKT:BTX) acquired Geron's stem cell assets in a stock transaction, with the aim of restarting the clinical trial.[68]

Scientists have reported that MSCs when transfused immediately within few hours post thawing may show reduced function or show decreased efficacy in treating diseases as compared to those MSCs which are in log phase of cell growth(fresh), so cryopreserved MSCs should be brought back into log phase of cell growth in invitro culture before these are administered for clinical trials or experimental therapies, re-culturing of MSCs will help in recovering from the shock the cells get during freezing and thawing. Various clinical trials on MSCs have failed which used cryopreserved product immediately post thaw as compared to those clinical trials which used fresh MSCs.[69]

There is widespread controversy over the use of human embryonic stem cells. This controversy primarily targets the techniques used to derive new embryonic stem cell lines, which often requires the destruction of the blastocyst. Opposition to the use of human embryonic stem cells in research is often based on philosophical, moral, or religious objections.[110] There is other stem cell research that does not involve the destruction of a human embryo, and such research involves adult stem cells, amniotic stem cells, and induced pluripotent stem cells.

Stem-cell research and treatment was practiced in the People's Republic of China. The Ministry of Health of the People's Republic of China has permitted the use of stem-cell therapy for conditions beyond those approved of in Western countries. The Western World has scrutinized China for its failed attempts to meet international documentation standards of these trials and procedures.[111]

State-funded companies based in the Shenzhen Hi-Tech Industrial Zone treat the symptoms of numerous disorders with adult stem-cell therapy. Development companies are currently focused on the treatment of neurodegenerative and cardiovascular disorders. The most radical successes of Chinese adult stem cell therapy have been in treating the brain. These therapies administer stem cells directly to the brain of patients with cerebral palsy, Alzheimer's, and brain injuries.[citation needed]

Since 2008 many universities, centers and doctors tried a diversity of methods; in Lebanon proliferation for stem cell therapy, in-vivo and in-vitro techniques were used, Thus this country is considered the launching place of the Regentime[112] procedure. http://www.researchgate.net/publication/281712114_Treatment_of_Long_Standing_Multiple_Sclerosis_with_Regentime_Stem_Cell_Technique The regenerative medicine also took place in Jordan and Egypt.[citation needed]

Stem-cell treatment is currently being practiced at a clinical level in Mexico. An International Health Department Permit (COFEPRIS) is required. Authorized centers are found in Tijuana, Guadalajara and Cancun. Currently undergoing the approval process is Los Cabos. This permit allows the use of stem cell.[citation needed]

In 2005, South Korean scientists claimed to have generated stem cells that were tailored to match the recipient. Each of the 11 new stem cell lines was developed using somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) technology. The resultant cells were thought to match the genetic material of the recipient, thus suggesting minimal to no cell rejection.[113]

As of 2013, Thailand still considers Hematopoietic stem cell transplants as experimental. Kampon Sriwatanakul began with a clinical trial in October 2013 with 20 patients. 10 are going to receive stem-cell therapy for Type-2 diabetes and the other 10 will receive stem-cell therapy for emphysema. Chotinantakul's research is on Hematopoietic cells and their role for the hematopoietic system function in homeostasis and immune response.[114]

Today, Ukraine is permitted to perform clinical trials of stem-cell treatments (Order of the MH of Ukraine 630 "About carrying out clinical trials of stem cells", 2008) for the treatment of these pathologies: pancreatic necrosis, cirrhosis, hepatitis, burn disease, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, critical lower limb ischemia. The first medical institution granted the right to conduct clinical trials became the "Institute of Cell Therapy"(Kiev).

Other countries where doctors did stem cells research, trials, manipulation, storage, therapy: Brazil, Cyprus, Germany, Italy, Israel, Japan, Pakistan, Philippines, Russia, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom, India, and many others.

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Stem-cell therapy - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Stem Cell Therapy Research and Technology

Stem cell treatments, research and technology are no longer relegated to sci-fi novels or movies. Research and development of stem cells also goes way beyond the use of embryonic stem cell based therapy, potential of cloning human beings and the moral and ethical controversies surrounding such developments. Today, stem cell research offers potential treatments for the future that may cure many disease processes, enable people with spinal cord injuries to walk again, and perhaps even see an end to cognitive impairment diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease.

Brief Overview of Stem Cell Therapy Research

To date, scientific research into stem cells has identified multiple types of stem cells and sources. The most commonly studied, and used, stem cell based therapy developments today involve the use of:

• Embryonic stem cell therapy
• Adult stem cell therapy and research
• Umbilical cord stem cell therapy

At their most basic definition, stem cells have the ability to limitlessly divide and are capable of developing into one or several different types of the 220 cells found in the human body.

Embryonic stem cell therapy has long been the center of controversy regarding their moral and ethical use, not only in the United States, but also around the world. These cells are taken from early stage embryos, many from aborted fetuses. Because of such controversy, scientists spent decades studying other ways to develop stem cells that would offer more appeal and less controversy.

Adult stem cell therapy is commonly used today in a wide range of human stem cell therapy and treatments. This type of stem cell is taken from bone marrow. Adult stem cells can be "instructed" to form a certain type of cell – such as nerve cells, cardiac cells, skin cells, muscle cells and so forth. Because these cells are found in the skin, blood and bone marrow, they do not carry the stigma that embryonic stem cells do. Scientists are currently looking for ways to replace damaged cells that lead to a multitude of disease processes, such as diabetes, Parkinson's, and cancer. As such, stem cell replacement therapy is undergoing extensive research and development.

Umbilical cord stem cell therapy is utilized through the blood of umbilical cords after they and the rest of the afterbirth of placenta has been expelled from the body after a baby is born. As a rich source of stem cells, many parents today are "banking" their children's umbilical cord cells in case they are needed for curing disease in the future. Stem cell therapy research utilizing umbilical cord blood stem cell therapy is making huge advancements today.

Because umbilical and adult stem cells may be collected from any given individual, the risks of rejection of organs or treatments developed with such sources are drastically reduced. This makes it possible to benefit from transplants and other procedures where rejection has commonly been an issue.

Placenta Stem Cell Therapy – A fairly recent development in stem cells therapy research, doctors have been studying the beneficial components of stem cells found within the placenta. A process that utilizes stem cells found in placenta afterbirth is considered ethical, as it does not involve any interaction with a fetus or newborn. The afterbirth, heretofore discarded after birth, is now being studied for its multipotent stem cells in the search for treatments of multiple illnesses and disease processes.

Who benefits from Stem Cells Therapy Treatments?

Stem cell technologies and advancements are being made on an almost daily basis. From Japan to China to the U.S. to Europe, Africa and Russia, the world's scientists and medical experts have been studying, and using, stem cells treatments and stem cell therapy to treat a wide range of illnesses, injuries and disease processes, including but not limited to:

• Neurological diseases such as:
  Multiple Sclerosis
  Parkinson's
  Cerebral Palsy
  Epilepsy
• Blood-borne Cancers such as:
  Leukemia
  Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
  Multiple Myeloma
• Organ Cancers such as:
  Breast Cancer
  Prostate Cancer
  Lung Cancer
  Malignant Melanoma
• Heart Disease processes such as:
  Myocardial Infarction
  Atherosclerosis
  Congestive Heart Failure
• Musculoskeletal Conditions and Injuries such as:
  Spinal cord injury
  Bone damage caused by injuries and disease
  Joint injuries and diseases
• Hormonal, Immune and Circulatory Issues
  Auto-Immune diseases such as Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and Muscular Dystrophy
  Chronic infections such as Tuberculosis and Hepatitis C
• Cosmetic and Reconstruction Treatments
  Breast reconstruction treatments
  Facial implants
  Rejuvenation therapies

Medical Stem Cell Tourism

Currently, no stem cells therapy options are available in the U.S., which prompts many Americans to venture to international destinations for them. The potential cost of stem cell therapies in the U.S. may be prohibitively expensive, which encourages those hoping and seeking cures for illnesses, injuries and disease processes to travel to China, Thailand, Japan, Europe, and India, among others.

The cost of therapies is determined according to geographic location of treatment facilities as well as the injury, illness or disease being treated. Because such treatments have not yet been approved in the U.S., medical travelers are cautioned to do their homework and study human stem cell therapy, treatments and protocols and examine the history as well as case studies in foreign destinations. To date, the U.S. has approved funding for Phase I clinical trials of some types of stem cell therapies that may provide productive and beneficial use in the near future.

How Do I Select a Stem Cell Provider?

Ask questions – such as:

• Can you offer proof that these stem cell therapy treatments work?
• Can I speak with former patients who have undergone such therapies?
• Who are and what are the credentials of the physician or surgeon administering stem cell therapies or treatments?
• How long has the organization offered such treatments?
• How safe is the treatment? Are there risks involved?

The Future of Stem Cells Therapy

According to the recent gathering of the World Stem Cell Summit in Madison, Wisconsin in September 2008, growing numbers of individuals seeking alternative or advanced forms of medical treatment, including stem cell therapies, travel to foreign destinations every year. According to their reports, such numbers are on the verge of ‘exploding’ as individuals seek safe and effective treatments for dehabilitative injuries, diseases and terminal illnesses at affordable prices not currently found in the U.S. Stem cell therapy research is running full steam ahead, and will continue well into the 21st century.

CARLSBAD, Calif. (May 05, 2011) - At the annual shareholders meeting of International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB:ISCO) on May 3, 2011, Kenneth Aldrich, Chairman and co-founder of ISCO conducted a presentation to shareholders that included the following remarks:

Good morning to all our shareholders and friends of ISCO. Let me make just a few comments about where we are and the progress we have made over the last year. All of the developments and news I will discuss were announced in the past 12 months, but with the passage of time it is easy to lose track of how much progress ISCO has actually made. I won’t mention everything—we don’t have that much time, but some highlights will, I hope, help put these recent achievements into perspective.

A little less than a year ago, in June 2010, our first parthenogenetic patent application was formally approved by the US Patent Office. More applications are pending, but this approval established ISCO as the lawful owner of the rights to produce human stem cell lines through parthenogenesis. That is a platform on which we expect to build for a long time.

Also in June we eliminated all of our outstanding corporate debt and we remain debt free.

In July we announced the signing of a distribution contract with Sristi Biosciences, a major seller of research products in India, which continues the international commercial expansion of our Lifeline Cell Technology^® brand.

In October we announced the first steps toward the formation of a major funded collaboration in India with Insight Bioventures India Private Limited (IBVI) to develop treatments for corneal damage and retinal disease. Planning for that work is ongoing and the Executive Director of Insight Bioventures has flown in from India to meet with us today, so we remain very optimistic about this project.

In November, we presented the results of scientific studies demonstrating a new and better method for differentiating our parthenogenetic cells into liver cells, a critical step toward using them to treat liver disease.

In November and December we launched the first test marketing runs of our new skin crème products, first to our own shareholders and friends, then to a select mailing list developed by our marketing partner, John Mauldin. Those resulted in sales of over 7,000 bottles of our new products.

In December we established $25 million financing commitment that provides access to capital on an as-needed basis over a three year period, but never requires the sale of stock unless we think it will benefit the company and its shareholders. This agreement provides us a high degree of flexibility in meeting our financial needs.

In January 2011 we announced publication of peer-reviewed studies further validating the functional equivalency of our parthenogenetic stem cells with embryonic stem cells. These studies confirm our ability to benefit from much of the millions of dollars of research on embryonic stem cells over the last decade. In short, we have a running start in the search for cures.

Throughout the year we have made steady progress in development of liver cells and liver precursor cells, culminating in an announcement in April of this year that we had successfully completed the first in a series of pre-clinical tests of parthenogenetically derived liver cells.

Last, but by no means least, we have received the necessary approvals for creating new Parthenogenetic Stem Cell Lines in the United States. These will be clinical grade lines suitable for human trials, and are the first major step in this country to begin building a “Bank” of stem cells enabling the matching of immune systems of millions of people worldwide, with the potential to eliminate or reduce the harmful effects of immune suppressing drugs that would normally have to be used with stem cell transplant procedures.

All of these news stories and more are available on our website along with presentations we have made recently to investors in the US and Europe. On behalf of the Board of Directors and everyone at ISCO, I thank you for your support.

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.

Forward-looking Statements

Statements pertaining to anticipated developments, product introduction plans and related support, 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.

Contact:

International Stem Cell Corporation

Kenneth C Aldrich, Chairman

760-940-6383

kaldrich@intlstemcell.com

# # #

International Stem Cell Corporation and Insight Bioventures India Structure Indian Affiliate to Develop Stem Cell-Based Eye Care Therapeutics for India and Produce Research Products for Asia

International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB: ISCO), http://www.internationalstemcell.com, and Insight Bioventures India Private Limited (IBVI), (http://www.insightbioventures.in) today announced that they have agreed on financial and structural terms for establishment of an Indian affiliate of ISCO (ISCO India). This is an important milestone in ISCO and IBVI's goal to facilitate development and commercialization of ISCO's stem-cell derived corneal tissue, CytoCor™, and retinal cells, CytoRet™, for treatment of blindness and severe vision impairment as well as cell systems for drug screening in India and establish a manufacturing base for ISCO's Lifeline Cell Technology^® (Lifeline) brand of cell culture media for commercialization throughout Asia.

IBVI is an experienced biomedical business developer that facilitated the earliest cell therapy guidelines with the regulatory agencies in India and is well connected with Indian research and clinical centers, corporations and government. IBVI has now partnered with MARG Group (http://www.marggroup.com), one of India's fastest-growing infrastructure developers with interest in ports, airports, power plants, commercial spaces, special export zones and other integrated infrastructures, to form 'Insight-MARG Biofund' (Biofund). The MARG Group is the lead facilitator of Biofund, the largest of its nature in India so far and with great possibility for being complemented by Indian government grants.

ISCO is a public US biopharmaceutical company that has pioneered the creation of a new class of stem cells, 'human parthenogenetic stem cells', with broad therapeutic application potential and ability to form non-rejected, immune matched therapeutic cells for millions of people. Two ISCO therapeutic programs from this platform are CytoCor and CytoRet that offer first-in-class opportunities to treat diseases in the front and the back of the eye where surgery and traditional small molecule and protein therapeutics are not options. ISCO also markets and sells cell culture research products through its Lifeline affiliate and international distributors, including in Asia. Lifeline is interested in leveraging its expertise to develop live human cell systems for drug screening in India.

G.R.K. Reddy, MARG Group's founder and chairman, says, 'MARG Group and IBVI have formed Biofund to leverage our resources and network of cutting-edge research and clinical institutes, corporate entities and government agencies in India. We believe ISCO India's unique combination of novel therapeutics to address large unmet medical needs and current and near-term research product businesses will be a first successful Biofund investment and set the stage for subsequent ventures.'

The agreed financial and structural terms will enable formation of ISCO India as a majority-owned Indian affiliate of ISCO, initially with laboratories in India's first clinical research facility (CRF) for stem cells and regenerative medicine in Hyderabad with the intent to relocate to India's first platinum-rated research center, MARG Science Park (http://www.margsciencepark.com), in Chennai. The park is a member of International Association of Sciences Parks (IASP) and has established networking and alliances with renowned institutes and organizations. The affiliate will be managed jointly by a team of experienced managers in India and ISCO executives.

ISCO expects that manufacturing of Lifeline media products and shipping of cell products from this central Indian base will be established to supply the growing network of Lifeline's Asian distributors with high-quality products in a cost-efficient fashion. In parallel, ISCO India intends to explore development of Lifeline cell systems for drug screening in India. On the therapeutic side, ISCO India will leverage the access to leading eye care researchers, patients and regulatory agencies in India and advance the CytoCor and CytoRet cellular ophthalmology programs towards the clinic and through safety-efficacy trials.

Central to the operation will be continued collaboration with the ophthalmology scientists and clinicians at Sankara Nethralaya (http://www.sankaranethralaya.org) in Chennai established last spring. ISCO India will also collaborate with the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB, http://www.ccmb.res.in) in Hyderabad that was instrumental in the establishment of the CRF and will be a joint CRF tenant with ISCO India. Both institutions are respected worldwide for their research in cellular science and therapy.

According to Dr. Jayaraman Packirisamy, Executive Director of IBVI, 'As we launch Biofund, ISCO India will provide an opportunity to address large unmet medical needs while establishing an ecosystem for the well-educated work force, world-class research and development facilities and investors in India. By combining manufacturing of existing and development of new research products with well-defined therapeutic development, we create an attractive risk-reward profile that is rarely seen in our industry.'

Brian Lundstrom, ISCO's President, adds 'ISCO wishes to collaborate with leading research and clinical groups like CCMB and Sankara Nethralaya for our cellular ophthalmology programs. Moreover, we have to manufacture our Lifeline media in Asia and ship those with our primary human cells from an Asian location in order to supply that fast-growing market with the highest possible quality products in a cost-efficient manner. The combination of well-proven Indian research and clinical institutes, world-class facilities, and funding from the Insight-MARG Biofund provides ISCO with a unique way to advance our programs and businesses without additional US capital investment or issuance of equity shares.'

ABOUT INSIGHT BIOVENTURES INDIA

Insight Bioventures Private Limited (IBVI) is the Asian member of Insight Bioventures founded in 1997 to apply a multidimensional approach to value creation in the international life sciences community while placing client's interests first. IBVI operates through a team of experienced associates and partners from the pharmaceutical industry, academic research and the financial sector. The company maintains long-standing relationships with opinion leaders in different therapeutic areas that assist in evaluation and advancement of innovative product concepts and medical businesses. IBVI has made tissue engineering and cell therapy a major technology focus and works with recognized leaders in these areas, e.g. Sristi Biosciences and International Stem Cell Corporation. IBVI has partnered with strong Indian corporations and high net worth individuals to establish a dedicated 'Biofund' to finance the best novel technologies for Indian development and with potential to address large unmet medical needs in the Asian market. More information is available on IBVI's website: http://www.insightbioventures.in.

ABOUT INTERNATIONAL STEM CELL CORPORATION (ISCO.OB)

International Stem Cell Corporation is a California-based biotechnology company focused on therapeutic and research products. ISCO's core technology, parthenogenesis, results in creation of pluripotent human stem cells from unfertilized oocytes (eggs). These proprietary cells avoid ethical issues associated with use or destruction of viable human embryos and, unlike most other major stem cell types, can be immune matched and be a source of therapeutic cells with minimal rejection after transplantation into hundreds of millions of individuals of differing racial groups. ISCO also produces and markets specialized cells and growth media for therapeutic research worldwide through its subsidiary, Lifeline Cell Technology, and is developing a line of cosmeceutical products via its subsidiary, Lifeline Skin Care. ISCO is advancing novel human stem cell-based therapies where cells have been proven to be efficacious but traditional small molecule and protein therapeutics have not. More information is available on ISCO's website.

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Statements pertaining to anticipated developments and therapeutic applications, the potential benefits of collaborations, affiliations, 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, uncertainty in the results of clinical trials or 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.

Key Words: Stem cells, parthenogenesis, cornea, retina, research products, biotechnology, India

International Stem Cell Corporation
Brian Lundstrom, President
+1-510-220-5599
bl@intlstemcell.com
or
Insight Bioventures India Private Limited
Dr. Jayaraman Packirisamy, Executive Director
+91-98489-12260
jayaram@insightbioventures.in