Carlsbad, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/22/2014 -- International Stem Cell Corporation’s (ISCO) - Expects to begin human clinical trials using parthenogenetic neural stem cells that have the potential to treat and maybe even cure Parkinson’s disease.
ISCO’s objective is to develop therapeutic products using its own scientific discoveries and intellectual property based on the development of a new category of pluripotent human stem cells created solely from unfertilized eggs. These stem cells, known as human parthenogenetic stem cells avoid the ethical issues associated with embryonic stem cells. ISCO’s stem cells are unique to the company, distinct from other classes of stem cells and offer clear-cut advantages over other stem cells. ISCO expects to begin human clinical trials using cells made from these stem cells that have the potential to treat and maybe even cure Parkinson’s disease.
ISCO is in the process of completing its pre-clinical studies for its first chosen indication, Parkinson’s disease (PD). The company’s objectives are is to test the safety, tolerability and efficacy of its cellular product in animal models of Parkinson’s disease in order to meet the FDA’s requirements and file an IND so they can begin phase I studies. Beginning human studies will bring hope to the many millions of people who suffer from this incurable disease. ISCO’s most recent research using African green monkeys that have been given the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease offers the most compelling evidence that the method can work. By injecting neural stem cells, made from the parthenogenetic stem cells, directly into regions of the primates’ brains, the cells can target and rebuild the broken pathways that control the primate’s movements, alleviating the symptoms. This can take a month before signs of improvement are seen and six months before the primates regain a good portion of their normal behaviors. ISCO intends to build on this research and begin human clinical trials in 2015.
So many different issues have to be confronted in developing what may be a cure for Parkinson's disease but ISCO has the advantage of having the multi-decade scientific knowledge and expertise to solve these problems. ISCO has already successfully completed building a cGMP cell manufacturing facility for its human trials, a huge accomplishment in itself, and with only the pre-clinical studies to be concluded before starting human trials, the next stage looks promising. There are literally millions of patients waiting for a cure for Parkinson’s and ISCO may be poised to deliver.
UPTICK Newswire
Forward-looking Statements
Statements pertaining to anticipated developments, the potential benefits of research programs and 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, 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.
Please note that this press release has been revised from its original content.