International Stem Cell Corporation Announces Next Phase of Research Collaboration With Rohto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. of Japan


CARLSBAD, CA--(Marketwired - September 08, 2015) - International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCQB: ISCO) (www.internationalstemcell.com, ISCO or the Company), a California-based biotechnology company developing novel stem cell-based therapies, announced today that it had entered into the second phase of the existing Research Agreement with Rohto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. ("Rohto"), a global Japanese pharmaceutical company. After successfully completing preliminary studies of ISCO's human parthenogenetic neural stem cells (hpNSCs) Rohto acknowledged that ISCO's proprietary cells demonstrate consistent high quality and are suitable for further use in Rohto's research. If Rohto successfully demonstrates hpNSCs' efficacy in rodent models, which could lead to a possible treatment of a variety of degenerative eye disorders, Rohto will enter into negotiations of a definitive license agreement with ISCO in order to license ISCO's proprietary technology for therapeutic and commercial use.

"Based on hpNSCs known performance in various animal models we expect that in the next four months Rohto will be able to demonstrate the efficacy of these stem cells in treating retinal degenerative disorders," said Ruslan Semechkin, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer of ISCO.

About Rohto Pharmaceutical Company, Ltd.

Founded in 1899, Rohto Pharmaceutical is the second-largest consumer health company in Japan, and is a world leader in the manufacturing and marketing of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and skincare and healthcare products. Rohto has global operations and its products are available in more than 110 countries.

About International Stem Cell Corporation

International Stem Cell Corporation 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, expected clinical studies (including timing and results), 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.

Contact Information:

Contacts:

International Stem Cell Corporation
Ruslan Semechkin, Ph.D.
Chief Scientific Officer
Phone: 760-940-6383
Email: ir@intlstemcell.com

Media:

Christopher R. Hippolyte
Phone: +1-646-942-5634
Email: chris.hippolyte@russopartnersllc.com

Tony Russo, Ph.D.
Phone: (212) 845-4251
Email: tony.russo@russopartnersllc.com

Company ProfileInternational Stem Cell Corporation