International Stem Cell Corporation announced that it is collaborating with renowned stem cell researcher Jeanne F Loring and the Scripps Research Institute (La Jolla, CA) to study parthenogenetic stem cells and potentially therapeutic cells that can be derived from them.

ISCO has perfected a process for creating human stem cells from unfertilized human eggs. These 'parthenogenetic' stem cells have the medical advantage of allowing immune-matching to large segments of the population and the ethical advantage of not requiring the use of human embryos. This study is a further expansion of ISCO’s mission to generate data necessary to understand these cells and move them closer to the clinic. According to Dr Loring, “Parthenogenetic cell lines are uniquely valuable for our quest to understand the genetic and epigenetic processes that control stem cells. We are excited about the opportunity to collaborate with scientists at ISCO.”

ISCO scientists have derived a type of cell found in the human eye from parthenogenetic stem cells that may have application in the treatment of a common eye disease called macular degeneration. Dr Loring and ISCO will study these cells as part of the collaboration.

“Collaborations with leading researchers such as Dr. Loring and leading research institutions such as Scripps Research Institute will bring us closer to ISCO’s goal of being able to provide immune-matched stem cells for human transplant and build a true stem cell bank that could offer on-demand delivery of stem cells matched to a patient’s own immune system,” said Kenneth Aldrich, chairman of International Stem Cell Corporation. “Our intent is to begin to provide these parthenogenetic stem cell lines to advance the field of regenerative medicine, as well as to commercialize our cells for cell transplant therapies.”

International Stem Cell Corporation is a California biotechnology company focused on developing therapeutic and research products.