International Stem Cell Corporation and Reproductive Medicine Associates of New York Announce Breakthrough in Creating an Abundant and Ethical New Source of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells

OCEANSIDE, Calif.--(Business Wire)--
International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB:ISCO) (www.internationalstemcell.com)
and Reproductive Medicine Associates of New York (RMA of New York) have shown
that immature, unfertilized human eggs can be used to create "parthenotes" from
which human parthenogenetic stem cell lines may be derived. Immature eggs are
normally discarded during standard in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures due
to their inability to create an embryo. This discovery vastly increases the
opportunity for ISCO to create new stem cell lines and hastens the time when
"banks" of stem cells that match a patient`s immune system may be available.
This vision of a "patient matched stem cell bank" could function similarly to
how blood banks currently store and distribute blood products.

A "parthenote" results when an egg divides without using sperm (no
fertilization) and can yield "parthenogenetic" stem cells that have similar
medical potential as embryonic stem cells to create various human tissues for
therapy yet have the additional medical advantage of allowing immune-matching to
reduce the chance of rejection - a significant potential problem with the use of
embryonic stem cells. Parthenogenesis also addresses critical ethical issues by
eliminating the need to use fertilized embryos.

According to Dr. Alan Copperman, Director of the Division of Reproductive
Endocrinology and Infertility and Vice-Chairman of the Department of Obstetrics,
Gynecology, and Reproductive Science at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York,
"This scientific breakthrough opens many new opportunities for our clinical and
scientific teams to explore. Transforming immature oocytes into stem cell lines
capable of differentiating into a variety of cell types has the potential to
revolutionize the field of regenerative medicine."

Dr. Copperman is an accomplished infertility specialist who practices at
Reproductive Medicine Associates of New York and is a member of ISCO`s
Scientific Advisory Board.

This ground-breaking work was presented at the American Society for Reproductive
Medicine`s 65th Annual Meeting held in Atlanta, GA on October 19, 2009.

Jason Barritt, PhD, Scientific Director of RMA of New York, noted, "This work
shows that immature oocytes that are normally unusable and discarded in standard
IVF procedures may be used for scientific innovation and clinical application.
Using a currently experimental technique, these oocytes can be matured, frozen
and thawed and used to produce parthenotes that may be instrumental for the
study and derivation of parthenogenetic stem cells. I want to add that we are
very grateful to our patients who have made this work possible by donating
unused immature oocytes."

ISCO`s technology, called parthenogenesis, results in the creation of
pluripotent human parthenogenetic stem cell lines from unfertilized human eggs.
This new methodology offers the potential to create the first stem cell bank
composed of stem cell lines that can be immune-matched to large segments of the
population. ISCO also produces and sells the Lifeline brand of specialized cells
and growth media worldwide for therapeutic research through its wholly-owned
subsidiary Lifeline Cell Technology.

According to Jeffrey Janus, Senior VP of ISCO and CEO of Lifeline Cell
Technology, "The accomplishments of Drs. Copperman and Barritt and the ISCO
research team have expanded the potential that parthenogenetic stem cells will
be an important part of discovering and providing cures for many devastating
diseases. We are fortunate to be working with such noted and respected
researchers and clinicians."

ABOUT INTERNATIONAL STEM CELL CORPORATION (ISCO.OB):

International Stem Cell Corporation is a California biotechnology company
focused on developing therapeutic and research products. ISCO`s technology,
Parthenogenesis, results in the creation of pluripotent human stem cell lines
from unfertilized human eggs. ISCO scientists have created the first
Parthenogenetic homozygous stem cell line (phSC-Hhom-4) that can be a source of
therapeutic cells that will minimize immune rejection after transplantation into
hundreds of millions of individuals of differing sexes, ages and racial groups.
These advancements offer the potential to create the first true "Stem Cell Bank"
and address ethical issues by eliminating the need to use or destroy fertilized
embryos. ISCO also produces and markets specialized cells and growth media
worldwide for therapeutic research through its subsidiary Lifeline Cell
Technology. For more information, visit the ISCO website at:
www.internationalstemcell.com.

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For more news and information on International Stem Cell Corporation please
visit www.IRGnews.com/coi/ISCO where you can find the CEO`s video, a fact sheet
on the company, investor presentations, and more.

About Reproductive Medicine Associates of New York:

RMA of New York is the reproductive endocrinology and infertility division of
Mount Sinai Medical Center and has been caring for patients in the midtown
Manhattan location since 2001, with additional locations in Westchester and Long
Island. RMA of New York is a full-service fertility center that consistently
achieves high live birth rates, while maintaining low rates of triplet and
higher birth outcomes. Highly individualized patient care is offered through
seven reproductive endocrinologists, a urologist, a complementary care team of a
clinical psychologist and a licensed clinical social worker, and highly
qualified staff. For more information, please call 212.756.5777 or visit
www.rmany.com.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS:

Statements pertaining to anticipated future financial and/or operating results,
future growth in research, technology, clinical development and potential joint
venture and other opportunities for the company and its subsidiary, 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, 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 these forward-looking statements.

Key Words: Stem Cells, Biotechnology, Parthenogenesis

International Stem Cell Corporation
Kenneth C. Aldrich, Chairman, CEO
760-940-6383
kaldrich@intlstemcell.com
or
The Investor Relations Group
Laura Colontrelle
212-825-3210
lcolontrelle@investorrelationsgroup.com

Copyright Business Wire 2009