Lifeline Skin Care Expands Asian Distribution
CARLSBAD, CA--(Marketwired - Jun 11, 2013) - International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCQB: ISCO) (www.internationalstemcell.com), a California-based biotechnology company developing novel stem cell-based therapies, biomedical and skin care products, announced today that Lifeline Skin Care, its operating subsidiary, has signed distribution agreements to sell its breakthrough stem cell skin care products in both Thailand and Viet Nam. Lifeline products will be launched in both countries this summer. Complementing Lifeline's current distribution relationship in China, these two new agreements demonstrate Lifeline's commitment to capitalize on the enormous opportunities in the Asian market. Throughout Asia, but particularly in Viet Nam, Thailand, Korea, Singapore and China, stem cells are heralded as the most important medical technology of the 21st century. Bringing that technology to cosmetic products, particularly for anti-aging, is a significant opportunity for Lifeline Skin Care (www.lifelineskincare.com).
Lifeline's newly appointed distributor in Viet Nam, My Son IEI, distributes skincare products to hospitals, pharmacies and other retail locations. With a population of 87.8 million and a growing middle class, Viet Nam is experiencing increased consumer demand for imported branded skincare products such as Lifeline Skin Care. My Son is the only company licensed to develop and market therapeutic stem cell products in Viet Nam. International Stem Cell Corporation (ISCO) is also in discussions with My Son on ways to leverage ISCO's patented parthenogenetic stem cell technology to develop new and innovative therapies for Vietnamese consumers.
Thai distributor Advanced Skincare Technologies Co., Ltd., plans to market Lifeline Skin Care to physicians, spas, hospitals and pharmacies in Thailand. The President of Advanced Skincare Technologies founded the first company in Asia to commercially treat patients suffering from cardiomyopathy with stem cells and is now focused on offering cosmetic stem cell treatments to a much larger population.
"We're excited to have such strong and reputable partners that can quickly leverage their experience and resources to our mutual advantage," said Simon Craw, PhD, Executive Vice President of International Stem Cell Corporation. "Asia is poised for huge sales growth in cosmetics in the next five years. According to Euromonitor, sales of cosmetics and toiletries in the Asia Pacific region is expected to surge 26%, compared to only 3.5% in North America. We're pleased to be on the forefront of stem cell skincare in Asia."
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) hence avoiding 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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