Lifeline Skin Care Expands Into Latin America's Second Largest Market
CARLSBAD, CA--(Marketwired - Apr 1, 2014) - International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCQB: ISCO) (www.internationalstemcell.com), a California-based biotechnology company developing novel stem cell-based therapies and biomedical products, announced today that Lifeline Skin Care, its operating subsidiary, has signed a distribution agreement with Grupo Venta Internacional, S.A de C. V., Mexico's largest distributor of aesthetic and reconstructive products. Effective immediately, Grupo Venta Internacional will offer Lifeline's breakthrough stem cell skin care products to health care professionals throughout Mexico, the second largest market for aesthetic skin care in Central and South America.
Euromonitor International expects the Mexican skin care market to be worth approximately $2 billion in 2014, with anti-aging products being amongst the most popular. With 24 years' experience in the plastic surgery and dermatology market in Mexico, and the credibility and presence of their 85-person national sales force, Grupo Venta Internacional (GVI) is well qualified to help Lifeline become very successful in this growing market.
According to Gabriela Gonzalez Alonso, President of GVI, "Plastic surgeons and dermatologists in Mexico are very excited about the potential for stem cell skin care products. They're already familiar with the benefits of growth factors for skin rejuvenation, but the concept of stem cells elevates the technology to a whole new level. A brand that is backed by a biotech company adds even more credibility."
"Expanding international sales is a key part of our growth strategy," said Donna Queen, President of Lifeline Skin Care. "Initially Lifeline will be marketed only to physicians, which will lend credibility to the brand. The recommendation of a trusted health care professional is consistently rated as one of the most important considerations when selecting anti-aging skincare products. For this reason we're especially pleased to be working with Grupo Venta Internacional."
Lifeline Skin Care develops, markets and sells advanced anti-aging skin care products based on technology developed and patented by International Stem Cell Corporation. The technology uses ingredients that have been extracted from ISCO's human, parthenogenetic stem cells and are known to reduce the visible signs of skin aging. Over the last year and a half, Lifeline's sales have grown on average by over 40% a quarter, on a year on year basis. Lifeline Skin Care is available from dermatologists, plastic surgeons, selected medical spas and day spas, and the company's website, www.lifelineskincare.com
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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