International Stem Cell's Lifeline Cell subsidiary boosts Q1 sales by 35%

International Stem Cell Corp (OTCBB:ISCO) said Wednesday that its subsidiary Lifeline Cell Technology grew first quarter sales by 35%, gaining over 200 new customers due to new product introductions and the development of distribution channels internationally.
Lifeline Cell Technology develops, manufactures and markets the Lifeline brand of cell-culture products, which are used by researchers to grow human cells for pre-clinical research.
The subsidiary's products are developed using parent International Stem Cell's technology, which creates human parthenogenetic stem cells derived from unfertilized human eggs.

"Our product sales growth was largely due to the development and launch of more than 30 new products in 2010, including products that allow researchers to study human stem cells," said Lifeline CEO Jeffrey Janus.

"Lifeline also opened new distribution channels in Japan, India, Taiwan, South Korea and Singapore and has achieved significant sales in those new markets."

Lifeline has also made significant progress with regards to expanding its product applications into manufacturing human tissues and cells for clinical use.

For example, the unit's FibroLife media is being used to cultivate tissue-engineered blood vessels in California with Cytograft for a number of applications, including coronory grafts for heart bypass surgeries, and peripheral grafts to prevent lower limb amputations, among other uses.

Cytograft CEO, Todd McAllister, commented: "Cytograft's clinical programs are going forward in Phase III trials and we are excited to be working with Lifeline as one of our key media developers and suppliers as we transition to commercialization and as we develop our next generation platform."

In anticipation of producing clinical-grade products, Lifeline recently moved into new laboratory facilities that are capable of accredited level manufacturing.

"The Cytograft opportunity is but one example of many potential clinical applications for Lifeline's products," added Janus.