International Stem Cell Corporation Announces Next Phase of Research Collaboration With Rohto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. of Japan

CARLSBAD, CA--(Marketwired - September 08, 2015) - International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCQB: ISCO) (www.internationalstemcell.com, ISCO or the Company), a California-based biotechnology company developing novel stem cell-based therapies, announced today that it had entered into the second phase of the existing Research Agreement with Rohto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. ("Rohto"), a global Japanese pharmaceutical company. After successfully completing preliminary studies of ISCO's human parthenogenetic neural stem cells (hpNSCs) Rohto acknowledged that ISCO's proprietary cells demonstrate consistent high quality and are suitable for further use in Rohto's research. If Rohto successfully demonstrates hpNSCs' efficacy in rodent models, which could lead to a possible treatment of a variety of degenerative eye disorders, Rohto will enter into negotiations of a definitive license agreement with ISCO in order to license ISCO's proprietary technology for therapeutic and commercial use.

"Based on hpNSCs known performance in various animal models we expect that in the next four months Rohto will be able to demonstrate the efficacy of these stem cells in treating retinal degenerative disorders," said Ruslan Semechkin, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer of ISCO.

About Rohto Pharmaceutical Company, Ltd.

Founded in 1899, Rohto Pharmaceutical is the second-largest consumer health company in Japan, and is a world leader in the manufacturing and marketing of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and skincare and healthcare products. Rohto has global operations and its products are available in more than 110 countries.

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). hpSCs avoid 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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