Today, International Stem Cell Corp. announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Lifeline Cell Technology (LCT), has developed a technology to modify human stem cells by using engineered proteins, called “transducible transcription factors” or “TTFs.” TTFs are designed to pass into stem cells and direct the stem cells to change into specific cell types. This technology can be both therapeutically useful and be used as revenue-generating research products.
Unlike more traditional cell therapy methods, this new technology does not require the use of viruses or chemicals. Furthermore, the TTF proteins are naturally eliminated by the cells when no longer required, a characteristic that further improves safety.
Once perfected, ISCO first intends to use this technology to create revenue-generating research products for sale through Lifeline Cell Technology’s international distribution channels to the academic, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical markets for cellular proteins. The company will also target the quickly growing markets for the study of stem cell biology and drug testing.
According to Jeffrey Janus, Lifeline Cell Technology’s CEO, “These proteins can be sold into the market for cellular proteins which exceeds $700 million and represents an excellent opportunity for LCT to grow sales. Since the technology also has broad application in research and therapy, it should provide ISCO with future out-licensing opportunities to the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.”
To learn more about the company and its other technologies, visit www.internationalstemcell.com
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