StemCells, Inc. to Present at Leading Conference on Neuroregeneration in Barcelona


NEWARK, Calif., Oct. 22, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- StemCells, Inc. (Nasdaq:STEM), the leading stem cell company developing novel cell-based therapeutics for disorders of the central nervous system, announced today that Ann Tsukamoto, Ph.D., Executive Vice President, Scientific and Strategic Alliances at StemCells, will speak at the B-Debate International Center for Scientific Debate Barcelona,to be held October 23-24 in Barcelona, Spain. Dr. Tsukamoto will participate on October 23 in the forum "Neuroregeneration: Is There Already A Translational Experience in Clinical Practice?" and will make a presentation on the Company's clinical development programs.   

The goal of the B-Debate International Center for Scientific Debate Barcelona is to promote the exchange of information about neuroregeneration among cutting edge researchers in basic science, translational research, and clinical innovation. The B-Debate is organized by BIOCAT, the organization that coordinates and promotes the biotechnology, biomedicine, and medical technology sector in Catalonia, and La Caixa Foundation, in collaboration with the Institute Guttmann, a leading hospital for the treatment and rehabilitation of patients with spinal cord injury, brain damage, or other serious neurological disability. The Institute Guttmann is affiliated with the Autonomous University of Barcelona.   

About StemCells, Inc.

StemCells, Inc. is engaged in the research, development, and commercialization of cell-based therapeutics and tools for use in stem cell-based research and drug discovery. The Company's proprietary HuCNS-SC® cells (purified human neural stem cells) are currently in development as a potential treatment for a broad range of central nervous system disorders. In a Phase I clinical trial in Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease (PMD), a fatal myelination disorder in children, the Company has shown preliminary evidence of progressive and durable donor-derived myelination in all four patients transplanted with HuCNS-SC cells. The Company is conducting a Phase I/II clinical trial in chronic spinal cord injury in Switzerland, Canada and the United States, and has reported positive interim data for the first three patients. The Company is also conducting a Phase I/II clinical trial in dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in the United States. In addition, the Company is pursuing preclinical studies in Alzheimer's disease, with support from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM). StemCells also markets stem cell research products, including media and reagents, under the SC Proven® brand. Further information about StemCells is available at http://www.stemcellsinc.com.

Apart from statements of historical fact, the text of this press release constitutes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. securities laws, and is subject to the safe harbors created therein. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the clinical development of the Company's HuCNS-SC cells and the future business operations of the Company. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this news release. The Company does not undertake to update any of these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date hereof. Such statements reflect management's current views and are based on certain assumptions that may or may not ultimately prove valid.  The Company's actual results may vary materially from those contemplated in such forward-looking statements due to risks and uncertainties to which the Company is subject, including the factors that are described under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 and in its subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K.



            

Coordonnées