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April 4, 2007

PharmaStem Patents confirmed after Reexamination by Patent Office

Wayne PA, April 4, 2007 - PharmaStem Therapeutics, Inc. announced today that the United States Patent and Trademark Office has confirmed all the claims in its pioneering patents regarding umbilical cord blood stem cells. The Patent Office had previously granted third party requests to reexamine U.S. Patent Nos. 5,004,681, 5,192,553, 6,461,645 and 6,569,427, and has now concluded, after reexamination, that all of the claims are valid.

“Considering the pioneering research of our inventors which eventually led to the creation of the private and public cord blood banking industry, I was always confident that the Patent Office would confirm the validity of our patents and I am gratified that all three senior patent examiners involved in the reexamination reached the same conclusion,” said Nicholas Didier, CEO and President of PharmaStem. “It is important for our licensees – of which there are over 20 – to know that the patents they have licensed are valid, and can protect them.”

Although the majority of private cord blood banks are licensed under PharmaStem’s patent portfolio, ViaCord (VIAC), Cryo-Cell (CCEL), CBR Systems and CorCell do not have a license to practice the inventions claimed in PharmaStem's patents. PharmaStem is the successor to Biocyte Corporation, and the pioneer in the development of umbilical cord blood preservation and its therapeutic use. Umbilical cord and placental blood are rich in stem cells that can reconstitute human blood and immune systems. The Company provided the roadmap for the creation of today's rapidly growing field of cord blood storage for therapeutic use.

To learn more about PharmaStem Therapeutics, its patent portfolio and its licensed cord blood banks, please visit www.pharmastem.com

Contact:
Nicholas Didier, President & CEO
PharmaStem Therapeutics, Inc.
914-833-9227, extension 8005

ndidier@pharmastem.com

January 5 , 2007

U.S. PATENT OFFICE REAFFIRMS PHARMASTEM PATENT

Larchmont, NY, January 5, 2007 - PharmaStem Therapeutics, Inc. announced today that the United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued a ruling confirming the validity of PharmaStem Therapeutics, Inc.'s pioneering patent about the Isolation and Preservation of Fetal and Neonatal Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells of the Blood and Methods of Therapeutic Use.

>The Patent Office has issued a "Notice of Intent to Issue a Re-examination Certificate" after re-evaluating PharmaStem's U.S. Patent No. 5,192,553, thus terminating the reexamination proceeding. In its Decision the U.S. Patent Office stated that “the Prior art rejections of record have been withdrawn … The primary references in these rejections Douay, Koike, Ende, Knudtzon, do not teach or suggest that cryopreserved fetal stem cells would obtain hematopoietic reconstitution of a human…”

“I am gratified by this Decision by which the Patent Office confirms again the pioneering contributions of PharmaStem in the development of umbilical cord blood preservation and its therapeutic use,” said Nicholas Didier, CEO and President of PharmaStem.

PharmaStem is the successor to Biocyte Corporation, and the pioneer in the development of umbilical cord blood preservation and its therapeutic use. Umbilical cord and placental blood are rich in stem cells that can reconstitute human blood and immune systems. The Company provided the roadmap for the creation of today's rapidly growing field of cord blood storage for therapeutic use.

To learn more about PharmaStem Therapeutics, its patent portfolio and its licensed cord blood banks, please visit www.pharmastem.com.

Contact:
Nicholas Didier
CEO & President
PharmaStem Therapeutics, Inc.
914-833-9227

ndidier@pharmastem.com

February 10, 2006

PharmaStem Therapeutics Announces Patent License Agreement with Lifebank Corp.

Wayne, PA, February 10. 2006 – PharmaStem Therapeutics, Inc. today announced that it has entered into an agreement under which Lifebank Corp, a leading provider of processing and storage of umbilical cord stem cells, has obtained a license to PharmaStem’s patent portfolio. This agreement will allow Lifebank to successfully market its services in the United States.
PharmaStem is the successor to Biocyte Corporation, the pioneer in the development of umbilical cord and placental blood preservation and its therapeutic use. In recognition of its leadership, PharmaStem has received five U.S. Patents to date: No. 5 004 681, 5 192 553, 6 461 645, 6 569 427 and 6 605 275.
Nicholas Didier, President and CEO of PharmaStem, stated: “We are very excited about our newest license agreement with Lifebank. It underlines the importance of PharmaStem’s intellectual property to the industry. Its recognition by Lifebank, a Canadian company, shows this company’s integrity and honourable business practices. In the United States, nineteen cord blood banks now operate under a PharmaStem license. CBR (Cord Blood Registry), ViaCord, Cryo-Cell International and CorCell still operate as unlicensed banks.”

For further information about PharmaStem, contact Nicholas Didier, CEO and President, at 914-833-9227 or ndidier@pharmastem.com

For further information about Lifebank Corp., contact F. Ernest Stacey, CEO and President, at 604-738-2722 or ernest@lifebank.com

May 9, 2005

US PATENT OFFICE DENIES THIRD PARTY REEXAMINATION REQUEST OF KEY PHARMASTEM PATENT CLAIMS

Wayne PA, May 9, 2005 - PharmaStem Therapeutics, Inc. announced today that the United States Patent Office has confirmed key patent claims in two of its pioneering patents. In Office communications, the Patent Office stated that the prior art cited by third parties did not raise a new question of patentability of these claims. These Office communications were prompted by reexamination requests that had been filed with the Patent Office.

“I am gratified that the Patent Office reached an early and positive conclusion regarding the key claims in Patents 6,461,645 and 6,569,427,” said Nicholas Didier, CEO and President of PharmaStem. “I am confident that the Patent Office will also confirm all additional claims in these and other PharmaStem patents in the near future.”

PharmaStem is the successor to Biocyte Corporation, and the pioneer in the development of umbilical cord blood preservation and its therapeutic use. Umbilical cord and placental blood are rich in stem cells that can reconstitute human blood and immune systems. The Company provided the roadmap for the creation of today's rapidly growing field of cord blood storage for therapeutic use.

To learn more about PharmaStem Therapeutics, its patent portfolio and its licensed cord blood banks, please visit www.pharmastem.com.

Contact:
Nicholas Didier, President & CEO
PharmaStem Therapeutics, Inc.
914-833-9227

ndidier@pharmastem.com

April 20, 2005

PHARMASTEM ENTERS INTO A PATENT LICENSE AGREEMENT WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS M. D. ANDERSON CANCER CENTER

Wayne PA, April 20, 2005 - PharmaStem Therapeutics, Inc. announced today that it has entered into an agreement under which The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center has obtained a license to PharmaStem's patent portfolio for the storage and use of umbilical cord blood. Under the terms of the license and in consideration for certain royalty payments, M. D. Anderson has acquired the rights to use the pioneering technology claimed in PharmaStem's five U.S. patents, Nos. 5,004,681, 5,192,553, 6,461,645, 6,569,427 and 6,605,275.

PharmaStem is the successor to Biocyte Corporation, and the pioneer in the development of umbilical cord blood preservation and its therapeutic use. M. D. Anderson Cancer Center has a long tradition of leading the fight against cancer. The internationally recognized Blood and Marrow Transplantation program at M. D. Anderson is at the forefront of medical care for cancer patients and is one of the largest centers in the world for blood and bone marrow transplantation.

"The License Agreement between PharmaStem and M. D. Anderson Cancer Center covering the storage and therapeutic use of umbilical cord blood stem cells is recognition of the ever increasing importance of umbilical cord blood to the treatment of cancer patients," said Nicholas Didier, President and CEO of PharmaStem. "We are pleased that M. D. Anderson, one of the leading cancer centers in the world, has acknowledged the importance of the PharmaStem patents by entering into this License Agreement." To learn more about PharmaStem Therapeutics, its patent portfolio and its licensed cord blood banks, please visit www.pharmastem.com.

Contact:
Nicholas Didier, President & CEO
PharmaStem Therapeutics, Inc.
914-833-9227

ndidier@pharmastem.com

January 12, 2005

PHARMASTEM FILES PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION MOTION AGAINST VIACELL

Wayne PA, January 12, 2004 - PharmaStem Therapeutics, Inc. announced today that that it has filed a motion in the United States District Court, District of Massachusetts against ViaCell, Inc., requesting the Court to grant a Preliminary Injunction against ViaCell.
PharmaStem is the pioneer in the development of umbilical cord blood preservation and its therapeutic use. Nicholas Didier, CEO and President of PharmaStem stated: “Defending our Intellectual Property rights is our highest priority and we will continue to vigourously pursue any infringers of any of our patents“
The Motion filed in the District of Massachusetts asks the Court to preliminary enjoin ViaCell from future infringement of PharmaStem’s most recently issued Patents, No. 6,461,645 and 6,569,427 and in particular to enjoin and restrain ViaCell from cryopreserving and storing cord blood for therapeutic use in hematopoietic reconstitution.
To learn more about PharmaStem Therapeutics, its patent portfolio and licensed cord blood banks please visit www.pharmastem.com.

Contact:
Nicholas Didier, President & CEO
PharmaStem Therapeutics, Inc.
914-833-9227

ndidier@pharmastem.com

January 11, 2005

PHARMASTEM FILES PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION MOTION AGAINST CBR

Wayne PA, January 11, 2004 - PharmaStem Therapeutics, Inc. announced today that that it has filed a motion in the Northern District of California against CBR requesting the Court to grant a Preliminary Injunction against CBR (Cord Blood Registry).
PharmaStem is the pioneer in the development of umbilical cord blood preservation and its therapeutic use. Nicholas Didier, CEO and President of PharmaStem stated: “Defending our Intellectual Property rights is our highest priority and we will continue to vigourously pursue any infringers of any of our patents“
The Motion filed in the Northern District of California asks the Court to preliminary enjoin CBR from future infringement of PharmaStem’s most recently issued Patents, No. 6,461,645 and 6,569,427 and in particular to enjoin and restrain CBR from cryopreserving and storing cord blood for therapeutic use in hematopoietic reconstitution.
To learn more about PharmaStem Therapeutics, its patent portfolio and licensed cord blood banks please visit www.pharmastem.com.

Contact:
Nicholas Didier, President & CEO
PharmaStem Therapeutics, Inc.
914-833-9227

ndidier@pharmastem.com

September 20, 2004

COURT CONFIRMS VALIDITY AND ENFORCEABILITY OF PHARMASTEM'S PIONEERING CORD BLOOD PATENTS

Wayne, PA, September 20, 2004 - PharmaStem Therapeutics, Inc. announced today that a Federal District Court in the District of Delaware confirmed a Jury's previous findings regarding the validity and enforceability of two of its pioneering patents (U.S. Patent Nos. 5,004,681 and 5,192,553). On October 29, 2003, a Jury in Delaware found that PharmaStem's patents were valid, enforceable and willfully infringed by the defendants ViaCord, CBR (Cord Blood Registry), Cryo-Cell International and Corcell. Nicholas Didier, CEO of PharmaStem Therapeutics, stated, "I am very pleased that the Court has ruled that PharmaStem’s patents are valid and enforceable. It is gratifying to know that the innovative advances made by our scientific founders have been recognized by the Court."

With respect to infringement, the Delaware jury found that 100% of the cord blood units collected and stored by defendants infringed the '681 Patent, because the Jury found that 100% of the cord blood units the defendants collected and stored for families had enough stem cells to be therapeutically useful for children and adults. The defendants argued at trial that not all of the cord blood units they stored for families contained enough stem cells for such use. The Court ruled that the evidence "suggests that at least some of the defendants' cord blood units infringe" the '681 Patent, but because of procedural rulings, a partial retrial was needed to determine the defendants' level of infringement and resulting damages. "PharmaStem expects to obtain an injunction prohibiting defendants from collecting and storing cord blood units that have enough stem cells to be therapeutically useful for children and adults," said Mr. Didier.

With respect to the ‘553 Patent, the defendants alleged at trial that they did not infringe this patent because they did not own the cord blood units, and that only the owner of the units (i.e., the families who bank with the defendants) could be liable for such infringement. The Delaware jury disagreed with the defendants and found that they infringed this patent. The court, however, apparently agreed with the defendants and set aside the jury's verdict based upon its interpretation of infringement as applied to the '553 Patent. PharmaStem believes that the court used an improper legal standard and is confident it will prevail on appeal and the jury's verdict will be reinstated.

PharmaStem’s pioneering patents have been recognized by the vast majority of the private umbilical cord blood industry. At this time, 16 of the 20 private cord blood banks operating in the United States have taken a license to PharmaStem’s patent portfolio. The only remaining unlicensed banks are the defendants ViaCord, CBR (Cord Blood Registry), Cryo-Cell International and Corcell. PharmaStem has additional patent lawsuits pending against these unlicensed banks.

Contact:
Nicholas Didier
CEO & President
PharmaStem Therapeutics, Inc.
914-833-9227 (phone)
ndidier@pharmastem.com.



August 23, 2004

EIGHTY PERCENT OF THE PRIVATE UMBILICAL CORD BLOOD INDUSTRY NOW LICENSED UNDER PHARMASTEM’S PATENTS

Wayne PA, August 23, 2004 - PharmaStem Therapeutics, Inc. announced today that that 80% of the private umbilical cord blood companies in the United States are now operating under its licensed patents. The recent addition of CureSource brings the number of licensed cord blood banks to 16 out of 20 private companies.

LICENSED cord blood banks are:

California Cryobank Stem Cell Services
New England Cord Blood Bank
Stembanc
Cryobanks International
LifeBank USA
Cord Blood Family Trust
Cord Partners
Alpha Cord
GeneAngel
Newborn Blood Banking
Securacell
Norton Hospitals/ Family Link
HemaStem Therapeutics
Lifestor
CORD – Cryobank for Oncologic and Reproductive Donors
CureSource

PharmaStem is the pioneer in the development of umbilical cord blood preservation and its therapeutic use. Nicholas Didier, CEO and President of PharmaStem stated: “We are very pleased by the the overwhelming recognition of PharmaStem’s innovative patented technology. These 16 companies provide expectant parents and obstetricians with a wide variety of choices when it comes to selecting a cord blood bank. “

On October 29, 2003, a Delaware jury unanimously found that two of PharmaStem's pioneering patents, US Patent Nos. 5,004,681 and 5,192,553 were valid and enforceable and that the four defendants ViaCord, CBR (Cord Blood Registry), Cryo-Cell and Corcell had willfully infringed these patents. These four companies are the only UNLICENSED cord blood banks still in operation.

To learn more about PharmaStem Therapeutics, its patent portfolio and licensed cord blood banks please visit www.pharmastem.com

Contact:
Nicholas Didier
CEO & President
PharmaStem Therapeutics, Inc.
914-833-9227 (phone)
ndidier@pharmastem.com.



August 2, 2004

PharmaStem Therapeutics Initiates New Lawsuits to Protect Its Umbilical Cord Blood Stem Cell Patent Rights
Lawsuits have been filed against ViaCell, Cryo-Cell International, Cord Blood Registry (CBR Systems), Corcell and Certain Obstetricians

Wayne, PA, August 2, 2004 - PharmaStem Therapeutics, Inc. announced today that it has initiated multiple lawsuits for patent infringement to protect its intellectual property rights relating to umbilical cord blood stem cells. PharmaStem is the successor to Biocyte Corporation, the pioneer in the discovery and development of umbilical cord blood preservation and its therapeutic use. In recognition of its leadership, PharmaStem has received five U.S. Patents to date for its technological advances.

The new lawsuits assert infringement of two recently issued patents, U.S. Patent Nos. 6,569,427 and/or 6,605,275, which relate to the cryopreservation and therapeutic use of umbilical cord blood stem cells. Named in the complaints are the four remaining cord blood banks (ViaCell, Inc., Cryo-Cell International, Inc., CBR Systems, Inc. (Cord Blood Registry), CorCell, Inc.) who have refused to license PharmaStem’s patents and certain obstetricians and health care providers who collect umbilical cord blood for these unlicensed cord blood banks.

Nicholas Didier, President and CEO of PharmaStem stated: “While we would prefer not to sue any obstetricians or health care providers, it is important to protect our intellectual property rights for the benefit of our licensees. To date, we have 15 licensed cord blood banks so obstetricians and health care providers have many choices available to them.” PharmaStem’s license agreements provide a license to obstetricians and health care providers for the collection of umbilical cord blood provided they work with licensed banks.

PharmaStem currently has licensed its patent portfolio to the following cord blood banks:

LifeBank USA
Stembanc
StemCyte / Cord Blood Family Trust
GeneAngel
Newborn Blood Banking
Securacell
Norton Hospitals Family Link
Cord Partners
HemaStem Therapeutics
Lifestor
California Cryobank Stem Cell Services
New England Cord Blood Bank
Alpha Cord
Cryobanks International
CORD – Cryobank for Oncologic and Reproductive Donors

On October 29, 2003, a Delaware jury unanimously found that two of PharmaStem's pioneering patents, US Patent Nos. 5,004,681 and 5,192,553 were valid and enforceable and that the four defendants, ViaCell, Cryo-Cell, Corcell and CBR Systems (Cord Blood Registry) had willfully infringed these patents.

To learn more about PharmaStem Therapeutics please visit www.pharmastem.com or contact Nicholas Didier, CEO, at 914-833-9227 (phone) or
ndidier@pharmastem.com.



April 22, 2004

PharmaStem Therapeutics Announces Patent License Agreement with California Cryobank Stem Cell Services. - Two Thirds of the Cord Blood Banking Industry is Now Licensed

Wayne, PA, April 22, 2004– – PharmaStem Therapeutics, Inc. and California Cryobank Stem Cell Services, Inc. today announced that they have entered into an agreement under which CalCryo SCS, Inc. has obtained a license to PharmaStem’s patent portfolio. PharmaStem is the successor to Biocyte Corporation, the pioneer in the development of umbilical cord and placental blood preservation and its therapeutic use. In recognition of its leadership, PharmaStem has received five U.S. patents to date: No. 5,004,681, 5,192,553, 6,461,645, 6,569,427 and 6,605,275.

Nicholas Didier, President and CEO of PharmaStem stated: “We are pleased to announce the finalization of our License Agreement with California Cryobank Stem Cell Services, one of the most important players in the industry. California Cryobank had approached us to ask for a License and we are delighted to announce that two thirds of the cord blood banking industry now operates under a PharmaStem License”.

On October 29, 2003 a Delaware jury unanimously found ViaCell, Inc., Cryo-Cell International (NASDAQ-CCEL.OB), CorCell, Inc. and CBR Systems, Inc., to willfully infringe PharmaStem’s pioneering patents covering the technology for collecting, cryopreserving and storing stem cells derived from umbilical cord and placental blood for future therapeutic use. These stem cells found in umbilical cord and placental blood are replacing bone marrow as a transplant source for treating cancer and other diseases.

On February 10, 2004, PharmaStem filed a lawsuit for patent infringement, in the United States District Court, Northern District of California, against five companies active in umbilical cord blood banking. Three out of the five have settled and entered into a License Agreement with PharmaStem. The only two remaining defendants are Cryobank for Oncologic and Reproductive Donors, Inc. (CORD) and Cryobanks International, Inc.

For further information about PharmaStem, contact Nicholas Didier, CEO, at (914) 833-9227 (phone) or ndidier@pharmastem.com.

For further information about California Cryobank Stem Cell Services, Inc., contact Kaj Rydman, President and CEO, at (310) 315-9402 x15 (phone) or krydman@cryobank.com



March 12, 2004

PharmaStem Therapeutics Announces Patent License Agreement with Cord Partners.

Wayne, PA, March 12, 2004 – PharmaStem Therapeutics, Inc. today announced that it has entered into an agreement under which Cord Partners has obtained a license to PharmaStem’s patent portfolio. PharmaStem is the successor to Biocyte Corporation, the pioneer in the development of umbilical cord and placental blood preservation and its therapeutic use. In recognition of its leadership, PharmaStem has received five U.S. patents to date: No. 5,004,681, 5,192,553, 6,461,645, 6,569,427 and 6,605,275.

Matthew Schissler, Chairman & CEO of Cord Partners commented: “Cord Partners is pleased to announce this License Agreement with PharmaStem. This license supports our conviction to become the most respected umbilical cord blood banking company in the world. Most importantly, this license ensures that Cord Partners continues to be built on ethical foundations and sets the example to all families evaluating the life saving benefits of umbilical cord blood stem cells.”

Nicholas Didier, President and CEO of PharmaStem stated: “The agreement with Cord Partners is yet another example of our ever growing association of licensed cord blood banks. We are pleased with Cord Partners’ decision to take a license, based on their recognition that it was in their shareholders’ and customers’ best interest to acquire a license under PharmaStem’s patent portfolio.”

On October 29, a Delaware jury found unanimously that ViaCell, Inc., Cryo-Cell International (NASDAQ-CCEL.OB), CorCell, Inc. and CBR Systems, Inc., willfully infringed PharmaStem’s pioneering patents covering the technology for collecting, cryopreserving and storing stem cells derived from umbilical cord and placental blood for future therapeutic use. These stem cells found in umbilical cord and placental blood are replacing bone marrow as a transplant source for treating cancer and other diseases. Didier stated: “Since the Jury found that the defendants do indeed willfully infringe PharmaStem’s technology, an increasing number of cord blood banks have recognized that taking a patent license was the right decision for investors and parents. Half of the family cord blood banking industry is now licensed under the PharmaStem patents, with other license agreements to be announced shortly.”

On February 10, 2004, PharmaStem filed a lawsuit for patent infringement, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, against five companies active in umbilical cord blood banking. Named as defendants are Alpha Cord Inc., Cryobanks International Inc., Cryobank for Oncologic and Reproductive Donors, Inc. (CORD) and New England Cord Blood Bank, Inc. In entering into the License Agreement, Cord Partners was dismissed from the case.

For further information about PharmaStem, contact Nicholas Didier, CEO, at (914) 833-9227 (phone) or ndidier@pharmastem.com.

For further information about Cord Partners, Inc contact Matthew Schissler, Chairman & CEO at (310) 443-4153 or ndidier@pharmastem.com



March 8 , 2004

PharmaStem Therapeutics Announces Patent License Agreement with Norton Hospitals.

Wayne, PA, March 8, 2004 – PharmaStem Therapeutics, Inc. today announced that it has entered into an agreement under which Norton Hospitals have obtained a license to PharmaStem’s patent portfolio. PharmaStem is the successor to Biocyte Corporation, the pioneer in the development of umbilical cord and placental blood preservation and its therapeutic use. In recognition of its leadership, PharmaStem has received five U.S. patents to date: No. 5,004,681, 5,192,553, 6,461,645, 6,569,427 and 6,605,275. Norton Hospitals also operates under the Family Link name.

Nicholas Didier, President and CEO of PharmaStem stated: “The agreement with Norton Hospitals is an important addition to our ever growing association of licensed cord blood banks. Norton Hospitals is a not-for-profit organization. Licensees of PharmaStem’s technology now include every spectrum of the cord blood banking industry, from private to public banks, from for profit to not for profit, from autologous to allogeneic, from family to donor banking.”

On October 29, a Delaware jury found unanimously that ViaCell, Inc., Cryo-Cell International (NASDAQ-CCEL.OB), CorCell, Inc. and CBR Systems, Inc., willfully infringed PharmaStem’s pioneering patents covering the technology for collecting, cryopreserving and storing stem cells derived from umbilical cord and placental blood for future therapeutic use. These stem cells found in umbilical cord and placental blood are replacing bone marrow as a transplant source for treating cancer and other diseases. Didier stated: “Since the Jury found that the defendants do indeed willfully infringe PharmaStem’s technology, an increasing number of cord blood banks have recognized that taking a patent license was necessary to expand their relationships with customers and investors.”

On February 10, 2004, PharmaStem filed a lawsuit for patent infringement, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, against five companies active in umbilical cord blood banking. Named as defendants are Alpha Cord Inc., Cord Partners Inc., Cryobanks International Inc., Cryobank for Oncologic and Reproductive Donors, Inc. (CORD) and New England Cord Blood Bank, Inc. Before filing the complaint, PharmaStem had made substantial efforts to enter into licensing discussions with all of these defendants. Based on their lack of response and the need to protect the interest of its existing licensees, PharmaStem has concluded that litigation was the only remaining option to insure protection of its intellectual property and the economic interest of its licensees.

For further information about PharmaStem Therapeutics (www.pharmastem.com), contact Nicholas Didier, CEO, at (914) 833-9227 or ndidier@pharmastem.com



February 12, 2004

PharmaStem Therapeutics Files Patent Infringement Lawsuit against Five Cord Blood Banks

Wayne, PA, February 12, 2004 - PharmaStem Therapeutics, Inc., today announced that it has filed a lawsuit for patent infringement, in the United States District Court, Northern District of California, against five companies active in umbilical cord blood banking. Named as defendants are Alpha Cord, Inc., Cord Partners Inc., Cryobank for Oncologic and Reproductive Donors, Inc. (CORD), Cryobanks International, Inc. and New England Cord Blood Bank, Inc.

PharmaStem’s lawsuit is for the infringement of United States Patents No. 5,004,681, 5,192,553, 6,461,645 and 6,569,427. This patent portfolio covers pioneering and fundamental inventions in the collection, preservation and growth of umbilical cord and placental blood for future therapeutic use. Recently PharmaStem won a unanimous jury verdict of willful infringement against ViaCell, Inc., Corcell, Inc., Cryo-Cell International (NASDAQ: CCEL.OB) and CBR Systems.

PharmaStem Therapeutics is the successor to Biocyte Corporation, the pioneer in the development and implementation of cord blood preservation and its therapeutic use. Umbilical cord and placental blood is rich in stem cells that can reconstitute the human blood and immune systems. The Company provided the roadmap for the creation of today's rapidly growing field of cord blood storage. The freezing ("cryopreservation"), after collection at or shortly after birth, of blood from the infant's umbilical cord and placenta enables the "hematopoietic" (blood producing) stem cells contained in the blood to be preserved for decades. They can later be thawed and used for the reconstitution of the blood and the immune systems for the treatment of anemia, leukemia and other blood disorders.

According to Nicholas Didier, President and CEO of PharmaStem Therapeutics: "We have informed the industry of our willingness to license and a number of umbilical cord blood banks have acknowledged the pioneering technology of the patents in taking a license from PharmaStem. We made substantial efforts to enter into licensing discussions with the named defendants. Based on their lack of response and the need to protect the interest of our existing and future licensees, PharmaStem has concluded that litigation was the only option to insure protection of its intellectual property. While we continue to prefer licensing our patent portfolio through good faith negotiations, we also are committed to taking all appropriate steps to protect our rights and the economic interest of our licensees."

PharmaStem Therapeutics has engaged the firm of IP Finance LLC, a patent and technology licensing company, to represent it in its licensing program, and the law firm of Perkins Coie to handle the lawsuit.

For further information about PharmaStem Therapeutics (www.pharmastem.com), contact Nicholas Didier, CEO, at (914) 833-9227 or ndidier@pharmastem.com.



February 4, 2004

PharmaStem Therapeutics Announces Patent License Agreement with Securacell, Inc.

Wayne, PA, February 4, 2004 – PharmaStem Therapeutics, Inc. and Securacell, Inc. today announced that they have entered into an agreement under which Securacell, Inc. has obtained a license to PharmaStem’s patent portfolio. PharmaStem is the successor to Biocyte Corporation, the pioneer in the development of umbilical cord and placental blood preservation and its therapeutic use. In recognition of its leadership, PharmaStem has received five U.S. patents to date: No. 5,004,681, 5,192,553, 6,461,645, 6,569,427 and 6,605,275.

Francis Quicci, President and CEO of Securacell stated: “Securacell is pleased to announce this License Agreement with PharmaStem. As a company owned and operated by medical professionals, we value the technology and security that the license to PharmaStem’s patent portfolio provides. More importantly our clients and their families, and all the families considering umbilical cord blood banking can be assured Securacell continues to build a company with an ethical and firm foundation. This License ensures our continued leadership in the cord blood banking industry.”

Nicholas Didier, President and CEO of PharmaStem stated: “The Cord Blood Banking industry is now divided into two: Banks who recognize PharmaStem’s pioneering invention and are licensed and others who still seem to believe that they can ignore the Patents. But ever since the Jury found that the defendants do indeed willfully infringe on PharmaStem’s technology, an increasing number of cord blood banks have recognized that taking a license under the patents was the right thing to do and move on with their business.”

On October 29, a Delaware jury found unanimously that ViaCell, Inc., Cryo-Cell International (NASDAQ-CCEL.OB), CorCell, Inc. and CBR Systems, Inc., willfully infringed PharmaStem’s pioneering patents covering the technology for collecting, cryopreserving and storing stem cells derived from umbilical cord and placental blood for future therapeutic use. These stem cells found in umbilical cord and placental blood are replacing bone marrow as a transplant source for treating cancer and other diseases.

For further information about PharmaStem Therapeutics (www.pharmastem.com), contact Nicholas Didier, CEO, at (914) 833-9227 or ndidier@pharmastem.com

For further information about Securacell, Inc., contact Francis Quicci, President and CEO, at (330) 649-9444 (phone) or fquicci@securacell.com.



January 30, 2004

PharmaStem Therapeutics Announces Patent License Agreement with Newborn Blood Banking, Inc.

Wayne, PA, January 30, 2004 – PharmaStem Therapeutics, Inc. and Newborn Blood Banking, Inc. today announced that they have entered into an agreement under which Newborn Blood Banking has obtained a license to PharmaStem’s patent portfolio. This represents the 5th license PharmaStem has granted to umbilical cord blood banks. PharmaStem is the successor to Biocyte Corporation, the pioneer in the development of umbilical cord and placental blood preservation and its therapeutic use. In recognition of its leadership, PharmaStem has received five U.S. patents to date: No. 5,004,681, 5,192,553, 6,461,645, 6,569,427 and 6,605,275.

Jon Suits, President of Newborn Blood Banking, Inc. stated: "We are happy to announce our acquisition of a License from PharmStem. With this important agreement in place, parents can take comfort in knowing that Newborn Blood Banking, Inc. is now licensed under this important PharmaStem cord blood patent portfolio. We plan to use this agreement to enhance our valuable service and expertise in the life saving banking of newborn cord blood."

Nicholas Didier, President and CEO of PharmaStem stated: “Ever since the Jury found that the defendants do infringe on PharmaStem’s Technology, which is the foundation of the Cord Blood Banking Industry, and that they did so willfully, cord blood banks have stepped forward to secure a license from PharmaStem. Newborn Blood Banking is yet another example in this industry trend.

On October 29, a Delaware jury had found unanimously that PharmaStem's pioneering patents were valid and enforceable and that the four defendants, ViaCell, Inc., Cryo-Cell International (NASDAQ-CCEL), CorCell, Inc. and CBR Systems, Inc., willfully infringe the patents covering the technology for collecting, cryopreserving and storing stem cells derived from umbilical cord and placental blood for future therapeutic use. These stem cells found in umbilical cord and placental blood are replacing bone marrow as a transplant source for treating cancer and other diseases.

"This verdict is a resounding affirmation of PharmaStem's strong intellectual property position," said CEO Nicholas Didier. "Even before this verdict, PharmaStem had three license agreements with leading industry participants. Now, the combination of the jury’s decision and three additional pioneering patents issued to PharmaStem since the inception of the lawsuit leads me to expect that we will soon reach favorable resolution with all industry participants so that we can focus on growing the industry together. A number of parties have already come forward for discussions.”

About PharmaStem (www.pharmastem.com): For further information about PharmaStem Therapeutics (www.pharmastem.com), contact Nicholas Didier, CEO, at (914) 833-9227 or ndidier@pharmastem.com.

About Newborn Blood Banking (www.newbornbloodbanking.com): For further information about Newborn Blood Banking (www.newbornbloodbanking.com) contact Jon Suits, President, at (813) 948-2673 or newbornbbi@aol.com.



December 3, 2003

PharmaStem Therapeutics Announces Patent License Agreement with GeneticasGeneAngel, Inc.

Wayne, PA, December 3, 2003 – PharmaStem Therapeutics, Inc. and GeneAngel, Inc. today announced that they have entered into an agreement under which GeneAngel has obtained a license to PharmaStem’s patent portfolio. This represents the 4th license PharmaStem has granted to umbilical cord blood banks. PharmaStem is the successor to Biocyte Corporation, the pioneer in the development of umbilical cord and placental blood preservation and its therapeutic use. In recognition of its leadership, PharmaStem has received five U.S. patents to date: No. 5,004,681, 5,192,553, 6,461,645, 6,569,427 and 6,605,275.

Aniko Kaiser, Vice President of GeneAngel stated: “Obtaining a PharmaStem license ensures that GeneAngel can continue to position itself as a leading cord blood banking company. GeneAngel now provides a level of comfort to a parent not offered by non-PharmaStem licensed companies. Consider that some of those cord blood companies were ordered just this month to pay millions of dollars in damages for willful infringements of PharmaStem’s patents, and one can appreciate how anxious parents have now become. One direct effect of this judgment has been a heightened concern amongst parents who already stored with the infringing banks, and what might happen to their child's stored stem cells in the future. This concern led GeneAngel to bring forward the launch of the GeneSentinel transfer program that allows those parents to transfer their child’s stored stem cells to a GeneAngel’s secure facility. Given the recent turmoil, GeneAngel is offering to collect and transfer those stem cells at no cost to parents.”

Nicholas Didier, President and CEO of PharmaStem stated: “Ever since the Jury found that the defendants do indeed infringe on PharmaStem’s Technology, and that they did so willfully, cord blood banks have stepped forward to secure a license from PharmaStem. GeneAngel is the first of this ‘new wave’ of licensees, with more to come in the near future.”

On October 29, a Delaware jury had found unanimously that PharmaStem's pioneering patents were valid and enforceable and that the four defendants, ViaCell, Inc., Cryo-Cell International (NASDAQ-CCEL), CorCell, Inc. and CBR Systems, Inc., had willfully infringed patents covering the technology for collecting, cryopreserving and storing stem cells derived from umbilical cord and placental blood for future therapeutic use. These stem cells found in umbilical cord and placental blood are replacing bone marrow as a transplant source for treating cancer and other diseases.

About PharmaStem (www.pharmastem.com): For further information about PharmaStem Therapeutics (www.pharmastem.com), contact Nicholas Didier, CEO, at (914) 833-9227 or ndidier@pharmastem.com.

About GeneAngel (www.geneangel.com): For further information about GeneAngel (www.geneangel.com), contact Aniko Kaiser, VP, at (310) 312-9522 ext 923 (phone), (310) 861-5606 (fax) or aniko.kaiser@geneangel.com.



November 4, 2003

Litigation Victory Upholds PharmaStem’s Pioneering Stem Cell Patents

In an important victory for the growing field of therapeutic use of umbilical cord stem cells, PharmaStem Therapeutics, Inc. and Perkins Coie LLP announced today that they had won a major patent infringement lawsuit in Delaware.

The Delaware jury unanimously found that PharmaStem's pioneering patents were valid and enforceable and that the four defendants, ViaCell, Inc., Cryo-Cell International, CorCell, Inc. and CBR Systems, Inc., had willfully infringed patents covering the technology for collecting, cryopreserving and storing stem cells derived from umbilical cord and placental blood for future therapeutic use. These stem cells found in umbilical cord and placental blood are replacing bone marrow as a transplant source for treating cancer and other diseases.

"A jury finding of willful infringement is extremely rare and represents a compelling validation of PharmaStem's claims," said Paul Andre of Perkins Coie, lead attorney on the case. "The legal determination that the patents are valid and enforceable further confirms that the inventors made an innovative scientific contribution, one that the scientific community has recognized for over fifteen years.”

The defendants are ordered to pay in excess of $7 million in past damages. The finding of willful infringement permits the Court to treble the damages and award attorneys’ fees to PharmaStem.

"This verdict is a resounding affirmation of PharmaStem's strong intellectual property position," said CEO Nicholas Didier. "Even before this verdict, PharmaStem had three license agreements with leading industry participants. Now, the combination of the jury’s decision and three additional pioneering patents issued to PharmaStem since the inception of the lawsuit leads me to expect that we will soon reach favorable resolution with all industry participants so that we can focus on growing the industry together. A number of parties have already come forward for discussions.”

About PharmaStem (www.pharmastem.com): PharmaStem is the pioneer in the development and implementation of cord blood preservation and its therapeutic use.

About Perkins Coie (www.perkinscoie.com): Perkins Coie is a leading international law firm, with nearly 600 attorneys serving clients from 14 offices across the United States and China. The firm represents clients that range in size from Fortune 100 companies to startups and has historically represented market leaders in traditional and cutting-edge technology industries. The firm's patent litigation department was recently named among the top 10 firms in the country for plaintiff work by IP Law and Business magazine.

For further information about PharmaStem, contact Nicholas Didier, CEO, at (914) 833-9227 (phone), (914) 833-3175 (FAX) or ndidier@pharmastem.com.



September 23, 2003

PharmaStem Therapeutics Announces Patent License Agreement with StemCyte, Inc.

Wayne, PA, September 23, 2003 – PharmaStem Therapeutics, Inc. and StemCyte, Inc. today announced that they have entered into an agreement under which StemCyte has obtained a license to PharmaStem’s patent portfolio. PharmaStem is the successor to Biocyte Corporation, the pioneer in the development of umbilical cord and placental blood preservation and its therapeutic use. In recognition of its leadership, PharmaStem has received five U.S. patents to date: No. 5,004,681 issued on April 2, 1991; No. 5,192,553 issued on March 9, 1993, No. 6,461,645 issued on October 8, 2002; No. 6,569,427 issued on May 27, 2003 and No. 6,605,275 on August 12, 2003.

Kenneth Giacin, President and CEO of StemCyte stated: “We are pleased to announce the agreement to license the blood and placenta preservation patent portfolio from PharmaStem. With this important agreement in place StemCyte can actively and without restrictions pursue our business objectives of becoming a worldwide leading provider of Umbilical Cord Blood Stem Cells for life saving therapies”.

Nicholas Didier, President and CEO of PharmaStem stated: “StemCyte’s decision to license PharmaStem’s Patents is an important milestone in our efforts to promote this life saving technology and make it available to the broadest extent possible so that patients in need get adequate treatment.”

StemCyte, based in Arcadia, CA, specializes in providing stem cells and stem cell technology for transplantation therapy and research and development, . A major area of focus is umbilical cord blood stem cell transplantation, a substitute for traditional bone marrow transplantation. Umbilical cord blood stem cell transplantation is now a recognized alternative in the field of transplantation medicine.

For further information about PharmaStem, contact Nicholas Didier, CEO, at (914) 833-9227 (phone), (914) 833-3175 (FAX) or ndidier@pharmastem.com.

For further information about StemCyte, contact Dr. Robert Chow at (626) 821-9860 or rchow@stemcyteinc.com.



September 8, 2003

Two Additional Patents On Umbilical Cord And Placental Blood Stem Cells Are Issued To PharmaStem

WAYNE, PA – (September 8, 2003) The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has issued two additional patents related to cryopreserved stem cells and progenitor cells to PharmaStem Therapeutics, Inc., a privately held corporation. Patents Nos. 6,569,427 and 6,605,275 relate to the therapeutic use of fetal and neonatal stem cells for hemapoietic or immune reconstitution and hematopoietic reconstitution in gene therapy.

According to Nicholas V. Didier, Chief Executive Officer of PharmaStem Therapeutics, "The issuance of these new patents is a further validation of the significance of PharmaStem’s contributions to the therapeutic use of umbilical cord and placental blood. The transplantation of cord blood stem cell compositions is a rapidly growing field as an alternative to bone marrow transplants. This blood and its derivatives are useful for the reconstitution of the blood and the immune systems, among others, for the treatment of anemia, leukemia and other disorders. PharmaStem’s patent portfolio comprising now five patents will enable us to further enhance the protection of our intellectual property rights and its licensees."

The newly issued patents build on the pioneering and fundamental inventions in U.S. Patents Nos. 5,004,681, issued on April 2, 1991, and 5,192,553, issued on March 9, 1993. The ‘681 and ‘553 patents have been asserted by PharmaStem in a lawsuit for patent infringement, filed on February 22, 2002, in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware. Named as defendants are ViaCell, Inc., Cryo-Cell International, Inc. (CCEL.OB), CorCell, Inc., StemCyte, Inc., NuStem Technologies, Inc., CBR Systems, Inc. (also known as Cord Blood Registry, Inc.), Bio-Cell Inc., and Birthcells Technology, Inc. The ‘681 patent was re-examined by the USPTO after Cryo-Cell International, Inc., (CCEL.OB) one of the defendants, filed such a request on grounds of invalidity. Following re-examination, the USPTO issued a re-examination certificate on April 11, 2000, reaffirming the novel contributions of PharmaStem’s patent. Since the filing of the lawsuit, PharmaStem has entered into licensing agreements pertaining to the patent portfolio with a number of entities which otherwise would be infringing the patents.

PharmaStem is the pioneer in the development and implementation of cord blood preservation and its therapeutic use. Umbilical cord and placental blood are rich in stem cells that can reconstitute human blood and immune systems. The Company provided the roadmap for the creation of today's rapidly growing field of cord blood storage.

PharmaStem Therapeutics’ licensing program is developed and managed by IP Finance LLC, a patent and technology licensing company, while the law firm of Perkins Coie handles the litigation.

For further information about PharmaStem, contact Nicholas Didier, CEO, at (914) 833-9227 (phone), (914) 833-3175 (FAX) or ndidier@pharmastem.com.



February 20, 2003

PharmaStem Therapeutics Announces Patent License Agreement with Stembanc, Inc.

Wayne, PA, February 20, 2003 – PharmaStem Therapeutics, Inc. and Stembanc, Inc. today announced that they have entered into an agreement under which Stembanc has obtained a license to PharmaStem’s patent portfolio. PharmaStem is the successor to Biocyte Corporation, the pioneer in the development of umbilical cord and placental blood preservation and its therapeutic use. In recognition of its leadership, PharmaStem has received three U.S. patents to date: No. 5,004,681, issued on April 2, 1991; No. 5,192,553, issued on March 9, 1993, and No. 6,461,645 issued on October 8, 2002. Other patent applications are pending.

Archibald A. (Archie) Grabinski, President and CEO of Stembanc stated: “This patent portfolio complements our existing patent pending intellectual property exceptionally well. Stembanc is now uniquely positioned to assume leadership in the newborn stem cell banking industry.”

“While we believe that the patented PharmaStem processes are needed for the successful reanimation of cryopreserved newborn stem cells, it is noteworthy that virtually all prior companies in this industry are operating without a license to use these critical technologies. Parents who entrust Stembanc with their child’s precious, irreplaceable stem cells may be comfortable knowing that Stembanc is the only company in the industry that has operated from its inception with a license to use this vital technology.”

“Newborn stem cells have the proven potential for lifesaving family therapeutic uses. However, potentially more significant are exciting recent advances in the field of regenerative medicine that point to the use of these stem cells as the future seed material for perfectly matched replacement tissues and organs for that newborn donor – thereby offering the possibility of very significant life extension.”

“These scientific and technological developments have leapt ahead of business attempts at widespread commercialization of newborn stem cell cryopreservation technology. This is due both to the rapidity of the scientific developments and to the limited success of unlicensed companies to effectively reach and educate most expectant parents. Consequently, to the detriment of parents and their newborn children, these stem cells are typically discarded.”

“Stembanc is uniquely positioned to remedy this situation, thereby bringing forth a positive to society as well as opportunity to its shareholders.”

Stembanc, based in Cleveland, Ohio, is a pioneer in the widespread commercialization of technologically superior and ethically sound biological material cryopreservation.

The ‘681 and ‘553 patents have been asserted by PharmaStem in a lawsuit for patent infringement, filed on February 22, 2002, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware. Named as defendants in the lawsuit are ViaCell, Inc., Cryo-Cell International, Inc. (NASDAQ-CCEL), CorCell, Inc., StemCyte, Inc., NuStem Technologies, Inc., CBR Systems, Inc. (also known as Cord Blood Registry, Inc.), Bio-Cell Inc., and Birthcells Technology, Inc. Stembanc is not a defendant in the lawsuit.

For further information about PharmaStem, contact Nicholas Didier, CEO, at (914) 833-9227 (phone), (914) 833-3175 (FAX) or ndidier@pharmastem.com.

For further information about Stembanc, contact Archibald A. (Archie) Grabinski, President and CEO, at (216) 529-8015 (phone), or grabinski@stembanc.com.



November 25, 2002

PharmaStem Therapeutics and Anthrogenesis Corporation Announce Patent License Agreement

Wayne, PA, November 25, 2002 - PharmaStem Therapeutics, Inc. and Anthrogenesis Corporation today announced that they have entered into an Agreement under which Anthrogenesis has obtained a license to PharmaStem’s patent portfolio. PharmaStem is the successor to Biocyte Corporation, the pioneer in the development of umbilical cord and placental blood preservation and its therapeutic use. In recognition of its leadership, PharmaStem has received three U.S. patents to date: No. 5,004,681, issued on April 2, 1991; No. 5,192,553, issued on March 9, 1993; and No. 6,461,645, issued on October 8, 2002. Other patent applications are pending.

John R. Haines, President and CEO of Anthrogenesis, stated: “We are very pleased about this License Agreement with PharmaStem, which was entered into amicably and without the need for litigation. Importantly, parents who entrust their children’s cord blood to our Lifebank division can be secure in the knowledge that we are the first company to obtain a license under the important PharmaStem patent portfolio. This gives Lifebank a substantial competitive advantage over others in the field that are not licensed. This license provides a firm base for Lifebank to use in building its cord blood banking lines of business.”

Umbilical cord and placental blood is rich in stem cells that can reconstitute the human blood and immune systems. PharmaStem provided the roadmap for the creation of today's rapidly growing field of cord blood storage. A number of cord blood banks have been established since the ‘681 and ‘553 patents were issued in the early 1990’s, including autologous banks that store cord blood for family use as well as allogeneic banks that collect cord blood for public use. The cryopreservation, at or shortly after birth, of blood from the infant's umbilical cord and placenta enables the "hematopoietic" stem cells contained in the blood to be thawed at a later time and used among other things, for the reconstitution of blood and immune systems to treat anemia, leukemia and other disorders.

Nicholas Didier, CEO of PharmaStem Therapeutics, commented: "This License Agreement is a recognition of the pioneering and valuable contributions evidenced by PharmaStem’s patent portfolio. This agreement is an important milestone in our program to enforce our patents and prevent the unlicensed use of our proprietary technology."

Anthrogenesis, based in Cedar Knolls, New Jersey, is a biotherapeutics company that through its Lifebank division, a state-licensed blood bank, is engaged in the collection and cryopreservation of umbilical cord and placental blood stem cells for later therapeutic use after thawing. On November 13, 2002, Anthrogenesis announced that it had signed a definitive agreement to be acquired by Celgene Corporation an independent biopharmaceutical company engaged primarily in the discovery, development and commercialization of novel therapies for the treatment of cancer and inflammatory diseases through gene and protein regulation.

“Anthrogenesis expects to aggressively build up its existing umbilical cord and placental blood banking lines of business as part of its combination with Celgene,” according to Mr. Haines.

The ‘681 and ‘553 patents have been asserted by PharmaStem in a lawsuit for patent infringement, filed on February 22, 2002, in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware. Named as defendants in the lawsuit are ViaCell, Inc., Cryo-Cell International, Inc. (Nasdaq-CCEL), CorCell, Inc., StemCyte, Inc., NuStem Technologies, Inc., CBR Systems, Inc. (also known as Cord Blood Registry, Inc.), Bio-Cell Inc., and Birthcells Technology, Inc. Anthrogenesis is not a defendant in the lawsuit.

For further information, contact Nicholas Didier, President, IP Finance LLC, at (212) 432-7088 (phone), (914) 833-3175 (fax), or ndidier@ip-finance.com.

For further information about Anthrogenesis, contact John Haines, President and CEO, at (973) 267-8200 (phone), (973) 267-8201 (fax), or
jhaines@anthrogenesis.com.



November 11, 2002

Third Patent On Umbilical Cord And Placental Blood Stem Cells Is Issued To PharmaStem

WAYNE, PA – (November 11, 2002) The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has issued a third patent, related to cryopreserved stem cells and progenitor cells, to PharmaStem Therapeutics, Inc., a privately held corporation. Patent No. 6,461,645 is for pharmaceutical compositions of human hematopoietic stem cells derived from umbilical cord or placental blood, cryopreserved for future therapeutic use.

According to Nicholas V. Didier, Chief Executive Officer of PharmaStem Therapeutics, "The issuance of this third patent is a further validation of the importance of PharmaStem’s contributions to the therapeutic use of umbilical cord and placental blood. The transplantation of cord blood stem cell compositions is a rapidly growing field. This blood and its derivatives are useful for the reconstitution of the blood and the immune systems, among others, for the treatment of anemia, leukemia and other disorders. Additional patent applications are pending. This patent portfolio will enable us to protect our intellectual property rights for the Company and its licensees."

The newly issued patent builds on the pioneering and fundamental inventions in U.S. Patents Nos. 5,004,681, issued on April 2, 1991, and 5,192,553, issued on March 9, 1993. The ‘681 and ‘553 patents have been asserted by PharmaStem in a lawsuit for patent infringement, filed on February 22, 2002, in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware. Named as defendants are ViaCell, Inc., Cryo-Cell International, Inc. (CCEL), CorCell, Inc., StemCyte, Inc., NuStem Technologies, Inc., CBR Systems, Inc. (also known as Cord Blood Registry, Inc.), Bio-Cell Inc., and Birthcells Technology, Inc. The ‘681 patent was re-examined by the USPTO after Cryo-Cell International, Inc., (CCEL) one of the defendants, filed such a request on grounds of invalidity. Following re-examination, the USPTO issued a re-examination certificate on April 11, 2000, reaffirming the novel contributions of PharmaStem’s patent.

PharmaStem is the pioneer in the development and implementation of cord blood preservation and its therapeutic use. Umbilical cord and placental blood are rich in stem cells that can reconstitute human blood and immune systems. The Company provided the roadmap for the creation of today's rapidly growing field of cord blood storage.

PharmaStem Therapeutics has engaged the firm of IP Finance LLC, a patent and technology licensing company, to represent it in its licensing program, while the law firm of Quinn Emanuel handles the lawsuit.

For further information, contact Nicholas Didier, President, IP Finance LLC, at (212) 432-7088 (phone), (914) 833-3175 (fax), or ndidier@ip-finance.com.



April 3, 2002

PharmaStem Therapeutics Announces Allowance of Third Patent on Therapeutic Compositions of Umbilical Cord and Placental Blood Stem Cells

DEL MAR, CA, April 3, 2002 - PharmaStem Therapeutics, Inc., a privately held corporation, has received official notification from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) of the allowance of its third patent. The patent is for pharmaceutical compositions of human hematopoietic stem cells derived from umbilical cord and placental blood for future therapeutic use. The Company expects the patent to be issued shortly. This patent builds on the pioneering and fundamental inventions in Patent Nos. 5,004,681, issued on April 2, 1991, and 5,192,553, issued on March 9, 1993.

The ‘681 and ‘553 patents have been asserted by PharmaStem in a lawsuit for patent infringement, filed on February 22, 2002, in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware. Named as defendants are ViaCell, Inc., Cryo-Cell International, Inc. (CCEL), CorCell, Inc., StemCyte, Inc., NuStem Technologies, Inc., CBR Systems, Inc. (also known as Cord Blood Registry, Inc.), Bio-Cell Inc., and Birthcells Technology, Inc. The ‘681 patent was re-examined by the USPTO after Cryo-Cell International, Inc., one of the defendants, filed such a request on grounds of invalidity. Following re-examination, the USPTO issued a re-examination certificate on April 11, 2000, reaffirming the novel contributions of PharmaStem’s patent.

The predecessor of PharmaStem, Biocyte Corporation, was the pioneer in the development and implementation of cord blood preservation and its therapeutic use. Umbilical cord and placental blood is rich in stem cells that can reconstitute the human blood and immune systems. The Company provided the roadmap for the creation of today's rapidly growing field of cord blood storage.

According to Steven D. Reich, M.D., President of PharmaStem Therapeutics, "The allowance of this third patent is a further validation of the importance of the contributions of PharmaStem and its founders and inventors, who pioneered the therapeutic use of umbilical cord and placental blood. The transplantation of cord blood stem cell compositions is a rapidly growing field. This blood is useful in treating various fatal or crippling diseases that involve the blood or immune systems. Additional patent applications are pending, and this growing portfolio will enable the Company to protect its intellectual property rights."

PharmaStem Therapeutics has engaged the firm of IP Finance LLC, a patent and technology licensing company, to represent it in its licensing program, and the law firm of Quinn Emanuel to handle the lawsuit.

For further information, contact Nicholas Didier, President, IP Finance LLC, at (212) 432-7088 (phone), (914) 833-3175 (fax), or ndidier@ip-finance.com.



February 25, 2002

PharmaStem Therapeutics Files Patent Infringement Lawsuit Against Eight Cord Blood Banks: Named in Suit are ViaCell, Cryo-Cell, CorCell, StemCyte, NuStem, Cord Blood Registry, Bio-Cell, and Birthcells

DEL MAR, CA, February 25, 2002 - PharmaStem Therapeutics, Inc., a privately held corporation, has filed a lawsuit for patent infringement, in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware, against eight companies active in umbilical cord blood banking. Named as defendants are ViaCell, Inc., Cryo-Cell International, Inc., CorCell, Inc., StemCyte, Inc., NuStem Technologies, Inc., CBR Systems, Inc. (also known as Cord Blood Registry, Inc.), Bio-Cell Inc., and Birthcells Technology, Inc.

PharmaStem’s lawsuit is for the infringement of United States Patent No. 5,004,681, issued on April 2, 1991 and Patent No. 5,192,553, issued on March 9, 1993. The two patents cover pioneering and fundamental inventions in the collection, preservation and growth of umbilical cord and placental blood for future therapeutic use. The ‘681 patent was re-examined by the United States Patent and Trademark Office after Cryo-Cell International, Inc., one of the defendants, filed such a request on grounds of invalidity. Following re-examination, the Patent Office issued a re-examination certificate reaffirming the novel contributions of PharmaStem’s patent.

Biocyte Corporation, the predecessor of PharmaStem, was the pioneer in the development and implementation of cord blood preservation and its therapeutic use. Umbilical cord and placental blood is rich in stem cells that can reconstitute the human blood and immune systems. The Company provided the roadmap for the creation of today's rapidly growing field of cord blood storage. The freezing ("cryopreservation"), at or shortly after birth, of blood from the infant's umbilical cord and placenta enables the "hematopoietic" (blood producing) stem cells contained in the blood to be thawed at a later time and used for the reconstitution of the blood and the immune systems for the treatment of anemia, leukemia and other blood disorders.

According to Steven D. Reich, M.D., President and CEO of PharmaStem Therapeutics: "We have informed the industry of our willingness to license our technology and made substantial efforts to enter into license agreements. Based on the infringers’ lack of response, PharmaStem has concluded that litigation is its only remaining option to insure protection of its intellectual property. While we would have preferred to license our portfolio through good faith negotiations, we are committed to taking all appropriate steps to protect our rights."

PharmaStem Therapeutics has engaged the firm of IP Finance LLC, a patent and technology licensing company, to represent it in its licensing program, and the law firm of Quinn Emanuel to handle the lawsuit.

For further information, contact Nicholas Didier, President, IP Finance LLC, at (212) 432-7088 (phone), (914) 833-3175 (fax), or ndidier@ip-finance.com.


 

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