StemCells, Inc. CEO Martin McGlynn to Present at Techvest's 4th Annual Healthcare Conference Presentation To Outline Timeframe for Stem Cell Commercialization

PALO ALTO, Calif., Oct. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- StemCells, Inc. (Nasdaq: STEM - News) today announced that its CEO Martin McGlynn will present at Techvest's 4th Annual Healthcare Conference & Expo in Boston on Wednesday, October 23, 2002. Mr. McGlynn's presentation, now scheduled for 11:00 a.m., will center on the timeframe and feasibility for the commercialization of stem cells in clinical practice.

"This conference is a tremendous opportunity to separate the hype from the reality when it comes to the commercial viability of stem cells," said Mr. McGlynn. "There are many complex issues surrounding stem cell research today. My presentation will offer unique insight and clarity into the particular complexities, as well as map out the cutting-edge technologies that Stem Cells, Inc. has in development for use in the treatment of some of mankind's most devastating diseases. In addition, I will be able to distinguish for the audience the pathway to bringing stem cells from the laboratory into the marketplace."

Stem cells are blank cells that can develop into virtually any kind of cell in the human body. Researchers hope that major advances in adapting stem cells for repairing damaged tissue could one day help in organ transplantation, gene therapy, and treatment of such maladies as Parkinson's disease, diabetes, and paralysis.

Mr. McGlynn will join conference presenters and representatives from an estimated 140 leading biotechnology and medical device companies from around the world for the duration of Techvest's conference, from October 22-24, 2002. Techvest, LLC is a leading investment research, consulting and investment banking firm specializing in the healthcare sector. Companies will also be meeting with venture capitalists, institutional investors, and senior corporate executives. According to Techvest's President, Michael Ehrenreich, interest in this year's conference is at an all-time high. "It is more important than ever that investors and industry gather to discuss the future," he said.

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StemCells, Inc. uses proprietary technology to isolate, purify and expand stem or progenitor cells that are found in human tissue and which are at least committed to become the mature cells of the organ from which they were derived. StemCells' goal is to use these cells to repair or repopulate neural or other tissue that has been damaged or lost due to disease or injury. For more information about StemCells, Inc., please visit http://www.stemcellsinc.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this press release other than statements of historical facts constitute forward-looking statements regarding, among other things, the future business operations of StemCells, Inc. The Company's actual results may vary materially from those contemplated in the forward looking statements due to risks and uncertainties to which the Company is subject, including uncertainties regarding the Company's ability to obtain the capital resources needed to conduct the research, pre-clinical development and clinical trials necessary for regulatory approvals; the fact that the Company's stem cell technology is at the pre-clinical stage and has not yet led to the development of any proposed product; the uncertainty whether any products that may be generated in the future in the Company's stem cell programs will prove clinically effective and not cause tumors or other side effects; the uncertainty whether tests of transplantation, drug effects, or other phenomena conducted in animal models will accurately predict results in humans; the uncertainty whether the Company will achieve revenues from product sales or become profitable; and others that are described in Exhibit 99 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K entitled "Cautionary Factors Relevant to Forward Looking Statements."

SOURCE StemCells, Inc.

CONTACT: Martin McGlynn, President & CEO of StemCells, Inc., +1-650-475-3100, ext 108; Media - Brad Miles of BMC Communications Group, +1-212-477-9007, ext. 17