VATICAN CITY, Italy, June 27, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, as part
of an ongoing mission to advance scientific research on adult stem cell
therapies and explore their cultural and ethical implications,
Monsignor Tomasz Trafny of the Vatican's Pontifical Council for
Culture, joined Dr. Robin Smith, CEO of NeoStem (NYSE MKT:NBS) and
Chairman and President of the Stem for Life Foundation, and Dr. Max
Gomez, trustee of the Stem for Life Foundation, to present the first
copy of their forthcoming book, Our Stem Cells: The Mystery of Life and
Secrets of Healing, to The Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI.

The book is the result of a unique collaboration between the Vatican's
Pontifical Council for Culture (via its charitable foundation STOQ
International) and the Stem for Life Foundation, and will be available
later this year. It includes a special address by His Holiness Benedict
XVI, urging increased support and awareness for advancements in adult
stem cell research in order to alleviate human suffering.

The book focuses on concepts discussed at the First International
Vatican Adult Stem Cell Conference (2011) and presents the reader with
an engaging, comprehensive overview of adult stem cells and their vital
role in a future of regenerative medicine. In powerful, accessible
language the book showcases a wide array of emerging adult stem cell
breakthroughs, including their ability to repair damaged hearts and
organs, restore sight, kill cancer, cure diabetes, heal burns and stop
the march of degenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's, multiple
sclerosis and Lou Gehrig's disease.

"In addition to making the science easy to understand, we filled the
book with here-and-now case studies on how adult stem cell therapies
are already helping real people suffering needlessly from deadly and
debilitating diseases and medical conditions," said Dr. Smith. "Not
only does the book speak to the success of our historic partnership
with the Vatican, but it sets the stage for our next events."

"This book promotes a powerful dialogue between scientific and
religious communities," said Monsignor Tomasz Trafny. "This dialogue
needs to find its expression within the important framework of
searching for truth and being guided by the highest ethical values. We
hope this book will help educate people throughout the world regarding
the importance of ethical scientific research and help them understand
they do not need to choose between their faith and science; but in
fact, the two can work together to profoundly improve humanity."

To preorder the book, go to: http://www.stemforlife.org/ourstemcells

About the Stem for Life Foundation

Stem for Life Foundation (SFLF) is dedicated to improving the quality
of life of millions of people suffering from dozens of painful and
sometimes debilitating medical conditions by providing information and
updates about adult stem cell research, therapy development and
possible healthcare applications. SFLF focuses on educating the public,
convening the best minds in adult stem cell medicine and research,
supporting clinical research, and subsidizing adult stem cell
collection and storage for those who need it most.

Understanding that adult stem cell research could lead to better
treatments and possibly cures for chronic disease, as well as reduce
health care costs and improve quality of life for those with chronic
disease and disability, SFLF was established in 2007. SFLF's Board of
Trustees and staff are deeply committed to expediting development of
stem cell therapies that offer real hope to individuals suffering from
a wide-range of life-threatening medical conditions.

About The Pontifical Council for Culture

The Pontifical Council for Culture is that Dicastery of the Roman Curia
which assists the Pontiff in the exercise of his supreme pastoral
office for the benefit and service of the universal Church and of
particular Churches concerning the encounter between the saving message
of the Gospel and cultures, in the study of the weighty phenomena of
the rift between the Gospel and cultures; indifference in matters of
religion; unbelief. It is also concerned with relationships between the
Church and the Holy See and the world of culture; in particular it
promotes dialogue with contemporary cultures, so that human
civilization may become increasingly open to the Gospel, and so that
men and women of science, letters and the arts may know that the Church
acknowledges their work as a service to truth, goodness and beauty.

The Stem for Life Foundation and The Pontifical Council for Culture
logo is available at
http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=13475


CONTACT: The Stem For Life Foundation
         212-584-4174