DGAP-News

Athersys and Chugai Enter License Agreement and Collaboration to Develop MultiStem(R) Cell Therapy for Ischemic Stroke in Japan

DGAP-News: Athersys, Inc.
Athersys and Chugai Enter License Agreement and Collaboration to
Develop MultiStem(R) Cell Therapy for Ischemic Stroke in Japan

02.03.2015 / 09:00

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Regenerative Medicine Partnership Focused on Development of Novel Stem Cell
Therapy

CLEVELAND and TOKYO, 2015-03-02 09:00 CET (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --
Athersys, Inc. (Nasdaq:ATHX) and Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Tokyo Stock
Exchange: 4519) have announced a partnership and license agreement to
exclusively develop and commercialize MultiStem(r) cell therapy for ischemic
stroke in Japan. Ischemic stroke represents a priority disease area in Japan,
given the high healthcare burden of the condition and the expected increase in
incidence associated with Japan's aging population.

Athersys' proprietary cell therapy product, MultiStem, is currently being
evaluated in a Phase 2 clinical study for ischemic stroke in the United States
and Europe, and Athersys has begun preparations for clinical development in
Japan, including engagement with the Japanese Health Authority. Chugai is a
leading research-based pharmaceutical company with strengths in biotechnology
products, and brings to the collaboration substantial expertise and experience
in late-stage development and commercialization in Japan.

'We are delighted to have concluded a license agreement with Athersys for the
development and marketing of MultiStem, a very innovative cell therapy under
clinical development,' said President and Chief Operation Officer at Chugai,
Tatsuro Kosaka. 'By combining Chugai's strong expertise in biological
pharmaceuticals, we hope to bring MultiStem to the Japanese healthcare system
as a new treatment modality during the critical phase of ischemic stroke.'

'We are excited to be working with Chugai in this important area and look
forward to combining our respective capabilities and expertise to successfully
develop and commercialize MultiStem for the treatment of ischemic stroke in
Japan,' said Dr. Gil Van Bokkelen, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at
Athersys. 'We believe that Chugai represents an outstanding partner with strong
capabilities in all facets of the development, commercialization and marketing
of novel medicines in the Japanese healthcare market. Chugai has been a leader