The company has been garnering large amounts of attention surrounding the prolific nature of its adult stem cell product, MultiStem, and its partnership with Pfizer, Inc. (NYSE:PFE). Pfizer has commenced a Phase II clinical trial in Inflammatory Bowel Disease with topline data expected later this year. As often is the case, stocks begin an ascent as investors start to anticipate clinical data. Being in a partnership with the world’s biggest drug maker (whom happens to have a stack of cash and a thin pipeline), has the spotlight on Athersys to produce promising mid-stage results.
Further, the investment community seems to be becoming more cognizant about Athersys’ partnership with RTI Biologics, Inc. (Nasdaq:RTIX) that has netted Athersys more than $5 million in licensing and milestone payments to date. RTI has licensed the MultiStem technology to isolate and preserve cells from organ and tissue donors for research on its Bone Allograft product.
Sentiment: Strong Buy