- Athersys (NASDAQ:ATHX) and Chugai Pharmaceutical (OTCPK:CHGCF) (OTCPK:CHGCY) end their partnership to develop and commercialize MultiStem cell therapy for the treatment of ischemic stroke in Japan after they could not agree on the modification of financial terms of the agreement in light of the results from a mid-stage study. All rights to MultiStem will revert to Athersys. It will also retain Chugai's $10M license fee.
- Athersys has signed a letter of intent with another Japanese firm, including a good faith payment, to develop and commercialize MultiStem for several indications in Japan, including ischemic stroke.
- Discussions with several companies on developing and commercializing MultiStem outside of Japan are ongoing.