Cytori Looks for Fat Profits

Cytori acknowledges that other companies, such as Baxter (BAX) and Osiris (OSIR), are pursuing that massive market as well. However, Cytori claims that it ranks as the only company focused entirely on device-related treatments -- involving no drug therapy -- that can bring regulatory approval within a few short years.

Cytori has secured a strong manufacturing partner in the meantime. Japanese-based Olympus has invested some $45 million in a joint-venture with the company -- and, moreover, it hasn't stopped there.

"Olympus has more than 100 people working on our technology every day," Calhoun says. "What we hear from our partners and potential partners is that we have real products and a clear and profitable business model. That really gives them a compelling reason to want to partner with us."

Brozak, for one, sure likes what he sees.

"This is a stem cell company that will have sales by the end of the year," says Brozak, whose firm has provided financial consulting services to Cytori in the past. "So this is the real deal -- here and now."

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