Athersys To Present At BioCentury NewsMakers In The Biotech Industry Conference

CLEVELAND, Oct. 21, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Athersys, Inc. (Nasdaq:ATHX) announced today that Gil Van Bokkelen Ph.D., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, will present at the BioCentury NewsMakers in the Biotech Industry Conference to be held on Friday, October 22, 2010 at 2:30 PM Eastern Time at the Millennium Broadway Hotel and Conference Center in New York City.

Investors may listen to a live audio web cast of Athersys' presentation by accessing the following link: http://www.corporate-ir.net/ireye/confLobby.zhtml?ticker=ATHX&item_id=3458045. A web cast replay of the presentation can be accessed via the Company's web site at www.athersys.com, under the "Investors / Events & Presentations" section.

About Athersys

Athersys is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company engaged in the discovery and development of therapeutic product candidates designed to extend and enhance the quality of human life. The Company is developing MultiStem ^®, a patented, adult-derived "off-the-shelf" stem cell product platform for multiple disease indications, including damage caused by myocardial infarction, bone marrow transplantation and oncology treatment support, ischemic stroke, and inflammatory bowel disease. The Company is also developing a portfolio of other therapeutic programs, including orally active pharmaceutical product candidates for the treatment of metabolic and central nervous system disorders, utilizing proprietary technologies, including Random Activation of Gene Expression (RAGE ^®). Athersys has forged several key strategic alliances and collaborations with leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, as well as world-renowned research institutions in the United States and Europe to further develop its platform and products. More information is available at www.athersys.com.

The Athersys, Inc. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=4548

CONTACT:  Athersys, Inc.
          William (B.J.) Lehmann, J.D., President and COO
          [phone]
          [e-mail]

          In-Site Communications
          Investor Relations:
          Lisa M. Wilson
          [phone]
          [e-mail]

          Pure Communications, Inc.
          Media Relations: 
          Dan Budwick
          973-271-6085
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