Stem cell therapy developer Athersys will begin the first clinical study using its MultiStem technology in stroke patients by the end of the year, according to MedCity News.

The planned double-blind, placebo-controlled study could involve as many as 150 patients.  Stroke is likely the most promising application of MultiStem, an off-the-shelf stem cell treatment derived from the bone marrow of adults or other nonembryonic sources.

Athersys also plans to begin a phase II study of heart attack patients later in the year.