Dr. Smith: NeoStem is an American Stock Exchange company. The Symbol is NBS. The platform business is in the collection, processing and storage of autologous adult stem cells. That means today you and I can have our stem cells collected and stored for future need. We are also engaged in a broad range of clinical research activities to support the characterization of the adult peripheral stem cells we collect in an effort to isolate specific stem cells for treating different diseases. There are over 2,600 clinical studies in the United States studying the use of stem cells to treat diseases outside of hematologic diseases, such as lupus, cardiac disease, multiple scleroses, fractures, wounds, burns, pulmonary disease, skin rejuvenation, just to name a few. So hopefully in the not too distant future, stem cells collected today can be used for therapies in the future. NeoStem is very focused on regenerative medicine and expanding into China as a part of our strategy for therapeutic development.
TWST: What's the agenda at this point? What are your priorities and what's going to make NeoStem a successful company?
Dr. Smith: The question is how will stem cell treatments affect how we treat disease in the future. Both traditional therapies as well as stem cell-based therapies are the future of NeoStem. We are partnering and expanding into China. We signed a definitive agreement in November of 2008 to acquire 51% ownership in a pharmaceutical company that has about 108 drugs, distributing to 30 provinces throughout China. This company is generating over $50 million in revenue and is very profitable. Part of our strategy is to evolve into a global therapeutic company. We are looking to develop stem cell therapies and treatments for diseases.
Tickers included in this excerpt: NBS
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