MediStem, Inc. (Formerly known as Medistem Laboratories, Inc.) Initiates Collaboration With Chinese Conglomerate Aimed at Clinical Development of Endometrial Regenerative Cells for Critical Limb Ischemia

SAN DIEGO, CA--(Marketwire - February 18, 2012) - Medistem Inc. (PINKSHEETS: MEDS) announced today initiation of joint efforts with the Chinese conglomerate, Shanghai Jia Fu Medical Apparatus Inc, in developing the Endometrial Regenerative Cell (ERC) “universal donor” stem cell product for the Chinese market. The initial focus of the collaboration will be treatment of critical limb ischemia, an advanced form of peripheral artery disease. Medistem has previously received FDA clearance to begin a Phase I clinical trial using the ERC stem cells in this patient population. A scientific publication providing the rationale and supporting data for utilization of ERC in treatment of critical limb ischemia may be found at http://www.translational-medicine.com/content/pdf/1479-5876-6-45.pdf.

“Medistem has over 10 peer-reviewed scientific papers published with academic groups from China over the past 5 years. The Team is very eager to expand our collaborations with China not only in science, but now in product development,” said Thomas Ichim, CEO of Medistem. “Given that Shanghai Jia Fu Medical Apparatus Inc is actively working in the area of clinical translation of cellular therapy, we believe this group is an ideal partner for our entry into development of therapeutics for the Chinese population.”

Shanghai Jia Fu Medical Apparatus Inc currently has commercialized autologous cytokine activated killer cell therapy for cancer, as well as autologous bone marrow for treatment of critical limb ischemia; the company is interested in exploring expansion into allogeneic “off the shelf” products. As part of the initial collaboration, Medistem will provide ERC stem cells for research use and Shanghai Jia Fu Medical Apparatus Inc will support ongoing experiments. All data generated will be provided to Medistem.

“This is an example of a 2 +2 = 8 synergy,” said Mr. Wei Zhang, CEO of Shanghai Jia Fu Medical Apparatus Inc. “By leveraging cutting edge technology developed by Medistem in the context of our existing cell research and therapy infrastructure, we hope to accelerate Medistem’s development program, while at the same time bring new research to China.”

About Medistem Inc.
Medistem Inc. is a biotechnology company developing technologies related to adult stem cell extraction, manipulation, and use for treating inflammatory and degenerative diseases. The company’s lead product, the endometrial regenerative cell (ERC), is a “universal donor” stem cell being developed for critical limb ischemia.

Cautionary Statement
This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of our securities. This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified. Future events and actual results could differ materially from those set forth in, contemplated by, or underlying the forward-looking information. Factors which may cause actual results to differ from our forward-looking statements are discussed in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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