mdsm_10q.htm
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)
[X]   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended: September 30, 2008
 
Or
 
[   ]   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ____________ to _____________
 
Commission File Number: 333-100137
 
Medistem Inc.
(Exact name of small business issuer as specified in its charter)
 
Nevada
86-1047317
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation
or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
   
2223 West Pecos Road, Suite 6
Chandler, AZ
85224
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
   
(877) 372-7836
(Issuer's telephone number)
 
 
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes [X] No [   ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer [   ]
Accelerated filer                   [   ]
Non-accelerated filer   [   ]
Smaller reporting company [X]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.)  Yes [   ] No [X]

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:  4,920,833 as of November 1, 2008.


 
i

 



MEDISTEM INC.



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ii

 

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Forward-Looking Information
 
The statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q that are not historical fact are forward-looking statements (as such term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995), 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. The forward-looking statements contained herein are based on current expectations that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. These statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “believes,” “expects,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “intend,” “plan,” “could,” “is likely,” or “anticipates,” or the negative thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy that involve risks and uncertainties. The Company wishes to caution the reader that these forward-looking statements that are not historical facts are only predictions. No assurances can be given that the future results indicated, whether expressed or implied, will be achieved. While sometimes presented with numerical specificity, these projections and other forward-looking statements are based upon a variety of assumptions relating to the business of the Company, which, although considered reasonable by the Company, may not be realized. Because of the number and range of assumptions underlying the Company’s projections and forward-looking statements, many of which are subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies that are beyond the reasonable control of the Company, some of the assumptions inevitably will not materialize, and unanticipated events and circumstances may occur subsequent to the date of this report. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and the Company assumes no obligation to update this information. Therefore, the actual experience of the Company and the results achieved during the period covered by any particular projections or forward-looking statements may differ substantially from those projected. Consequently, the inclusion of projections and other forward-looking statements should not be regarded as a representation by the Company or any other person that these estimates and projections will be realized, and actual results may vary materially. There can be no assurance that any of these expectations will be realized or that any of the forward-looking statements contained herein will prove to be accurate.
 
Factors and risks that could affect our results and achievements and cause them to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements include (a) certain factors identified throughout this report, (b) factors identified in the section in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, entitled Part II, Item 7, “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation – Certain Factors That May Affect Future Operating Results,” and (c) other factors that we currently are unable to identify or quantify, but that may exist in the future.  Such factors may affect generally the Company’s business, results of operations, and financial position. 








 
1

 

Item 1.                      Financial Statements.

Medistem Inc.
 
Balance Sheets
 
(unaudited)
 
             
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
             
Assets
 
             
Cash and equivalents
  $ 694,003     $ 179,451  
Restricted cash
    -       31,000  
Royalties receivable
    400,000       225,597  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    29,331       52,421  
Total current assets
    1,123,334       488,469  
Property and equipment, net
    16,076       24,307  
Intangible assets
    3,566       3,566  
Other amounts due from licensee
    -       695,127  
Total assets
  $ 1,142,976     $ 1,211,469  
                 
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
 
                 
Accounts payable
  $ 2,576     $ 16,523  
Accrued expenses
    11,710       19,652  
Due to affiliate
    -       21,100  
Withholding taxes payable
    -       33,840  
Other liabilities
    35,103       78,032  
Total current liabilities
    49,389       169,147  
Total liabilities
    49,389       169,147  
                 
Stockholders' equity:
               
Series A convertible preferred stock, $0.0001 par value,
               
         no stated interest rate or dividend preference, liquidation
               
         preference of $0.35 per share or $1,800,000 aggregate,
               
         200,000,000 shares authorized, 4,571,429 shares issued
               
        and outstanding, convertible into 182,859 shares of
    457       457  
        common stock
               
Common stock, $0.0001 par value, 300,000,000 shares
               
         authorized, 4,795,118 and 5,341,118 shares issued
               
         and outstanding in 2008 and 2007(1)
    480       534  
Paid-in capital
    11,380,208       10,273,076  
Accumulated deficit
    (10,287,558 )     (9,231,745 )
Total stockholders' equity
    1,093,587       1,042,322  
                 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
  $ 1,142,976     $ 1,211,469  

(1)  Number of shares outstanding at December 31, 2007 has been adjusted to reflect the 1-for-25 reverse stock split described in Note 1.
 
See accompanying notes to unaudited financial statements.


 
2

 


Medistem Inc.
 
Statements of Operations
 
(unaudited)
 
                         
   
Three Months Ended September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2008
   
2007(1)
   
2008
   
2007(1)
 
                         
Revenues
  $ 122,079     $ 648,052     $ 653,224     $ 1,596,210  
Cost of services
    (17,377 )     370,161       191,131       1,117,025  
Gross profit
    139,456       277,891       462,093       479,185  
Operating expenses:
                               
Research and development
    91,631       56,642       225,414       580,287  
Professional fees
    45,626       146,458       153,284       322,809  
General and administrative
    252,841       457,388       1,159,624       1,614,673  
                                 
Total operating expenses
    390,098       660,488       1,538,322       2,517,769  
                                 
Operating loss
    (250,642 )     (382,597 )     (1,076,230 )     (2,038,584 )
Other income (expense):
                               
Interest expense
    (176 )     (296 )     (420 )     (527 )
Interest income
    434       5,786       1,830       20,591  
Other income (expense)
    27,095       (3,260 )     19,057       (10,442 )
                                 
Total other income (expense)
    27,353       2,230       20,466       9,622  
                                 
Loss before income tax provision
    (223,289 )     (380,367 )     (1,055,763 )     (2,028,962 )
Income tax provision
    (50 )     (50 )     (50 )     (50 )
Net loss
  $ (223,339 )   $ (380,417 )   $ (1,055,813 )   $ (2,029,012 )
                                 
Net loss per share:(2)
                               
Basic
  $ (0.04 )   $ (0.07 )   $ (0.20 )   $ (0.40 )
Diluted
  $ (0.04 )   $ (0.07 )   $ (0.20 )   $ (0.40 )
                                 
Weighted average common shares outstanding (2)
                         
Basic
    5,174,770       5,161,733       5,285,264       5,125,396  
Diluted
    5,174,770       5,161,733       5,285,264       5,125,396  

(1)  Includes consolidation of licensee, ICM, which was subsequently deconsolidated at December 31, 2007
(2)  Amounts for 2007 have been adjusted to reflect the 1-for-25 reverse stock split described in Note 1

See accompanying notes to unaudited financial statements.


 
3

 


Medistem Inc.
 
Statements of Cash Flows
 
(unaudited)
 
             
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2008
   
2007(1)
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
           
             
  Net loss
  $ (1,055,813 )   $ (2,029,012 )
  Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash
               
    used in operating activities:
               
  Depreciation and amortization
    7,484       112,673  
  Bad debt expense
    -       3,500  
  Non-cash R&D expenditures
    -       320,000  
  Non-cash loss on settlement with vendor
    -       192,900  
  Non-cash gain on settlement of liability
    (28,628 )     -  
  Loss on disposal of assets
    747       6,520  
  Issuance of common stock for services
    6,105       -  
  Stock-based compensation
    905,322       1,012,199  
  Changes in assets and liabilities:
               
    Restricted cash
    31,000       -  
    Accounts receivable
    -       (27,000 )
    Royalties receivable
    31,776       -  
    Other current assets
    23,090       (5,213 )
    Other assets
    -       11,901  
    Accounts payable
    (13,947 )     30,322  
    Accrued expenses
    (7,942 )     82,504  
    Due to affiliates
    (21,100 )     (9,900 )
    Withholding tax payable
    60,483       -  
    Other liabilities
    (3,676 )     9,358  
    Deferred revenue
    -       (6,500 )
          Net cash used in operating activities
    (65,099 )     (295,748 )
                 
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
  Cash received in connection with license modification
    600,000       -  
  Advances to licensee
    (20,349 )     -  
  Proceeds from sale of fixed assets
    -       10,000  
  Purchases of equipment
    -       (198,193 )
          Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    579,651       (188,193 )
                 
Cash flows from financing activities
    -       -  
                 
Change in cash and equivalents
    514,552       (483,941 )
                 
Cash and equivalents, beginning of period
    179,451       986,009  
                 
Cash and equivalents, end of period
  $ 694,003     $ 502,068  

(1)  Includes consolidation of licensee, ICM, which was subsequently deconsolidated at December 31, 2007.

See accompanying notes to unaudited financial statements.


 
4

 


Note 1:  Background and Basis of Presentation

Medistem Inc., formerly Medistem Laboratories, Inc., (“Medistem” or the Company) is an adult stem cell biotechnology company that discovers, develops, and commercializes adult stem cell products that address serious medical conditions.  The company’s primary focus is entry to clinical trials of its novel “universal donor” stem cell, the Endometrial Regenerative Cell (“ERC”), with its initial product candidates aimed at the treatment of critical limb ischemia and ischemic heart disease.

Prior to December 31, 2007, the Institute for Cellular Medicine in Costa Rica (“ICM”), a licensee of Medistem technology, met the qualifications for consolidation under  Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of ARB No. 41” as amended December 2003 (“FIN No. 46”).  Effective December 31, 2007, the license agreement was modified such that the licensee no longer met the requirements for consolidation.  No historical periods have been restated.  However, the statements of operations included herein include the financial results of ICM through December 31, 2007, the “trigger” date of de-consolidation.

The accompanying unaudited financial statements as of September 30, 2008 and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively, have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for audited financial statements. In the opinion of Medistem’s management, the interim information includes all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods. The footnote disclosures related to the interim financial information included herein are also unaudited. Such financial information should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto as of December 31, 2007 and for the year then ended included in Medistem’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007.

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates and assumptions have been used by management in conjunction with the estimated useful lives of fixed assets and the computation of stock-based compensation.   Actual results could differ from these estimates.
 
On July 10, 2008, the holder of a majority of the outstanding common stock of the Company approved an amendment to the Company’s Articles of Incorporation to change the Company’s name to “Medistem Inc.”  The Company’s Board of Directors and majority stockholder approved the name change in order to avoid confusion with respect to its business activities.  Also on July 10, 2008, the holder of a majority of the Company’s outstanding common stock approved an amendment to the Company’s Articles of Incorporation to effect a 1-for-25 reverse split of its common stock.  The Company filed a Certificate of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation with the Nevada Secretary of State on July 14, 2008, to effect the amendments described above.  The effective date of the name change and reverse stock split was August 11, 2008.
 
All 2007 share and per share amounts have been restated to reflect the effects of the 1-for-25 reverse stock split.
 
Note 2:  Going Concern and Operations

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern.  The Company has incurred losses and operational cash outflows since inception, and has a limited history of revenues.  The future of the Company is dependent upon future profitable operations and the development of new business opportunities.  Management currently intends to raise additional funds via a combination of equity and/or debt offerings in order to finance the Company’s operations until it achieves profitability.  

These conditions raise substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. These financial statements do not include any adjustments that might arise from this uncertainty.



 
5

 


Note 3:  Other Liabilities

During August 2008, the Company negotiated the settlement of certain accrued registration rights penalties owed to two shareholders related to equity offerings that took place in 2005 and 2006.  In connection with these settlements, the Company paid cash of $12,500 and issued 8,500 shares of common stock (valued at $10,625 on the date of settlement) and recognized a gain of $28,628 representing the difference between the consideration paid and the amounts previously accrued.  This gain is reflected as other income (expense) in the accompanying statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008.  As of September 30, 2008, the balance of registration rights penalties owed was $35,103.

Note 4:  Stock Based Compensation

The Company utilizes restricted stock, stock options and warrants to compensate employees, officers, directors and consultants. Total stock based compensation expense (including options, warrants and restricted stock) was $107,581 and $905,322 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, respectively, and $298,606 and $1,012,199 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, respectively.
 
During July 2008, the Company issued warrants to acquire 10,000 shares of common stock to a third party in exchange for legal services.  The aggregate value of this award was $8,800 which was immediately expensed as the award was fully vested on grant date.

During March 2008, the Company issued an aggregate of 398,000 stock options to employees, officers, directors and consultants.  The aggregate value of such awards was $613,288 (excluding estimated forfeitures), which is being amortized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period.  Of the aggregate number of shares, 209,000 vested immediately, 179,000 will vest on December 31, 2008, and 10,000 will vest one year from the date of grant.

The fair value of each stock option and warrant grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following range of assumptions:

   
Three Months Ended September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
                         
Volatility
    113 %     44 %     113% - 118 %     44% - 52 %
Expected life (years)
    2.5       2.5       2.5 - 2.7       2.5 - 6.0  
Risk-free rate of return
    2.9 %     4.1 %     2.2% - 2.9 %     4.1% - 4.8 %
Forfeiture rate(1)
    0 %     10 %     10 %     10 %

(1) Shares that immediately vest on grant date have a forfeiture rate of 0%

During periods prior to 2008, the Company utilized an average of the volatility of selected representative peer companies as it did not have sufficient trading history for its common stock.  During the first quarter of 2008, it determined that it then had sufficient trading history to utilize the volatility of its common stock in its Black-Scholes computations.

 
6

 


A summary of stock option transactions follows:

   
Number of Shares
   
Weighted- Average Exercise Price
   
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)
   
Aggregate Intrinsic Value (In-The-Money) Options
 
                         
Outstanding at December 31, 2007
    543,440     $ 10.50              
Grants
    398,000     $ 2.25              
Cancellations
    (24,000 )   $ 2.75              
                             
Outstanding at September 30, 2008
    917,440     $ 7.15       6.2     $ -  
                                 
Exerciseable at September 30, 2008
    634,840     $ 8.19       6.4     $ -  

The following summarizes Medistem’s outstanding options and their respective exercise prices:

Exercise Price
   
Number of Shares
 
         
$ 1.00 - $2.00       120,040  
$ 2.01 - $5.00       352,160  
$ 5.01 - $10.00       51,240  
$ > 10.00       394,000  

The following is a summary of warrant activity:

   
Number of Shares
   
Weighted- Average Exercise Price
   
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)
   
Aggregate Intrinsic Value (In-The-Money) Warrants
 
                         
Outstanding at December 31, 2007
    503,429     $ 13.75              
Grants
    10,000     $ 1.38              
Cancellations
    (18,667 )   $ 3.00              
                             
Outstanding at September 30, 2008
    494,762     $ 13.89       2.3     $ -  
                                 
Exerciseable at September 30, 2008
    494,762     $ 13.89       2.3     $ -  


 
7

 

The following summarizes Medistem’s outstanding warrants and their respective exercise prices:

Exercise Price
   
Number of Shares
 
         
$ 1.38 - $3.00       19,333  
$ 3.01 - $7.00       64,000  
$ 7.01 - $12.50       205,714  
$ > 12.50       205,714  

Medistem has an aggregate of $155,648 of unrecognized stock compensation expense (net of estimated forfeitures) related to options, warrants and restricted stock awards granted through September 30, 2008 that will be recognized over their respective vesting periods.
 
Note 5:  Stockholder’s Equity

On August 31, 2008, the Company issued 8,500 shares of common stock to an existing shareholder in connection with the settlements described in Note 3.

On September 8, 2008, the Company issued 5,500 shares of common stock valued at $6,105 to a vendor in exchange for information technology services.  As all shares were vested on grant date, the value of the grant was immediately expensed.

On September 2, 2008, the Company re-acquired 560,000 shares of its common stock in connection with the license modification described in Note 6.  All such shares were retired during the three months ended September 30, 2008.
.
Note 6:  Licensing Activities

On September 2, 2008, the Company modified its existing license agreement with ICM to provide for immediate liquidity and to reduce our dependence on revenue streams beyond our control.  Under the modified agreement, the Company will receive $1,000,000 cash and the return of 560,000 shares of our common stock (valued at $700,000 based on the closing price on the date of the transaction). As of September 30, 2008, the Company had received $600,000 cash and the 560,000 shares of common stock.  The remaining $400,000 will be repaid over a period of eight months.  In exchange, the territory of the license agreement was expanded, the Company will no longer receive an ongoing royalty stream from ICM, and all existing loans and royalties due from ICM were satisfied. The value of the consideration received exceeded the value of existing amounts due by $885,026. As ICM is controlled by the Company’s Chairman and majority stockholder, and given the amount of the Company’s stock used as consideration in the transaction, the Company did not recognize this excess as a gain in the accompanying statement of operations but instead has reflected this as a capital contribution.

On March 20, 2008, the Company entered into a licensing agreement with a third party for the exclusive use of certain Medistem technologies and know-how in the countries of India, Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Maldives, Bhutan, Afghanistan, Indonesia and Thailand.  In exchange for the grant of the exclusive license, the Company received cash, a non-controlling equity interest in the licensee and a license to use and commercialize all of the third parties’ current and future stem cell technologies.  At September 30, all amounts have been collected under this license agreement.  The Company evaluated the revenue recognition related to the contract under the provisions of Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 101 (“SAB 101”).  Under the requirements of SAB 101, the Company determined that the cash component of the contract met the qualifications for revenue recognition.  The Company recognized $250,000 in royalty revenue during the three months ended March 31, 2008 associated with this agreement.  The Company did not recognize any revenue associated with both the equity interest in the licensee and the rights to commercialize current and future technologies as such items did not meet the criteria for recognition under SAB 101.
 

 
8

 


Note 7:  Net Loss Per Share

Net loss per share is calculated using the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period.  As Medistem incurred a net loss in all periods presented, the following dilutive securities were excluded from the calculation of earnings per share as the effects were anti-dilutive:

   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
             
Stock options
    917,440       543,400  
Unvested restricted stock
    -       149,000  
Warrants
    494,762       503,429  
Series A convertible preferred stock
    182,859       205,714  
      1,595,061       1,401,543  

Note 8:  Related Party Transactions

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, the Company recognized net revenues of $122,079 and $403,224 from its royalty agreement with ICM, an entity controlled by the Company’s Chairman of the Board, President and majority shareholder.  In connection with the license modification described in Note 6, all amounts previously owed by ICM were settled.  As of September 30, 2008, the Company is owed $400,000 in accordance with the terms of the license modification.  The $400,000 is a short term financing arrangement with payment of $50,000 per month.

In connection with the licensing agreement for the use of Medistem technologies in India and Asia described in Note 6, the third party licensee also entered into a separate contractual arrangement with ICM, an entity controlled by the Company’s Chairman of the Board and majority shareholder, to provide training and technical support that could not otherwise be provided by Medistem.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2008, the Company paid an aggregate of $7,990 to Rivers & Moorehead PLLC, an entity controlled by the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, for Sarbanes-Oxley related consulting services.

Note 9:  Commitments and Contingencies

Medistem is from time to time involved in legal proceedings arising from the normal course of business.  There are no pending or threatened legal proceedings as of September 30, 2008.

Note 10:  Risks and Uncertainties

A substantial portion of the Company’s revenues have historically been derived from licensing activities conducted outside the United States and such revenues have been subject to various political, economic, and other risks and uncertainties inherent in the countries in which the licensees operate. With the license modification that occurred during the three months ended September 30, 2008, the Company is no longer exposed to such risks.

Note 11:  Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements; an amendment of ARB No. 51” (“SFAS 160”).  SFAS 160 amends ARB 51 to establish accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. It clarifies that a noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary is an ownership interest in the consolidated entity that should be reported as equity in the consolidated financial statements.  SFAS 160 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2008.  The effect of adopting SFAS 160 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

Note 12:  Subsequent Event

On October 16, 2008, the Company issued 125,715 shares of common stock in connection with the conversion of 3,142,857 shares of Series A convertible preferred stock.
 

 
9

 

Item 2.                      Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

The following discussion and analysis provides information that management believes is relevant for an assessment and understanding of our results of operations and financial condition.  The following selected financial information is derived from our historical financial statements and should be read in conjunction with such financial statements and notes thereto set forth elsewhere herein and the “Forward-Looking Statements” explanation included herein.  This information should also be read in conjunction with our audited historical consolidated financial statements which are included in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 10, 2008.

Overview

Founded in 2005, Medistem Inc. is a U.S. based biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of adult stem cell-based technologies used in the treatment of inflammatory and degenerative diseases.
 
Our primary focus is commercialization of our novel stem cell type, termed the “endometrial regenerative cell” (“ERC”), whose discovery won the 2007 Publication of the Year Award in Medicine from BioMed Central, a publisher of more than 200 peer reviewed journals.  Sourced from menstrual blood, these cells originate in the endometrium where they are believed to have one vital function: to make new blood vessels (angiogenesis).  Stimulation of this process is believed to offer hope for patients with circulatory disorders in which certain tissues are lacking oxygen because of restricted blood flow.
 
Our initial product candidates are aimed at the treatment of critical limb ischemia (1.1 million people in the USA) and ischemic heart disease (18.5 million people in the USA).  These are conditions for which we believe currently approved therapies are insufficient.
 
The ability of stem cells to produce blood vessels is widely known and at least four other companies are in preclinical or clinical trials using stem cells for critical limb ischemia.  However, such therapies either consist of painful invasive procedures (such as bone marrow extraction) or utilize a source of stem cells (placental or umbilical cord blood) that is expensive to manufacture and requires immunologic matching.  The unique nature of ERC cells and their ample supply provide competitive advantages to other stem cell types for the treatment of these conditions.
 
Together with our management, researchers from Scripps Research Institute, University of Western Ontario and Indiana University have assisted in the characterization of Medistem’s cells and the development of written protocols for initiating FDA approved clinical trials.  We plan to submit our Investigational New Drug Application (IND) with the FDA in late 2008.
 
Our management has significant experience in discovering cellular based therapeutics and translating these into commercial opportunities, and is experienced at developing intellectual property positions and navigating the FDA approval process.  We have developed an extensive collaborator network of leading scientists from world-renowned institutions and continually add to this network.  Centered on the strengths of management, our core business strategy is to focus on initial discoveries and early-stage development.  If early clinical trials are successful, we expect to monetize our discoveries through outlicensing, co-development or outright sale to third parties.
 
We operate a lean infrastructure and our corporate expenses have historically self-funded through licensing revenues, although we have concluded all revenue generation from existing license agreements in the three months ended September 30, 2008.
 
On July 10, 2008, the holder of a majority of our outstanding common stock approved an amendment to our Articles of Incorporation to change the name to “Medistem Inc.”  Our Board of Directors and majority stockholder approved the name change in order to avoid confusion with respect to our business activities.  Also on July 10, 2008, the holder of a majority of our outstanding common stock approved an amendment to our Articles of Incorporation to effect a 1-for-25 reverse split of our common stock.      We filed a Certificate of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation with the Nevada Secretary of State on July 14, 2008, to effect the amendments described above.  The effective date of the name change and reverse stock split was August 11, 2008.
 

 
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All 2007 share and per share amounts have been restated to reflect the effects of the 1-for-25 reverse stock split.
 
Recent Developments
 
Publication of Positive Preclinical Data on Menstrual Derived Stem Cells
 
On August 19, 2008, we reported positive efficacy data supporting development of our lead product, the Endometrial Regenerative Cell (ERC) for treatment of an advanced form of peripheral artery disease known as critical limb ischemia.  In the peer reviewed publication, we and our collaborators reported that administration of ERC preserved leg function and viability in animals induced to mimic the human condition of critical limb ischemia. Additionally, the paper provided mechanistic support for why the ERC inhibit inflammation and can be used without the need for immunological matching with recipient tissue.
 
Dr. Michael Murphy, a Harvard trained vascular surgeon at Indiana University, was the lead author of the publication. We have been collaborating with Dr Murphy's team in the area of therapeutic angiogenesis for more than one and a half years.
 
Discovery of ERC Cells Wins Medicine Publication of the Year
 
In March 2008, a recent article co-authored by our CEO, Dr. Thomas Ichim, our Chaiman, Dr. Neil Riordan, and Dr. Xiaolong Meng entitled, "Endometrial regenerative cells: a novel stem cell population" received BioMed Central's research article of the year in medicine award. The award recognizes excellence in research that has been made universally accessible through open access publication in one of BioMed Central's more than 200 peer reviewed scientific journals. The award was presented to Dr. Ichim and Dr. Meng at the Royal Society of Medicine in London, England.
 
ERC Type Cells Receive Independent Verification
 
Aspects of our work were recently successfully reproduced and advanced by scientists at the prestigious Keio University School of Medicine located in Tokyo, Japan. In an independent publication authored by scientists at the Keio University School of Medicine, a stem cell type found in menstrual blood similar to our ERC cells was recently described as capable of not only becoming heart tissue in vitro, but also having ability to repair injured hearts in animal models of heart attacks.
 
Expansion of Strategic Advisory Board
 
During the first quarter of 2008, we expanded our strategic advisory board to include Dr. Nora Sarvetnick of the Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California.  Dr. Sarvetnick is a widely respected research scientist and a collaborator of ours on the testing of the ERC cells in animal studies.  Dr. Sarvetnick joined the faculty at The Scripps Research Institute in 1990 and in 2000 became a full Professor in the Department of Immunology.  She has over 190 peer reviewed publications and has received a number of international awards, which include a Career Development Award from the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation (1990-1993) and a Multidisciplinary Diabetes Program Project Award from the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation (1995-2000). She has also twice been awarded an American Diabetes Association Mentor-Based Postdoctoral Fellowship Program Award (1996-2002 and 2005-2009).
 
Dr. Sarvetnick joins the existing SAB board members Drs. Keith March, Mike Murphy, and Kyle Chan.
 
New Licensing Activities
 
On March 20, 2008, we entered into a licensing agreement with an Indian company for the exclusive use of Medistem technologies and know-how in the countries of India, Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Maldives, Bhutan, Afghanistan, Indonesia and Thailand.  In exchange for the grant of the exclusive license, we received cash, a non-controlling equity interest in the licensee and a license to use and commercialize all of the licensee’s current and future stem cell technologies.  The Company recognized revenue of $250,000 during the first quarter of 2008 associated with this licensing agreement.
 

 
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On September 2, 2008, we modified our existing license agreement with the Institute for Cellular Medicine (“ICM”) to provide for immediate liquidity and to reduce our dependence on revenue streams beyond our control.  Under the modified agreement, we will receive $1,000,000 cash and the return of 560,000 shares of our common stock (valued at $700,000 based on the closing price on the date of the transaction). As of September 30, 2008, we had received $600,000 cash and the 560,000 shares of common stock.  The remaining $400,000 will be repaid over a period of eight months.  In exchange, the territory of the license agreement is expanded, we will no longer receive an ongoing royalty stream from ICM, and all existing loans and royalties due from ICM were satisfied. The value of the consideration received exceeded the value of existing amounts due by $885,026. As ICM is controlled by our Chairman and majority stockholder, and given the amount of our stock used as consideration in the transaction, we did not recognize this excess as a gain in the accompanying statement of operations but instead have reflected this as a capital contribution.
 
Change in Officers and Directors
 
On March 18, 2008, our board of directors appointed Dr. Thomas Ichim as our Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Ichim, our former head of research and development activities, succeeds Neil Riordan who continues serving as President and Chairman of the Board of Directors.  The change was made as part of our ongoing succession planning and enables Dr. Riordan to devote his efforts to directing research and expanding market opportunities for Medistem.   Dr. Ichim was also elected to our Board of Directors.
 
Effective March 31, 2008, John Peterson retired from our Board of Directors.
 
Effective May 16, 2008, Chris McGuinn resigned from his position as Chief Operating Officer of our company.
 
Results of Operations
 
Due to the nature of the license agreement between Medistem and ICM, the results of ICM were consolidated in our financial statements until December 31, 2007.  Because of the modifications to the license agreement that occurred in December 31, 2007 and September 2, 2008, ICM no longer meets the criteria for consolidation.  The financial data presented in this quarterly report for all periods prior to December 31, 2007 include the operating results of ICM and Medistem as de-consolidation did not occur until December 31, 2007.
 
Revenues
 
Revenues
 
2008
   
2007
   
Change from
Prior Year
   
Percent Change
from Prior Year
 
                         
Three Months Ended September 30,
  $ 122,079     $ 648,052     $ (525,973 )     (81.2 )%
Nine Months Ended September 30,
  $ 653,224     $ 1,596,210     $ (942,986 )     (59.1 )%
 
Revenues consist of fees generated through licensing activities.  For the three months ended September 30, 2008, revenues consisted of royalties from our license agreement with ICM.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, revenues included $250,000 related to the new license agreement entered into for the use of our technologies in India and certain countries in Asia and the Middle East, and $403,224 of royalties from our license agreement with ICM.  During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, ICM was consolidated in our results of operations and revenues attributable to ICM totaled $576,502 and $1,432,030 respectively.  On a pro forma basis, had the December 31, 2007 amendment to our license agreement with ICM been effective at January 1, 2007 (resulting in the deconsolidation of ICM) our revenues would have been $186,850 and $450,586 during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, respectively.
 

 
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With the license modification that occurred during the three months ended September 30, 2008, we have concluded all revenue generation from our existing license agreements.  While we may from time-to-time engage in future licensing opportunities, we do not expect that such opportunities will provide us enough cash to finance our biotech development activities without additional financing activities.
 
Cost of Services
 
Cost of Services
 
2008
   
2007
   
Change from
Prior Year
   
Percent Change
from Prior Year
 
                         
Three Months Ended September 30,
  $ (17,377 )   $ 370,161     $ (387,538 )     (104.7 )%
Nine Months Ended September 30,
  $ 191,131     $ 1,117,025     $ (925,894 )     (82.9 )%
 
Cost of services consists of expenses related to the performance of our license agreements.  Amounts for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 consist primarily of stock-based compensation charges for awards granted to licensee physicians prior to December 31, 2007 that are recognized over their respective vesting periods.  During the three months ended September 30, 2008, we recognized a net gain of $17,377 relate to the reversal of stock-based compensation charges to true-up estimated forfeitures to reflect actual forfeiture rates.   As we have concluded all revenue-generating activities, we do not expect to incur future costs of services associated with our existing licensing arrangements.
 
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, ICM was consolidated in our results of operations.  Cost of services during this period includes costs associated with revenue-generating activities of this entity.  The decrease in cost of services is the result of ICM’s deconsolidation.
 
Stock-based compensation charges included in cost of services were ($17,377) and $190,781 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 and $169,605 and $503,154 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, respectively.
 
Research and Development
 
Research and Development
 
2008
   
2007
   
Change from
Prior Year
   
Percent Change
from Prior Year
 
                         
Three Months Ended September 30,
  $ 91,631     $ 56,642     $ 34,989       61.8 %
Nine Months Ended September 30,
  $ 225,414     $ 580,287     $ (354,873 )     (61.2 )%
 
Research and development expenses increased for the three months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2007 due primarily to expenses incurred in connection with the generation of positive preclinical data on our ERC cells as described in Recent Developments above.  Research and development expenses decreased for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 as compared with the nine months ended September 30, 2007 due primarily to non-recurring investments made in 2007 to initiate collaborative research as well as lower stock-based compensation charges in 2008 due to the vesting of certain awards.
 

 
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Research and development costs include research staff salaries, fees to universities for research collaborations, patent investigational expenditures, application filing fees, patent attorney costs, and other research and development costs.  Factors that influence our amount of research and development costs include the number of patents to be pursued, the volume of clinical trials to be conducted, and the amount of medical discoveries or breakthroughs that merit further research and development.
 
The difference in our research and development costs between the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2008 and September 30, 2007, respectively, were not significantly attributable to ICM’s deconsolidation.
 
Professional Fees
 
Professional Fees
 
2008
   
2007
   
Change from
Prior Year
   
Percent Change
from Prior Year
 
                         
Three Months Ended September 30,
  $ 45,626     $ 146,458     $ (100,832 )     (68.8 )%
Nine Months Ended September 30,
  $ 153,284     $ 322,809     $ (169,525 )     (52.5 )%

Professional fees include payments made to consultants and other professionals for a variety of outsourced services, including legal, accounting, tax, business development, business process design and execution and marketing.

Professional fees decreased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared with the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 partially due to decreased legal fees and the effects of the deconsolidation of ICM (which incurred $57,770 and $79,656 in professional fees for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 respectively).  Legal fees fluctuate depending on the amount of compliance, litigation and general corporate related activities that are being pursued.  Professional fees also decreased as the result of decreased media, investor relations and internet consulting in 2008 as part of cost containment initiatives.

General and Administrative

General and Administrative
 
2008
   
2007
   
Change from
Prior Year
   
Percent Change
from Prior Year
 
                         
Three Months Ended September 30,
  $ 252,841     $ 457,388     $ (204,547 )     (44.7 )%
Nine Months Ended September 30,
  $ 1,159,624     $ 1,614,673     $ (455,049 )     (28.2 )%

General and administrative expenses include stock based compensation, salaries, rent, utilities, general office expenses, insurance and other costs necessary to conduct business operations.

General and administrative expenses decreased in the three months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to three months ended September 30, 2007 due to the effects of the deconsolidation of ICM (which incurred $246,664 in general and administrative expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2007).  General and administrative expenses also decreased for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to September 30, 2007 due to the effects of the deconsolidation of ICM (which incurred $552,099 in general and administrative expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2007) and the effects of the vendor settlement in 2007, partially offset by increased stock based compensation in 2008.   The stock based compensation expense included in general and administrative was $117,079 and $682,574 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 and $115,470 and $436,773 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 respectively.


 
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We utilize stock-based compensation as a long-term incentive and as a mechanism for reducing our cash outlays to key employees, officers, directors and consultants.  The amount of stock based compensation to be recognized is affected by the value of each award and their respective vesting periods.  We utilize the Black-Scholes model for valuing stock option awards which is affected by changes in several variables, including volatility.  For awards granted during 2006 and 2007 our volatility varied between 44 percent and 62 percent as compared to volatility between 113 and 118 percent in 2008.  During periods prior to 2008, we utilized an average of the volatility of selected representative peer companies as we did not have sufficient trading history for our common stock.  During the first quarter of 2008, we determined that we had a sufficient trading history to utilize the volatility of our common stock in our Black-Scholes computations.

Other Income (Expense)

Other Income (Expense)
 
2008
   
2007
   
Change from
Prior Year
   
Percent Change
from Prior Year
 
                         
Three Months Ended September 30,
  $ 27,353     $ 2,230     $ 25,123       1126.6 %
Nine Months Ended September 30,
  $ 20,466     $ 9,622     $ 10,844       112.7 %

Other income (expense) increased during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 due primarily to a non-recurring gain of $28,628 associated with the settlement of certain accrued registration rights penalties owed to two shareholders related to equity offerings that took place in 2005 and 2006.  This gain was computed as the difference between our existing liability owed to these shareholders and the value of the consideration paid (consisting of $12,500 cash and 8500 shares of common stock valued at $1.25 per share on the settlement date).

Net Loss

Net Loss
 
2008
   
2007
   
Change from
Prior Year
   
Percent Change
from Prior Year
 
                         
Three Months Ended September 30,
  $ (223,339 )   $ (380,417 )   $ 157,078       (41.3 )%
Nine Months Ended September 30,
  $ (1,055,813 )   $ (2,029,012 )   $ 973,199       (48.0 )%

Our net loss decreased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, primarily due to the effects of the deconsolidation of ICM and reduced operating expenses, each of which is described above.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

During the nine months ended September 30, 2008, we incurred $65,099 in operating cash outflows which were financed by investing cash inflows of $579,651.  At September 30, 2008, we had cash and cash equivalents totaling $694,003, working capital of $1,073,945, liabilities of $49,389 and stockholders’ equity of $1,093,587.


 
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Sources and Uses of Cash

We require cash to fund our research and development activities, to build our operating infrastructure, to pay our personnel and management team and to finance continued growth.  We expect that our existing cash on hand and the payment of the amount remaining due to our company under the modified license agreement with ICM will permit us to finance our existing operating activities for the next 12 months.  However, the operations of ICM are subject to certain degrees of uncertainty and could be negatively affected by the effects of competition and local government regulations.  This could impair or restrict ICM’s ability to make its remaining payments under the license agreement, which could adversely affect our cash flows.  We do not expect that our existing cash on hand and the remaining payments from ICM will provide sufficient cash to finance our operations beyond the next 12 months.  Additionally, we are currently pursuing the expansion of our biotech activities in the United States and to do so we will need to secure additional financing through future equity or debt offerings or both.  There can be no assurance that such equity or borrowings will be available or, if available, will be at rates or prices acceptable to us.

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming we will continue as a going concern.  We have incurred losses and operational cash outflows since inception, and have a limited history of revenues.  Our future is dependent upon future profitable operations and the development of new business opportunities.  We currently intend to raise additional funds via a combination of equity and/or debt offerings in order to finance our operations until we achieve profitability.   We cannot provide assurance that we will be able to raise a sufficient amount of additional capital to enable us to continue our operations or that such additional financing will be available on terms acceptable to our company.  To the extent that we raise additional capital by issuing equity securities, existing holders of common stock may experience substantial dilution.  To the extent we obtain debt financing, if available, we may become subject to restrictive covenants that could limit our flexibility in conducting future business activities.  In addition, debt financing will require us to make timely interest payments and repay the debt, regardless of the profitability of our company or ability to service the debt.  If additional financing is not available or not available on acceptable terms, we may not be able to continue our business operations or to fund our research and development activities.

These conditions raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. These financial statements do not include any adjustments that might arise from this uncertainty.

Analysis of Cash Flows

Net cash used in operating activities was $65,099 during the nine months ended September 30, 2008.  These cash flows consisted of payments for legal, professional and consulting expenses, officer salaries, rent and other expenditures necessary to develop our business infrastructure, and expand our research and development portfolio and collaborative efforts, which were offset by cash collections from license agreements.  Net cash provided by investing activities was $579,651 for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, consisting primarily of $600,000 received on the ICM license modification, offset by minor payments made to vendors on behalf of ICM.  Prior to our deconsolidation of ICM, many vendors of ICM were paid directly by Medistem and we still incurred some payments while we transitioned these relationships directly to the licensee.  We do not expect to incur future cash outflows associated with licensee activities in the future.  There were no financing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2008.

Net cash used in operating activities was $295,748 during the nine months ended September 30, 2007. These cash flows consisted of payments for legal, professional and consulting expenses, medical supplies, rent and other expenditures necessary to develop our business infrastructure. Net cash used in investing activities was $188,193 for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, consisting primarily of net expenditures for medical and laboratory equipment, leasehold improvements and other fixed assets. There were no financing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2007.

We do not currently have any off-balance sheet arrangements.


 
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Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements; an amendment of ARB No. 51” (“SFAS 160”).  SFAS 160 amends ARB 51 to establish accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. It clarifies that a noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary is an ownership interest in the consolidated entity that should be reported as equity in the consolidated financial statements.  SFAS 160 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2008.  The effect of adopting SFAS 160 is not expected to have a material impact on our financial statements.

Inflation and Seasonality

We do not believe that our operations are significantly impacted by inflation.  Our business is not seasonal in nature.
 
Item 3.         Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

As of September 30, 2008, we did not participate in any market risk-sensitive commodity instruments for which fair value disclosure would be required under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 107. We believe that we are not subject in any material way to other forms of market risk, such as foreign currency exchange risk or foreign customer purchases (of which there were none in the periods set forth in this report) or commodity price risk.

Item 4T.           Controls and Procedures.

In accordance with Rule 13a-15(b) or Rule 15d-15(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, Medistem’s management evaluated, with the participation of Medistem’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, the effectiveness of the design and operation of Medistem’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) or Rule 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act). Based on their evaluation of these disclosure controls and procedures, Medistem’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer have concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.

There has been no change in Medistem’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, Medistem’s internal control over financial reporting.

 It should be noted that any system of controls, however well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the system are met. In addition, the design of any control system is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events. Because of these and other inherent limitations of control systems, there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions, regardless how remote.

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.                      Legal Proceedings.

As of the date of this report, Medistem is not currently involved in any legal proceedings.

Item 1A.                   Risk Factors.

There have been no changes to the risk factors identified in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 and they are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

Item 2.                      Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

None.

 
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Item 3.                      Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

None.

Item 4.                      Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

        On July 10, 2008, the holder of 3,889,144 shares of the Company’s common stock, representing a majority of the Company’s outstanding common stock, approved an amendment to our company’s Articles of Incorporation to change our company’s name to “Medistem Inc.  Also on July 10, 2008, the holder of 3,889,144 shares of the Company’s common stock, representing a majority of the Company’s outstanding common stock, approved an amendment to our Articles of Incorporation to effect a 1-for-25 reverse split of our common stock.  These actions were taken by consent in writing pursuant to Nevada law.

Item 5.                      Other Information.

None.

Item 6.                      Exhibits.

Exhibit Number
Description
3.1
Certificate of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation as filed with the Nevada Secretary of State on July 14, 2008 (1)
10.1
Third Amended and Restated License Agreement between Medistem Inc. and Institute for Cellular Medicine, dated September 2, 2008 *
31.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 *
31.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 *
32.1
Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 *
32.2
Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 *

*  Filed herewith

(1)           Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K dated July 10, 2008 as filed on July 16, 2008









 
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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.


MEDISTEM INC.
(Registrant)
 
Signature
Title
Date
     
/s/ Thomas Ichim
Chief Executive Officer
November 12, 2008
Thomas Ichim
   
     
/s/ Steven M. Rivers
Chief Financial Officer
November 12, 2008
Steven M. Rivers
   









 
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