TOKYO – Japan's new accelerated regulatory framework for regenerative medicines has made the time right for U.S. cell therapy specialist Athersys Inc. and its Tokyo-based partner, Healios K.K., "to run a little bit faster," Athersys CEO Gil Van Bokkelen told BioWorld Asia during the 15th BIO Asia International Conference. Jumpstarting the race, Healios is making a $21.1 million equity investment in Athersys and is expected to soon license Multistem, Athersys' allogeneic stem cell product, for multiple indications in Japan.