NeoStem Announces Quarterly Results and Business Update

NEW YORK, Aug. 14, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NeoStem, Inc. (NYSE MKT:NBS) ("NeoStem" or the "Company") today announced second quarter results and provided a business update. NeoStem is rapidly emerging as a market leader in the fast growing cell therapy market. The Company's multifaceted business strategy combines a state-of-the-art contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) with a medically important cell therapy product development program providing for near- and long-term revenue growth opportunities.

Business Highlights

Progress Report on Erye Divestiture

As of today, NeoStem has received directly or into escrow $6.2 million representing 50% of the total $12.3 million cash purchase price. The divestiture of Erye will also return approximately 1,040,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock and cancel 1,170,000 Common Stock options and 640,000 Common Stock warrants.

In addition to receiving $12.3 million in cash to use towards U.S. operations, the divestiture will bolster NeoStem's balance sheet by eliminating over $35 million in short- and long-term debt obligations. The divestiture transaction is expected to close in the next 6-10 weeks, subject to the satisfaction of various closing conditions including China regulatory approvals, the submission of which is already underway.

The Company's second quarter results include Erye, its Pharmaceutical Manufacturing -- China segment, in discontinued operations. Net loss from discontinued operations attributable to NeoStem common shareholder interests for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 was $13.4 million and $14.8 million, respectively, or $0.10 and $0.12 per share, compared to $0.5 million and $0.8 million, or $0.01 and $0.01 per share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011. The loss attributable to NeoStem common shareholders for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 included the Company's 51% share of a total $28.0 million non-cash, asset impairment charge, based on the definitive agreement purchase price.

The Erye divestiture allows the Company to hone its focus on its cell therapy clinical development programs and the PCT CDMO commercial business.

Results of Continued Operations for the Three Months and Six Months Ended June 30, 2012

Continuing operations consist of the Company's cellular therapy business in the United States.

Revenues from continuing operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 were $3.4 million and $7.1 million, respectively, compared to $2.2 million and $3.7 million for the same periods in 2011. The increase in revenue, representing a 95% revenue growth for the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the prior year period, was primarily driven by clinical service revenues in the Company's PCT subsidiary, and reflected an increased overall visibility of PCT and penetration into the cell therapy marketplace, along with a general increase in the development of autologous cell therapies in the United States due to enhanced investment and expanded marketing programs in 2011 and 2012.

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NeoStem Announces Quarterly Results and Business Update