Dear Friends of Aastrom,

Whenever I am asked what makes Aastrom a leader in cell therapy, I usually begin my answer by citing the evidence of our leadership.

During the past year, we have demonstrated the therapeutic potential of our unique product to treat cardiovascular diseases for which there are no other approved therapies.  We have validated and expanded our efficient, proprietary, high-margin, state-of-the-art cell-production technology.  We have launched the largest and most advanced clinical research program in critical limb ischemia and attracted significant new capital from institutional investors.  These achievements reflect the enormous progress we have made to advance our unique cell therapy into late-stage clinical development.

The qualities that make Aastrom a leader take longer to describe but they are no less important to understanding why we have been successful.  They include how we work, the values we uphold and the company we keep.

How we work at Aastrom is a reflection of our unique corporate culture and the talented team we have assembled.  We are not unique among biotechnology companies simply because we work hard and believe in what we do.  We are unique because we have skills and experience unlike any other company and bring unwavering dedication to our mission.  As a result, we have identified important unmet medical needs and markets where our technology can best be applied – and we have moved rapidly to address these new opportunities. 

We also share a set of core values – rigorous science, teamwork, perseverance, transparency and openness, and personal integrity – that define our codes of conduct, business standards and commitment to patients with severe, chronic cardiovascular diseases.  We take them seriously and live by them every day – especially with regard to ethics and transparency.

Our leadership is also reflected in the company we keep – we would not be a leader without the help of outside partners in drug discovery, clinical research and patient care.  We are fortunate to be working with many of the world’s experts in cardiovascular medicine and understand that these relationships are essential to the success of our drug development programs.

Today, Aastrom is making great progress in the rapidly evolving field of regenerative medicine.  Our claim of leadership is not just corporate pride – it is an honest reflection of our achievements, the standards we uphold and the people who contribute to our success.

With regards,

Tim