Exhibit 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption “Experts” in Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement (Form S-1 No. 333-184333) and related Prospectus of Athersys, Inc. for the registration of 19,550,000 shares of its common stock and to the incorporation by reference therein of our report dated March 27, 2012, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Athersys, Inc. included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2011, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Cleveland, Ohio
October 17, 2012