United States securities and exchange commission logo August 18, 2020 Gil Van Bokkelen Chief Executive Officer Athersys, Inc. 3201 Carnegie Avenue Cleveland, Ohio 44115-2634 Re: Athersys, Inc. Registration Statement on Form S-3 Filed August 11, 2020 File No. 333-244384 Dear Dr. Van Bokkelen: This is to advise you that we have not reviewed and will not review your registration statement. Please refer to Rules 460 and 461 regarding requests for acceleration. We remind you that the company and its management are responsible for the accuracy and adequacy of their disclosures, notwithstanding any review, comments, action or absence of action by the staff. Please contact Tim Buchmiller at (202) 551-3635 with any questions. Sincerely, Division of Corporation Finance Office of Life Sciences cc: Michael J. Solecki, Esq.