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                                                                    Exhibit 23.2

                        Consent of Independent Auditors


We consent to the use of our report dated September 19, 2000 for Athersys
Newco, Ltd. in the Registration Statement (Form S-1) and related Prospectus
dated October 12, 2000 of Athersys, Inc. for the registration of its common
stock.


                                        /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Cleveland, Ohio
October 12, 2000