SEC Filing | Lisata Therapeutics, Inc.

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Unassociated Document

Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2)

Registration No. 333-166169

PROSPECTUS

$45,000,000

NEOSTEM, INC.

Common Stock

Preferred Stock

Debt Securities

Warrants

Units

We may from time to time offer and sell common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, warrants and units, having an aggregate offering price of up to $45,000,000. We may offer and sell these securities separately or together in any combination. We may offer and sell these securities to or through underwriters, directly to investors or through agents. We will specify the terms of the securities, and the names of any underwriters or agents and their respective compensation, in supplements to this prospectus.

Our common stock is listed on the on the NYSE Amex and traded under the symbol “NBS.” The closing bid price of our common stock on the NYSE Amex on May 14, 2010 was $3.41 per share. As of May 14, 2010, the aggregate market value of our outstanding common stock held by non-affiliates was approximately $28,384,459. We have not offered any of our common stock pursuant to General Instruction I.B.6 of Form S-3 during the 12 calendar month period that ends on, and includes, the date of this prospectus.

Investing in our securities involves risks. See “Risk Factors” at page 2 of this prospectus.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

We may also offer from time to time shares of our common stock pursuant to this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement in accordance with the terms of a common stock purchase agreement we have entered into with Commerce Court Small Cap Value Fund, Ltd., or Commerce Court. The terms of the common stock purchase agreement are described in this prospectus under the section entitled “Plan of Distribution.” Commerce Court is an “underwriter” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(11) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, with respect to the shares of our common stock that we may offer pursuant to the common stock purchase agreement, and any profits on the sales of shares of our common stock by Commerce Court and any discounts, commissions or concessions received by Commerce Court may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities. Act. We agreed to issue Commerce Court pursuant to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, in consideration of its execution and delivery of the stock purchase agreement, 63,792 shares of our common stock, and this prospectus covers the sale to the public of those shares. We expect to deliver to Commerce Court the above-referenced shares of common stock on or about May 21, 2010.

This prospectus may not be used to consummate sales of securities unless it is accompanied by a prospectus supplement.

The date of this prospectus is May 19, 2010.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

About This Prospectus		1
NeoStem, Inc.		1
Risk Factors		2
Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements		2
Use of Proceeds		2
The Securities We May Offer		3
Description of Capital Stock		3
Description of Debt Securities		9
Description of Warrants		18
Description of Units		20
Plan of Distribution		21
Validity of Securities		25
Experts		25
Incorporation of Certain Information by Reference		25
Where You Can Find More Information		26

No dealer, salesperson or other person has been authorized to give any information or to make any representations other than those contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus or any accompanying prospectus supplement in connection with the offer made by this prospectus or any accompanying prospectus supplement and, if given or made, such information or representations must not be relied upon as having been authorized by NeoStem, Inc. or any such person. Neither the delivery of this prospectus or any accompanying prospectus supplement nor any sale made hereunder and thereunder shall under any circumstances create an implication that there has been no change in the affairs of NeoStem, Inc. since the date hereof. This prospectus or any accompanying prospectus supplement does not constitute an offer or solicitation by anyone in any state in which such offer or solicitation is not authorized or in which the person making such offer or solicitation is not qualified to do so or to anyone to whom it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation.

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, using a “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf process, we may sell any combination of the securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings up to a total dollar amount of $45,000,000. We have provided to you in this prospectus a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we sell securities under this shelf registration process, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of the offering. We may also add, update or change in the prospectus supplement or any “free writing prospectus” we may authorize to be delivered to you any of the information contained in this prospectus. To the extent there is a conflict between the information contained in this prospectus and the prospectus supplement or any free writing prospectus we may authorize to be delivered to you, you should rely on the information in the prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus, as the case may be, provided that if any statement in one of these documents is inconsistent with a statement in another document having a later date—for example, a document incorporated by reference in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement—the statement in the document having the later date modifies or supersedes the earlier statement. This prospectus, together with the applicable prospectus supplements and any free writing prospectus we may authorize to be delivered to you, includes all material information relating to this offering.

An investment in our securities involves certain risks that should be carefully considered by prospective investors. See “Risk Factors.”

You should read this prospectus and any prospectus supplement as well as additional information described under “Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference” and “Where You Can Find More Information” on pages 25 and 26, respectively.

NEOSTEM, INC.

In 2009, through our expansion efforts within the People’s Republic of China (“China” or the “PRC”), and with the acquisition of a controlling interest in Suzhou Erye Pharmaceuticals Company Ltd. (“Erye”), we transitioned into a multi-dimensional international biopharmaceutical company with product and service revenues, global research and development capabilities and operations in three distinct business units: (i) U.S. adult stem cells, (ii) China adult stem cells and (iii) China pharmaceuticals, primarily antibiotics. These business units are expected to provide platforms for the accelerated development and commercialization of innovative technologies and products in both the U.S. and China.

In the U.S. we are a leading provider of adult stem cell collection, processing and storage services enabling healthy individuals to donate and store their stem cells for personal therapeutic use. Similar to the banking of cord blood, pre-donating cells at a younger age helps to ensure a supply of one’s own stem cells should they be needed for future medical treatment. Our current network of U.S. adult stem cell collection centers is focused primarily on the Southern California and Northeast markets and during 2010 we have begun to enter into new agreements for collection centers with the goal of expanding our coverage to ten centers by the end of 2010. In addition to our services, we are conducting research and development activities on our own at our new laboratory facility in Cambridge, Massachusetts and through collaborations in pursuit of diagnostic and therapeutic applications using autologous adult stem cells, including applications using our VSELTM technology, with regard to very small embryonic-like stem cells, which we license from the University of Louisville.

In 2009, we began several China-based, adult stem cell initiatives including: (i) creating a separate China-based stem cell operation, (ii) constructing a stem cell research and development laboratory and processing facility in Beijing, (iii) establishing relationships with hospitals to provide stem cell-based therapies, and (iv) obtaining product licenses covering several adult stem cell therapeutics focused on regenerative medicine. In 2010, we expect to begin offering stem cell banking services and certain stem cell therapies to patients in China, as well as to foreigners traveling to China seeking medical treatments that are either unavailable or cost prohibitive in their home countries.

The cornerstone of our China pharmaceuticals business is the 51% ownership interest we acquired in Erye in October 2009. Erye was founded more than 50 years ago and represents an established, vertically-integrated pharmaceutical business. Historically, Erye has concentrated its efforts on the manufacturing and distribution of generic antibiotic products and has received more than 160 production certificates from the State Food and Drug Administration of China, or SFDA, covering both antibiotic prescription drugs and active pharmaceutical intermediates (APIs). Erye’s revenue for 2009 was approximately $61 million.

Our website address is www.neostem.com. The information on our website is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus and should not be considered to be a part of this prospectus. We have included our website address as an inactive technical reference only.

NeoStem, Inc. was incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware in September 1980 under the name Fidelity Medical Services, Inc., and commenced operations in our current line of business in January 2006. On October 30, 2009, we completed a merger with China Biopharmaceuticals Holdings, Inc., the former owner of the 51% interest in Erye. Our principal executive offices are located at 420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 450, New York, New York 10170, and our telephone number is (212) 584-4180. Unless otherwise stated, all references to “us,” “our,” “NeoStem,” “we,” the “Company” and similar designations refer to NeoStem, Inc.

RISK FACTORS

Investing in our securities involves risk. Please see the risk factors under the heading “Risk Factors” located on page 19 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 and on page 38 of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2010 on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Before making an investment decision, you should carefully consider these risks as well as other information we include or incorporate by reference in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement. The risks and uncertainties we have described are not the only ones facing our company. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also affect our business operations.

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This prospectus, any prospectus supplement and the documents we incorporate by reference in this prospectus contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). All statements, other than statements of historical facts, that we include in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement, and in the documents we incorporate by reference in this prospectus, may be deemed forward-looking statements for purposes of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act. We use the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “project,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. We cannot guarantee that we actually will achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in our forward-looking statements and, accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. There are a number of important factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements that we make, including the factors included in the documents we incorporate by reference in this prospectus. You should read these factors and the other cautionary statements made in the documents we incorporate by reference as being applicable to all related forward-looking statements wherever they appear in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement, and any document incorporated by reference. We caution you that we do not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements made by us.

USE OF PROCEEDS

Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, we intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of the securities under this prospectus for general corporate purposes, including working capital. Although we have no present plans or intentions, we may use a portion of the net proceeds to acquire or invest in complementary businesses. We will set forth in the prospectus supplement our intended use for the net proceeds received from the sale of any securities. Pending the use of the net proceeds, we may use the net proceeds to invest in investment-grade, interest-bearing securities.

THE SECURITIES WE MAY OFFER

The descriptions of the securities contained in this prospectus, together with the applicable prospectus supplements, summarize all the material terms and provisions of the various types of securities that we may offer. We will describe in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to any securities the particular terms of the securities offered by that prospectus supplement. If we indicate in the applicable prospectus supplement, the terms of the securities may differ from the terms we have summarized below. We will also include in the prospectus supplement information, where applicable, about material United States federal income tax considerations relating to the securities, and the securities exchange, if any, on which the securities will be listed.

We may sell from time to time, in one or more offerings:

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common stock;

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preferred stock;

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debt securities;

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warrants to purchase any of the securities listed above; and

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units consisting of any combination of the securities listed above.

In this prospectus, we refer to the common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, warrants and units collectively as “securities.” The total dollar amount of all securities that we may sell will not exceed $45,000,000.

If we issue debt securities at a discount from their original stated principal amount, then, for purposes of calculating the total dollar amount of all securities issued under this prospectus, we will treat the initial offering price of the debt securities as the total original principal amount of the debt securities.

This prospectus may not be used to consummate a sale of securities unless it is accompanied by a prospectus supplement.

DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

The following is a summary of all material characteristics of our capital stock as set forth in our articles of incorporation and bylaws, and our Class A warrants and Class D warrants. The summary does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to our articles of incorporation and bylaws and the Class A warrants and Class D warrants, each as amended to date, and to the provisions of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, as amended, or the Delaware General Corporation Law.

Common Stock

We are authorized to issue 500,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share. Holders of our common stock are entitled to one vote per share in the election of directors and on all other matters on which stockholders are entitled or permitted to vote. Holders of our common stock are not entitled to cumulative voting rights. Therefore, holders of a majority of the shares voting for the election of directors can elect all of the directors. Subject to the terms of any outstanding series of preferred stock, the holders of common stock are entitled to dividends in the amounts and at times as may be declared by our Board of Directors out of funds legally available. Upon liquidation or dissolution, holders of our common stock are entitled to share ratably in all net assets available for distribution to stockholders after payment of any liquidation preferences to holders of our preferred stock. Holders of our common stock have no redemption, conversion or preemptive rights.

As of May 17, 2010, we had 53,034,089 shares of common stock issued and outstanding, exclusive of existing options and warrants and the shares to be issued in this offering.

Preferred Stock

We are authorized to issue up to 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, with such designations, rights and preferences as may be determined from time to time by our Board of Directors. Accordingly, our Board of Directors is empowered, without stockholder approval, to issue preferred stock with dividend, liquidation, conversion, voting, or other rights that could adversely affect the voting power or other rights of the holders of common stock. The issuance of preferred stock could have the effect of restricting dividends on the common stock, diluting the voting power of the common stock, impairing the liquidation rights of the common stock, or delaying or preventing a change in control of our company, all without further action by our stockholders.

As of May 17, 2010, there were 825,000 shares of our Series B Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value per share (the “Series B Preferred Stock”), authorized for issuance, 10,000 shares of which were outstanding.

Series B Preferred Stock

The Series B Preferred Stock ranks pari passu with our common stock with respect to the payment of dividends and to the distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up. So long as any shares of the Series B Preferred Stock are outstanding, no dividend shall be declared or paid or set aside for payment or other distribution declared or made upon our common stock or upon any other stock ranking junior to, or on a parity with, the Series B Preferred Stock as to dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, unless, in the case of our preferred stock, the same dividend is declared, paid or set aside for payment on all outstanding shares of the Series B Preferred Stock or in the case of our common stock, ten times such dividend per share is declared, paid or set aside for payment on each outstanding share of our Series B Preferred Stock.

Except as otherwise provided by law, each share of the Series B Preferred Stock has the same voting rights as ten shares of our common stock and the holders of the Series B Preferred Stock and our common stock shall vote together as one class on all matters. The holder of any share of Series B Preferred Stock has the right, at such holder’s option, to convert such share into one fully paid and non-assessable share of our common stock, subject to adjustment.

In the event of any voluntary or involuntary dissolution, liquidation or winding up of our company, after any distribution of assets is made to the holders of any other class or series of stock that ranks prior to the Series B Preferred Stock in respect of distributions upon the liquidation of our company, the holder of each share of Series B Preferred Stock then outstanding shall be entitled to be paid out of our assets available for distribution to our stockholders, an amount on a pari passu basis equal to ten times the amount per share distributed to the holders of our common stock. After payment of the full amount of the distribution to which they are entitled, the holders of shares of the Series B Preferred Stock will not be entitled to any further participation in any distribution of assets by the corporation.

Shares of Series B Preferred Stock issued and reacquired by us shall have the status of authorized and unissued shares of preferred stock, undesignated as to series, subject to later issuance. Holders of shares of Series B Preferred Stock are not entitled to any preemptive or subscription rights in respect of any securities of the corporation.

Options

As of May 17, 2010, we had outstanding options to purchase an aggregate of 10,265,574 shares of our common stock with exercise prices ranging from $0.71 to $15.00 per share, with an approximate weighted average exercise price of $1.90 per share. The shares of our common stock underlying all such options are currently registered for sale with the SEC.

Warrants

As of May 17, 2010, we had outstanding (i) warrants to purchase an aggregate of 4,145,099 shares of our common stock with exercise prices ranging from $0.50 to $6.50 or an approximate weighted average exercise price of $2.86 per share, (ii) Class A warrants to purchase an aggregate of 635,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $6.00 per share and (iii) Class D warrants to purchase 12,932,512 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $2.50 per share. The holders of a vast majority of such warrants have registration rights for the shares underlying the warrants.

Class A Warrants

Each Class A warrant entitles the holder to purchase one share of our common stock at an exercise price per share of $6.00. The exercise price per share of each Class A warrant is subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events as provided in the Class A warrant certificate and summarized below. The Class A warrants may be exercised at any time until July 16, 2012, which is the expiration date, unless redeemed. The Class A warrants which have not previously been exercised will expire on the expiration date. A Class A warrant holder will not be deemed to be a holder of the underlying common stock for any purpose until the Class A warrant has been properly exercised.

In the event our common stock is trading at a price equal to or exceeding the redemption threshold of $8.00 per share for 20 consecutive trading days, we have the option to call the Class A warrants. If the holders of the Class A warrants have not exercised the Class A warrants within 30 days of the written notice to call, we may redeem the Class A warrants at $0.001 per warrant. We will send the written notice of call by first class mail to Class A warrant holders at their last known addresses appearing on the registration records maintained by the transfer agent for the Class A warrants. No other form of notice by publication or otherwise will be required. If we call any Class A warrants for redemption, they will be exercisable until the close of business on the business day next preceding the specified redemption date.

A Class A warrant holder may exercise our Class A warrants only if an appropriate registration statement is then in effect with the SEC and if the shares of our common stock underlying the Class A warrants are qualified for sale under the securities laws of the state in which the holder resides.

During the term of the Class A warrants, the holders thereof are given the opportunity to profit from a rise in the market of our common stock, with a resulting dilution in the interest of all other stockholders. So long as the Class A warrants are outstanding, the terms on which we could obtain additional capital may be adversely affected. The holders of the Class A warrants might be expected to exercise them at a time when we would, in all likelihood, be able to obtain any needed capital by a new offering of securities on terms more favorable than those provided by the Class A warrants.

The exercise price and redemption price of the Class A warrants are subject to adjustment in specified circumstances, including in the event we declare any stock dividend to stockholders or effect any split or reverse split with respect to our common stock after the issuance thereof. Therefore, if we effect any stock split or reverse split with respect to our common stock, the exercise price in effect immediately prior to such stock split or reverse split will be proportionately reduced or increased, respectively. Any adjustment of the exercise price will also result in an adjustment of the number of shares purchasable upon exercise of a Class A warrant or, if we elect, an adjustment of the number of Class A warrants outstanding. The Class A warrants do not contain provisions protecting against dilution resulting from the sale of additional shares of our common stock for less than the exercise price of the Class A warrants or the current market price of our common stock.

Until exercised, the Class A warrants will have no voting, dividend or other stockholder rights.

Class D Warrants

Each Class D Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one share of our common stock at an exercise price per share of $2.50. The exercise price per share of each Class D warrant is subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events as provided in the Class D warrant certificate and summarized below. The Class D warrants may be exercised at any time during their five year term, or eight year term in the case of a Class D warrant to purchase an aggregate of 4,000,000 shares held by RimAsia Capital Partners, L.P., a Cayman Islands exempted limited partnership and an affiliate of the Company (“RimAsia”), unless redeemed. The Class D warrants which have not been previously exercised will expire at the expiration date. A Class D warrant holder will not be deemed to be a holder of the underlying common stock for any purpose until the Class D warrant is exercised.

In the event our common stock is trading at a per share price equal to or exceeding the redemption threshold of $3.50, or $5.00 in the case of the Class D warrant held by RimAsia, for twenty consecutive trading days, we have the option to call the Class D warrants. If the holders of Class D warrants have not exercised the Class D Warrants within 30 days of the written notice to call, we may redeem the Class D warrants at $0.001 per warrant. We will send the written notice of call by first class mail to Class D warrant holders at their last known addresses appearing on the registration records maintained by the transfer agent of the Class D warrants. No other form of notice by publication or otherwise will be required. If we call any Class D Warrants for redemption, they will be exercisable until close of business on the business day next preceding the specified redemption date.

The exercise price and redemption price of the Class D warrants are subject to adjustment in specified circumstances, including in the event we declare any stock dividend to stockholders or effect any split or reverse split with respect to our common stock after the issuance thereof. Therefore, if we effect any stock split or reverse split with respect to our common stock, the exercise price in effect immediately prior to such stock split or reverse split will be proportionately reduced or increased, respectively. Any adjustment of the exercise price will also result in an adjustment of the number of shares purchasable upon exercise of a Class D warrant or, if we elect, an adjustment of the number of Class D warrants outstanding. The Class D warrants do not contain provisions protecting against dilution resulting from the sale of additional shares of our common stock for less than the exercise price of the Class D warrants or the current market price of our common stock.

Until exercised, the Class D warrants will have no voting, dividend or other stockholder rights.

Anti-Takeover Effects of Certain Provisions of Delaware Law and Our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws

Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and bylaws contain a number of provisions that could make our acquisition by means of a tender or exchange offer, a proxy contest or otherwise more difficult. These provisions are summarized below.

Classified Board of Directors. Pursuant to Article ELEVENTH of our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the directors constituting our Board of Directors are classified, with respect to the time for which they severally hold office, into three classes as nearly equal in number as possible. In implementing the classified Board, our Board of Directors assigned members of the Board of Directors already in office into three classes, with one class assigned a term expiring at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2010, a second class assigned a term expiring at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2011, and a third class assigned a term expiring at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2012, with each class to hold office until its successor is elected and qualified. At each annual meeting of stockholders commencing with the election in 2010, the successors of the class of directors whose term expires at that meeting shall be elected to hold office for a term expiring at the annual meeting of stockholders held in the third year following the year of their election. Pursuant to the Delaware General Corporation Law, if a board of directors is classified, unless the certificate of incorporation otherwise provides, members of the board of directors may be removed by the stockholders before the expiration of their respective terms only for cause.

Our classified Board of Directors may have an anti-takeover effect of making more difficult and discouraging a takeover attempt, merger, tender offer, or proxy fight. Additionally, our classified Board of Directors extends the time it would take for holders of a majority of our shares to remove incumbent management to obtain control of the Board of Directors. That is, as a general matter a majority stockholder could not obtain control of the Board of Directors until the second annual stockholder’s meeting after it acquired a majority of the voting stock. Our classified Board of Directors may have the effect of making it more difficult for stockholders to remove our existing management.

Removal of Directors. Our bylaws provide that any one or more or all of our directors may be removed with cause only by the holders of at least a majority of the shares then entitled to vote at an election of our directors. No director may be removed by the stockholders without cause prior to the expiration of his or her term. Pursuant to the Delaware General Corporation Law, if a board of directors is classified (as is our Board of Directors), unless the certificate of incorporation otherwise provides, members of the board of directors may be removed by the stockholders before the expiration of their respective terms only for cause.

Special Meetings. Our bylaws provide that special meetings of our stockholders may, unless otherwise prescribed by law, be called by our Chairman of the Board (if any), our Board of Directors or our Chief Executive Officer and shall be held at such place, on such date and at such time as shall be fixed by our Board of Directors or the person calling the meeting. Business transacted at any special meeting shall be limited to matters relating to the purpose or purposes stated in the notice of the meeting.

Undesignated Preferred Stock. The ability to authorize undesignated preferred stock makes it possible for our Board of Directors to issue preferred stock with voting or other rights or preferences that could impede the success of any attempt to acquire us. The ability to issue preferred stock may have the effect of deferring hostile takeovers or delaying changes in control or management of our company.

Delaware Anti-Takeover Statute. The provisions of Delaware law, our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and bylaws could have the effect of discouraging others from attempting hostile takeovers and, as a consequence, they may also inhibit temporary fluctuations in the market price of our common stock that often result from actual or rumored hostile takeover attempts. These provisions may also have the effect of preventing changes in our management. It is possible that these provisions could make it more difficult to accomplish transactions that stockholders may otherwise deem to be in their best interests.

We are subject to the provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law regulating corporate takeovers. In general, Section 203 prohibits a publicly held Delaware corporation from engaging in a business combination with an interested stockholder for a period of three years following the date the person became an interested stockholder unless:

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prior to the date of the transaction, the board of directors of the corporation approved either the business combination or the transaction which resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder;

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upon completion of the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the stockholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the time the transaction commenced, excluding for purposes of determining the number of shares outstanding (1) shares owned by persons who are directors and also officers and (2) shares owned by employee stock plans in which employee participants do not have the right to determine confidentially whether shares held subject to the plan will be tendered in a tender or exchange offer; and

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on or subsequent to the date of the transaction, the business combination is approved by the board and authorized at an annual or special meeting of stockholders, and not by written consent, by the affirmative vote of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding voting stock which is not owned by the interested stockholder.

Generally, a business combination includes a merger, asset or stock sale, or other transaction resulting in a financial benefit to the interested stockholder. An interested stockholder is a person who, together with affiliates and associates, owns or, within three years prior to the determination of interested stockholder status, owned 15% or more of a corporation’s outstanding voting securities. We expect the existence of this provision to have an anti-takeover effect with respect to transactions our Board of Directors does not approve in advance. We also anticipate that Section 203 may discourage attempted acquisitions that might result in a premium over the market price for the shares of our common stock held by stockholders.

Potential Effects of Authorized but Unissued Stock

We have shares of common stock and preferred stock available for future issuance without stockholder approval. We may utilize these additional shares for a variety of corporate purposes, including future public offerings to raise additional capital, to facilitate corporate acquisitions or payment as a dividend on the capital stock.

The existence of unissued and unreserved common stock and preferred stock may enable our Board of Directors to issue shares to persons friendly to current management or to issue preferred stock with terms that could render more difficult or discourage a third-party attempt to obtain control of us by means of a merger, tender offer, proxy contest or otherwise, thereby protecting the continuity of our management. In addition, the Board of Directors has the discretion to determine designations, rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions, including voting rights, dividend rights, conversion rights, redemption privileges and liquidation preferences of each series of preferred stock, all to the fullest extent permissible under the Delaware General Corporation Law and subject to any limitations set forth in our certificate of incorporation. The purpose of authorizing the Board of Directors to issue preferred stock and to determine the rights and preferences applicable to such preferred stock is to eliminate delays associated with a stockholder vote on specific issuances. The issuance of preferred stock, while providing desirable flexibility in connection with possible financings, acquisitions and other corporate purposes, could have the effect of making it more difficult for a third party to acquire, or could discourage a third party from acquiring, a majority of our outstanding voting stock.

Limitations of Director Liability and Indemnification of Directors, Officers and Employees

Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, permits indemnification of directors, officers, agents and controlling persons of a corporation under certain conditions and subject to certain limitations. Section 145 empowers a corporation to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director, officer or agent of the corporation or another enterprise if serving at the request of the corporation. Depending on the character of the proceeding, a corporation may indemnify against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if the person indemnified acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to, the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. In the case of an action by or in the right of the corporation, no indemnification may be made with respect to any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation unless and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery or the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine that despite the adjudication of liability such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the court shall deem proper. Section 145 further provides that to the extent a present or former director or officer of a corporation has been successful in the defense of any action, suit or proceeding referred to above or in the defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, such person shall be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection therewith.

Indemnification Agreements

We have entered into indemnification agreements with each of our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, General Counsel, certain other employees and each of our directors pursuant to which we have agreed to indemnify such party to the full extent permitted by law, subject to certain exceptions, if such party becomes subject to an action because such party is our director, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary.

Transfer Agent

The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company. Its address is 17 Battery Place, New York, New York, 10004 and its telephone number is (212) 509-4000.

DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

We summarize below some of the provisions that will apply to the debt securities unless the applicable prospectus supplement provides otherwise. This summary may not contain all information that is important to you. The complete terms of the debt securities will be contained in the applicable notes. The notes will be included or incorporated by reference as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. You should read the provisions of the notes. You should also read the prospectus supplement, which will contain additional information and which may update or change some of the information below.

General

This prospectus describes certain general terms and provisions of the debt securities. The debt securities will be issued under an indenture between us and a trustee to be designated prior to the issuance of the debt securities. When we offer to sell a particular series of debt securities, we will describe the specific terms of the securities in a supplement to this prospectus. The prospectus supplement will also indicate whether the general terms and provisions described in this prospectus apply to a particular series of debt securities.

We may issue, from time to time, debt securities, in one or more series, that will consist of either our senior debt (“senior debt securities”), our senior subordinated debt (“senior subordinated debt securities”), our subordinated debt (“subordinated debt securities”) or our junior subordinated debt (“junior subordinated debt securities” and, together with the senior subordinated debt securities and the subordinated debt securities, the “subordinated securities”). Debt securities, whether senior, senior subordinated, subordinated or junior subordinated, may be issued as convertible debt securities or exchangeable debt securities.

We have summarized herein certain terms and provisions of the form of indenture (the “indenture”). The summary is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the actual text of the indenture. The indenture is an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. You should read the indenture for the provisions which may be important to you. The indenture is subject to and governed by the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended.

The indenture does not limit the amount of debt securities which we may issue. We may issue debt securities up to an aggregate principal amount as we may authorize from time to time which securities may be in any currency or currency unit designated by us. The terms of each series of debt securities will be established by or pursuant to (a) a supplemental indenture, (b) a resolution of our board of directors, or (c) an officers’ certificate pursuant to authority granted under a resolution of our board of directors. The prospectus supplement will describe the terms of any debt securities being offered, including:

the title of the debt securities;

the limit, if any, upon the aggregate principal amount or issue price of the debt securities of a series;

ranking of the specific series of debt securities relative to other outstanding indebtedness, including any debt of any of our subsidiaries;

the price or prices at which the debt securities will be issued;

the designation, aggregate principal amount and authorized denominations of the series of debt securities;

the issue date or dates of the series and the maturity date of the series;

whether the securities will be issued at par or at a premium over or a discount from their face amount;

the interest rate, if any, and the method for calculating the interest rate and basis upon which interest shall be calculated;

the right, if any, to extend interest payment periods and the duration of the extension;

the interest payment dates and the record dates for the interest payments;

any mandatory or optional redemption terms or prepayment, conversion, sinking fund or exchangeability or convertibility provisions;

the currency of denomination of the securities;

the place where we will pay principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, and the place where the debt securities may be presented for transfer;

if payments of principal of, premium, if any, or interest, if any, on the debt securities will be made in one or more currencies or currency units other than that or those in which the debt securities are denominated, the manner in which the exchange rate with respect to these payments will be determined;

if other than denominations of $1,000 or multiples of $1,000, the denominations the debt securities will be issued in;

whether the debt securities will be issued in the form of global securities or certificates;

the applicability of and additional provisions, if any, relating to the defeasance of the debt securities;

the portion of principal amount of the debt securities payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity date, if other than the entire principal amount;

the currency or currencies, if other than the currency of the United States, in which principal and interest will be paid;

the dates on which premium, if any, will be paid;

any addition to or change in the “Events of Default” described in this prospectus or in the indenture with respect to the debt securities and any change in the acceleration provisions described in this prospectus or in the indenture with respect to the debt securities;

any addition to or change in the covenants described in the prospectus or in the indenture with respect to the debt securities;

our right, if any, to defer payment of interest and the maximum length of this deferral period; and

other specific terms, including any additional events of default or covenants.

We may issue debt securities at a discount below their stated principal amount. Even if we do not issue the debt securities below their stated principal amount, for United States federal income tax purposes the debt securities may be deemed to have been issued with a discount because of certain interest payment characteristics. We will describe in any applicable prospectus supplement the United States federal income tax considerations applicable to debt securities issued at a discount or deemed to be issued at a discount, and will describe any special United States federal income tax considerations that may be applicable to the particular debt securities.

Senior Debt

Senior debt securities will rank equally and pari passu with all of our other unsecured and unsubordinated debt from time to time outstanding.

Subordinated Debt

The indenture does not limit our ability to issue subordinated debt securities. Any subordination provisions of a particular series of debt securities will be set forth in the supplemental indenture, board resolution or officers’ certificate related to that series of debt securities and will be described in the relevant prospectus supplement.

If this prospectus is being delivered in connection with a series of subordinated debt securities, the accompanying prospectus supplement or the information incorporated by reference in this prospectus will set forth the approximate amount of senior indebtedness outstanding as of the end of the most recent fiscal quarter.

Conversion or Exchange Rights

Debt securities may be convertible into or exchangeable for our other securities or property. The terms and conditions of conversion or exchange will be set forth in the supplemental indenture, board resolution or officers’ certificate related to that series of debt securities and will be described in the relevant prospectus supplement. The terms will include, among others, the following:

the conversion or exchange price;

the conversion or exchange period;

provisions regarding our ability or the ability of the holder to convert or exchange the debt securities;

events requiring adjustment to the conversion or exchange price; and

provisions affecting conversion or exchange in the event of our redemption of the debt securities.

Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets

The indenture prohibits us from merging into or consolidating with any other person or selling, leasing or conveying substantially all of our assets and the assets of our subsidiaries, taken as a whole, to any person, unless:

either we are the continuing corporation or the successor corporation or the person which acquires by sale, lease or conveyance substantially all our or our subsidiaries’ assets is a corporation organized under the laws of the United States, any state thereof, or the District of Columbia, and expressly assumes the due and punctual payment of the principal of, and premium, if any, and interest, if any, on all the debt securities and the due performance of every covenant of the indenture to be performed or observed by us, by supplemental indenture satisfactory to the trustee, executed and delivered to the trustee by such corporation;

immediately after giving effect to such transactions, no Event of Default described under the caption “Events of Default and Remedies” below or event which, after notice or lapse of time or both would become an Event of Default, has happened and is continuing; and

we have delivered to the trustee an officers’ certificate and an opinion of counsel each stating that such transaction and such supplemental indenture comply with the indenture provisions relating to merger, consolidation and sale of assets.

Upon any consolidation or merger with or into any other person or any sale, conveyance, lease, or other transfer of all or substantially all of our or our subsidiaries’ assets to any person, the successor person shall succeed, and be substituted for, us under the indenture and each series of outstanding debt securities, and we shall be relieved of all obligations under the indenture and each series of outstanding debt securities to the extent we were the predecessor person.

Events of Default and Remedies

When we use the term “Event of Default” in the indenture with respect to the debt securities of any series, we mean:

(1) default in paying interest on the debt securities when it becomes due and the default continues for a period of 30 days or more;

(2) default in paying principal, or premium, if any, on the debt securities when due;

(3) default is made in the payment of any sinking or purchase fund or analogous obligation when the same becomes due, and such default continues for 30 days or more;

(4) default in the performance, or breach, of any covenant or warranty in the indenture (other than defaults specified in clause (1), (2) or (3) above) and the default or breach continues for a period of 60 days or more after we receive written notice of such default from the trustee or we and the trustee receive notice from the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of the series;

(5) certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, administration or similar proceedings with respect to us have occurred; and

(6) any other Event of Default provided with respect to debt securities of that series that is set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement accompanying this prospectus.

No Event of Default with respect to a particular series of debt securities (except as to certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization) necessarily constitutes an Event of Default with respect to any other series of debt securities. The occurrence of certain Events of Default or an acceleration under the indenture may constitute an event of default under certain of our other indebtedness that we may have outstanding from time to time. Unless otherwise provided by the terms of an applicable series of debt securities, if an Event of Default under the indenture occurs with respect to the debt securities of any series and is continuing, then the trustee or the holders of not less than 51% of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series may by written notice require us to repay immediately the entire principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series (or such lesser amount as may be provided in the terms of the securities), together with all accrued and unpaid interest and premium, if any. In the case of an Event of Default resulting from certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization, the principal (or such specified amount) of and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on all outstanding debt securities will become and be immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act on the part of the trustee or any holder of outstanding debt securities. We refer you to the prospectus supplement relating to any series of debt securities that are discount securities for the particular provisions relating to acceleration of a portion of the principal amount of such discount securities upon the occurrence of an Event of Default.

After a declaration of acceleration, the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of outstanding debt securities of any series may rescind this accelerated payment requirement if all existing Events of Default, except for nonpayment of the principal on the debt securities of that series that has become due solely as a result of the accelerated payment requirement, have been cured or waived and if the rescission of acceleration would not conflict with any judgment or decree. The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series also have the right to waive past defaults, except a default in paying principal or interest on any outstanding debt security, or in respect of a covenant or a provision that cannot be modified or amended without the consent of all holders of the debt securities of that series.

No holder of any debt security may seek to institute a proceeding with respect to the indenture unless such holder has previously given written notice to the trustee of a continuing Event of Default, the holders of not less than 51% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of the series have made a written request to the trustee to institute proceedings in respect of the Event of Default, the holder or holders have offered reasonable indemnity to the trustee and the trustee has failed to institute such proceeding within 60 days after it received this notice. In addition, within this 60-day period the trustee must not have received directions inconsistent with this written request by holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series. These limitations do not apply, however, to a suit instituted by a holder of a debt security for the enforcement of the payment of principal, interest or any premium on or after the due dates for such payment.

During the existence of an Event of Default actually known to a responsible officer of the trustee, the trustee is required to exercise the rights and powers vested in it under the indenture and use the same degree of care and skill in its exercise as a prudent person would under the circumstances in the conduct of that person’s own affairs. If an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the trustee is not under any obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers at the request or direction of any of the holders unless the holders have offered to the trustee security or indemnity reasonably satisfactory to the trustee. Subject to certain provisions, the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee, or exercising any trust, or power conferred on the trustee.

The trustee will, within 90 days after receiving notice of any default, give notice of the default to the holders of the debt securities of that series, unless the default was already cured or waived. Unless there is a default in paying principal, interest or any premium when due, the trustee can withhold giving notice to the holders if it determines in good faith that the withholding of notice is in the interest of the holders. In the case of a default specified in clause (4) above describing Events of Default, no notice of default to the holders of the debt securities of that series will be given until 60 days after the occurrence of the event of default.

The indenture requires us, within 120 days after the end of our fiscal year, to furnish to the trustee a statement as to compliance with the indenture. The indenture provides that the trustee may withhold notice to the holders of debt securities of any series of any Event of Default (except in payment on any debt securities of that series) with respect to debt securities of that series if it in good faith determines that withholding notice is in the interest of the holders of those debt securities.

Modification and Waiver

The indenture may be amended or modified without the consent of any holder of debt securities in order to:

evidence a successor to the trustee;

cure ambiguities, defects or inconsistencies;

provide for the assumption of our obligations in the case of a merger or consolidation or transfer of all or substantially all of our assets that complies with the covenant described under “— Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets”;

make any change that would provide any additional rights or benefits to the holders of the debt securities of a series;

add guarantors or co-obligors with respect to the debt securities of any series;

secure the debt securities of a series;

establish the form or forms of debt securities of any series;

add additional Events of Default with respect to the debt securities of any series;

add additional provisions as may be expressly permitted by the Trust Indenture Act;

maintain the qualification of the indenture under the Trust Indenture Act; or

make any change that does not adversely affect in any material respect the interests of any holder.

Other amendments and modifications of the indenture or the debt securities issued may be made with the consent of the holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of each series affected by the amendment or modification. However, no modification or amendment may, without the consent of the holder of each outstanding debt security affected:

change the maturity date or the stated payment date of any payment of premium or interest payable on the debt securities;

reduce the principal amount, or extend the fixed maturity, of the debt securities;

change the method of computing the amount of principal or any interest of any debt security;

change or waive the redemption or repayment provisions of the debt securities;

change the currency in which principal, any premium or interest is paid or the place of payment;

reduce the percentage in principal amount outstanding of debt securities of any series which must consent to an amendment, supplement or waiver or consent to take any action;

impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on the debt securities;

waive a payment default with respect to the debt securities;

reduce the interest rate or extend the time for payment of interest on the debt securities;

adversely affect the ranking or priority of the debt securities of any series; or

release any guarantor or co-obligor from any of its obligations under its guarantee or the indenture, except in compliance with the terms of the indenture.

Satisfaction, Discharge and Covenant Defeasance

We may terminate our obligations under the indenture with respect to the outstanding debt securities of any series, when:

either:

all debt securities of any series issued that have been authenticated and delivered have been delivered to the trustee for cancellation; or

all the debt securities of any series issued that have not been delivered to the trustee for cancellation have become due and payable, will become due and payable within one year, or are to be called for redemption within one year and we have made arrangements satisfactory to the trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by such trustee in our name and at our expense, and in each case, we have irrevocably deposited or caused to be deposited with the trustee sufficient funds to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness on the series of debt securities; and

we have paid or caused to be paid all other sums then due and payable under the indenture; and

we have delivered to the trustee an officers’ certificate and an opinion of counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent under the indenture relating to the satisfaction and discharge of the indenture have been complied with.

We may elect to have our obligations under the indenture discharged with respect to the outstanding debt securities of any series (“legal defeasance”). Legal defeasance means that we will be deemed to have paid and discharged the entire indebtedness represented by the outstanding debt securities of such series under the indenture, except for:

the rights of holders of the debt securities to receive principal, interest and any premium when due;

our obligations with respect to the debt securities concerning issuing temporary debt securities, registration of transfer of debt securities, mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen debt securities and the maintenance of an office or agency for payment for security payments held in trust;

the rights, powers, trusts, duties and immunities of the trustee; and

the defeasance provisions of the indenture.

In addition, we may elect to have our obligations released with respect to certain covenants in the indenture (“covenant defeasance”). If we so elect, any failure to comply with these obligations will not constitute a default or an event of default with respect to the debt securities of any series. In the event covenant defeasance occurs, certain events, not including non-payment, bankruptcy and insolvency events, described under “Events of Default and Remedies,” will no longer constitute an event of default for that series.

In order to exercise either legal defeasance or covenant defeasance with respect to outstanding debt securities of any series:

we must irrevocably have deposited or caused to be deposited with the trustee as trust funds for the purpose of making the following payments, specifically pledged as security for, and dedicated solely to the benefits of the holders of the debt securities of a series:

money in an amount; or

U.S. government obligations (or equivalent government obligations in the case of debt securities denominated in other than U.S. dollars or a specified currency) that will provide, not later than one day before the due date of any payment, money in an amount; or

a combination of money and U.S. government obligations (or equivalent government obligations, as applicable),

in each case sufficient, in the written opinion (with respect to U.S. or equivalent government obligations or a combination of money and U.S. or equivalent government obligations, as applicable) of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants to pay and discharge, and which shall be applied by the trustee to pay and discharge, all of the principal (including mandatory sinking fund payments), interest and any premium at due date or maturity;

in the case of legal defeasance, we have delivered to the trustee an opinion of counsel stating that, under then applicable federal income tax law, the holders of the debt securities of that series will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of the deposit, defeasance and discharge to be effected and will be subject to the same federal income tax as would be the case if the deposit, defeasance and discharge did not occur;

in the case of covenant defeasance, we have delivered to the trustee an opinion of counsel to the effect that the holders of the debt securities of that series will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of the deposit and covenant defeasance to be effected and will be subject to the same federal income tax as would be the case if the deposit and covenant defeasance did not occur;

no event of default or default with respect to the outstanding debt securities of that series has occurred and is continuing at the time of such deposit after giving effect to the deposit or, in the case of legal defeasance, no default relating to bankruptcy or insolvency has occurred and is continuing at any time on or before the 91st day after the date of such deposit, it being understood that this condition is not deemed satisfied until after the 91st day;

the legal defeasance or covenant defeasance will not cause the trustee to have a conflicting interest within the meaning of the Trust Indenture Act, assuming all debt securities of a series were in default within the meaning of such Act;

the legal defeasance or covenant defeasance will not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, any other agreement or instrument to which we are a party;

if prior to the stated maturity date, notice shall have been given in accordance with the provisions of the indenture;

the legal defeasance or covenant defeasance will not result in the trust arising from such deposit constituting an investment company within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, unless the trust is registered under such Act or exempt from registration; and

we have delivered to the trustee an officers’ certificate and an opinion of counsel stating that all conditions precedent with respect to the legal defeasance or covenant defeasance have been complied with.

Covenants

We will set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement any restrictive covenants applicable to any issue of debt securities.

Paying Agent and Registrar

The trustee will initially act as paying agent and registrar for all debt securities. We may change the paying agent or registrar for any series of debt securities without prior notice, and we or any of our subsidiaries may act as paying agent or registrar.

Form of Securities

Each debt security will be represented either by a certificate issued in definitive form to a particular investor or by one or more global securities representing the entire issuance of the series of debt securities. Certificated securities will be issued in definitive form and global securities will be issued in registered form. Definitive securities name you or your nominee as the owner of the security, and in order to transfer or exchange these securities or to receive payments other than interest or other interim payments, you or your nominee must physically deliver the securities to the trustee, registrar, paying agent or other agent, as applicable. Global securities name a depositary or its nominee as the owner of the debt securities represented by these global securities. The depositary maintains a computerized system that will reflect each investor’s beneficial ownership of the securities through an account maintained by the investor with its broker/dealer, bank, trust company or other representative, as we explain more fully below.

Global Securities

We may issue the registered debt securities in the form of one or more fully registered global securities that will be deposited with a depositary or its custodian identified in the applicable prospectus supplement and registered in the name of that depositary or its nominee. In those cases, one or more registered global securities will be issued in a denomination or aggregate denominations equal to the portion of the aggregate principal or face amount of the securities to be represented by registered global securities. Unless and until it is exchanged in whole for securities in definitive registered form, a registered global security may not be transferred except as a whole by and among the depositary for the registered global security, the nominees of the depositary or any successors of the depositary or those nominees.

If not described below, any specific terms of the depositary arrangement with respect to any securities to be represented by a registered global security will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to those securities. We anticipate that the following provisions will apply to all depositary arrangements.

Ownership of beneficial interests in a registered global security will be limited to persons, called participants, that have accounts with the depositary or persons that may hold interests through participants. Upon the issuance of a registered global security, the depositary will credit, on its book-entry registration and transfer system, the participants’ accounts with the respective principal or face amounts of the securities beneficially owned by the participants. Any dealers, underwriters or agents participating in the distribution of the securities will designate the accounts to be credited. Ownership of beneficial interests in a registered global security will be shown on, and the transfer of ownership interests will be effected only through, records maintained by the depositary, with respect to interests of participants, and on the records of participants, with respect to interests of persons holding through participants. The laws of some states may require that some purchasers of securities take physical delivery of these securities in definitive form. These laws may impair your ability to own, transfer or pledge beneficial interests in registered global securities.

So long as the depositary, or its nominee, is the registered owner of a registered global security, that depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or holder of the securities represented by the registered global security for all purposes under the indenture. Except as described below, owners of beneficial interests in a registered global security will not be entitled to have the securities represented by the registered global security registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of the securities in definitive form and will not be considered the owners or holders of the securities under the indenture. Accordingly, each person owning a beneficial interest in a registered global security must rely on the procedures of the depositary for that registered global security and, if that person is not a participant, on the procedures of the participant through which the person owns its interest, to exercise any rights of a holder under the indenture. We understand that under existing industry practices, if we request any action of holders or if an owner of a beneficial interest in a registered global security desires to give or take any action that a holder is entitled to give or take under the indenture, the depositary for the registered global security would authorize the participants holding the relevant beneficial interests to give or take that action, and the participants would authorize beneficial owners owning through them to give or take that action or would otherwise act upon the instructions of beneficial owners holding through them.

Principal, premium, if any, and interest payments on debt securities represented by a registered global security registered in the name of a depositary or its nominee will be made to the depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered owner of the registered global security. Neither we nor the trustee or any other agent of ours or the trustee will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in the registered global security or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to those beneficial ownership interests.

We expect that the depositary for any of the securities represented by a registered global security, upon receipt of any payment of principal, premium, interest or other distribution of underlying securities or other property to holders on that registered global security, will immediately credit participants’ accounts in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in that registered global security as shown on the records of the depositary. We also expect that payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in a registered global security held through participants will be governed by standing customer instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with the securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in “street name,” and will be the responsibility of those participants.

If the depositary for any of these securities represented by a registered global security is at any time unwilling or unable to continue as depositary or ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act, and a successor depositary registered as a clearing agency under the Exchange Act is not appointed by us within 90 days, we will issue securities in definitive form in exchange for the registered global security that had been held by the depositary. Any securities issued in definitive form in exchange for a registered global security will be registered in the name or names that the depositary gives to the trustee or other relevant agent of ours or theirs. It is expected that the depositary’s instructions will be based upon directions received by the depositary from participants with respect to ownership of beneficial interests in the registered global security that had been held by the depositary.

Unless we state otherwise in a prospectus supplement, the Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) will act as depositary for each series of debt securities issued as global securities. DTC has advised us that DTC is a limited-purpose trust company created to hold securities for its participating organizations (collectively, the “Participants”) and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of transactions in those securities between Participants through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of its Participants. The Participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations. Access to DTC’s system is also available to other entities such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a Participant, either directly or indirectly (collectively, the “Indirect Participants”). Persons who are not Participants may beneficially own securities held by or on behalf of DTC only through the Participants or the Indirect Participants. The ownership interests in, and transfers of ownership interests in, each security held by or on behalf of DTC are recorded on the records of the Participants and the Indirect Participants.

Governing Law

The indenture and each series of debt securities are governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.

DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS

The following description, together with the additional information we may include in any applicable prospectus supplements, summarizes the material terms and provisions of the warrants that we may offer under this prospectus and the related warrant agreements and warrant certificates. While the terms summarized below will apply generally to any warrants that we may offer, we will describe the particular terms of any series of warrants in more detail in the applicable prospectus supplement. If we indicate in the prospectus supplement, the terms of any warrants offered under that prospectus supplement may differ from the terms described below. Specific warrant agreements will contain additional important terms and provisions and will be incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the registration statement that includes this prospectus.

General

We may issue warrants for the purchase of common stock, preferred stock or debt securities in one or more series. We may issue warrants independently or together with common stock, preferred stock and debt securities, and the warrants may be attached to or separate from these securities.

We will evidence each series of warrants by warrant certificates that we will issue under a separate agreement. We may enter into a warrant agreement with a warrant agent. If we engage a warrant agent, each warrant agent will be a bank that we select which has its principal office in the United States and a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000. We will indicate the name and address of the warrant agent in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to a particular series of warrants.

Before exercising their warrants, holders of warrants will not have any of the rights of holders of the securities purchasable upon such exercise, including:

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in the case of warrants to purchase debt securities, the right to receive payments of principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on, the debt securities purchasable upon exercise or to enforce covenants in the applicable indenture; or

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in the case of warrants to purchase common stock or preferred stock, the right to receive dividends, if any, or, payments upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up or to exercise voting rights, if any.

Additional Information

We will describe in the applicable prospectus supplement the terms of the series of warrants, including:

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the offering price and aggregate number of warrants offered;

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the currency for which the warrants may be purchased;

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if applicable, the designation and terms of the securities with which the warrants are issued and the number of warrants issued with each such security or each principal amount of such security;

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if applicable, the date on and after which the warrants and the related securities will be separately transferable;

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in the case of warrants to purchase debt securities, the principal amount of debt securities purchasable upon exercise of one warrant and the price at, and currency in which, this principal amount of debt securities may be purchased upon such exercise;

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in the case of warrants to purchase common stock or preferred stock, the number of shares of common stock or preferred stock, as the case may be, purchasable upon the exercise of one warrant and the price at which these shares may be purchased upon such exercise;

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the effect of any merger, consolidation, sale or other disposition of our business on the warrant agreement and the warrants;

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the terms of any rights to redeem or call the warrants;

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any provisions for changes to or adjustments in the exercise price or number of securities issuable upon exercise of the warrants;

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the dates on which the right to exercise the warrants will commence and expire;

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the manner in which the warrant agreement and warrants may be modified;

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a discussion on any material or special United States federal income tax consequences of holding or exercising the warrants;

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the terms of the securities issuable upon exercise of the warrants; and

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any other specific terms, preferences, rights or limitations of or restrictions on the warrants.

Exercise of Warrants

Each warrant will entitle the holder to purchase the securities that we specify in the applicable prospectus supplement at the exercise price that we describe in the applicable prospectus supplement. Unless we otherwise specify in the applicable prospectus supplement, holders of the warrants may exercise the warrants at any time up to 5 p.m., Eastern time, on the expiration date that we set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. After the close of business on the expiration date, unexercised warrants will become void.

Holders of the warrants may exercise the warrants by delivering the warrant certificate representing the warrants to be exercised together with specified information, and paying the required amount to the warrant agent in immediately available funds, as provided in the applicable prospectus supplement. We will set forth on the reverse side of the warrant certificate and in the applicable prospectus supplement the information that the holder of the warrant will be required to deliver to the warrant agent.

Upon receipt of the required payment and the warrant certificate properly completed and duly executed at the corporate trust office of the warrant agent or any other office indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will issue and deliver the securities purchasable upon such exercise. If fewer than all of the warrants represented by the warrant certificate are exercised, then we will issue a new warrant certificate for the remaining amount of warrants. If we so indicate in the applicable prospectus supplement, holders of the warrants may surrender securities as all or part of the exercise price for warrants.

Enforceability of Rights by Holders of Warrants

Each warrant agent will act solely as our agent under the applicable warrant agreement and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust with any holder of any warrant. A single bank or trust company may act as warrant agent for more than one issue of warrants. A warrant agent will have no duty or responsibility in case of any default by us under the applicable warrant agreement or warrant, including any duty or responsibility to initiate any proceedings at law or otherwise, or to make any demand upon us. Any holder of a warrant may, without the consent of the related warrant agent or the holder of any other warrant, enforce by appropriate legal action its right to exercise, and receive the securities purchasable upon exercise of, its warrants.

DESCRIPTION OF UNITS

We may issue units comprised of one or more of the other securities described in this prospectus in any combination. Each unit will be issued so that the holder of the unit is also the holder of each security included in the unit. Thus, the holder of a unit will have the rights and obligations of a holder of each included security. The unit agreement under which a unit is issued may provide that the securities included in the unit may not be held or transferred separately, at any time or at any time before a specified date. The applicable prospectus supplement may describe:

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the designation and terms of the units and of the securities comprising the units, including whether and under what circumstances those securities may be held or transferred separately;

•

any provisions for the issuance, payment, settlement, transfer or exchange of the units or of the securities comprising the units;

•

the terms of the unit agreement governing the units;

•

United States federal income tax considerations relevant to the units; and

•

whether the units will be issued in fully registered global form.

This summary of certain general terms of units and any summary description of units in the applicable prospectus supplement do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to all provisions of the applicable unit agreement and, if applicable, collateral arrangements and depositary arrangements relating to such units. The forms of the unit agreements and other documents relating to a particular issue of units will be filed with the SEC each time we issue units, and you should read those documents for provisions that may be important to you.

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

We may sell the securities through underwriters or dealers, through agents, or directly to one or more purchasers. The accompanying prospectus supplement will describe the terms of the offering of the securities, including:

•

the name or names of any underwriters;

•

the purchase price of the securities being offered and the proceeds we will receive from the sale;

•

any over-allotment options pursuant to which underwriters may purchase additional securities from us;

•

any agency fees or underwriting discounts and other items constituting agents’ or underwriters’ compensation;

•

any public offering price;

•

any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers; and

•

any securities exchange or market on which the securities may be listed.

If underwriters are used in the sale, they will acquire the securities for their own account and may resell the securities from time to time in one or more transactions at a fixed public offering price or at varying prices determined at the time of the sale. The obligations of the underwriters to purchase the securities will be subject to the conditions set forth in the applicable underwriting agreement. We may offer the securities to the public through underwriting syndicates represented by managing underwriters or by underwriters without a syndicate. Subject to certain conditions, the underwriters will be obligated to purchase all the securities offered by the prospectus supplement. We may change from time to time the public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers. We may use underwriters with whom we have a material relationship. We will describe such relationships in the prospectus supplement naming the underwriter and the nature of any such relationship.

We may engage in “at the market” offerings of our common stock, which are offerings into an existing trading market, at other than a fixed price, on or through the facilities of a national securities exchange or to or through a market maker otherwise than on an exchange.

We may sell securities directly or through agents we designate from time to time. We will name any agent involved in the offering and sale of the securities, and we will describe any commissions we will pay the agent in the prospectus supplement. Unless the prospectus supplement states otherwise, our agent will act on a best efforts basis for the period of its appointment.

We may enter into derivative transactions with third parties, or sell securities not covered by this prospectus to third parties in privately negotiated transactions. If the applicable prospectus supplement indicates, in connection with those derivatives, the third parties may sell securities covered by this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, including short sale transactions. If so, the third party may use securities pledged by us or borrowed from us or others to settle those sales or to close out any related open borrowings of common shares, and may use securities received from us in settlement of those derivatives to close out any related open borrowings of common shares. The third party in such sale transactions will be an underwriter and, if not identified in this prospectus, will be identified in the applicable prospectus supplement or a post-effective amendment to this registration statement.

All securities we offer other than common stock will be new issues of securities with no established trading market. Any underwriters may make a market in these securities, but will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any market making at any time without notice. We cannot guarantee the liquidity of the trading markets for any securities.

We may provide agents and underwriters with indemnification against civil liabilities related to this offering, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or contribution with respect to payments that the agents or underwriters may make with respect to these liabilities. Agents and underwriters may engage in transactions with, or perform services for, us in the ordinary course of business.

Rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission may limit the ability of any underwriters to bid for or purchase securities before the distribution of the securities is completed. However, underwriters may engage in the following activities in accordance with the rules:

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Stabilizing transactions — Underwriters may make bids or purchases for the purpose of pegging, fixing or maintaining the price of the shares, so long as stabilizing bids do not exceed a specified maximum.

•

Over-allotments and syndicate covering transactions — Underwriters may sell more shares of our common stock than the number of shares that they have committed to purchase in any underwritten offering. This over-allotment creates a short position for the underwriters. This short position may involve either “covered” short sales or “naked” short sales. Covered short sales are short sales made in an amount not greater than the underwriters’ over-allotment option to purchase additional shares in any underwritten offering. The underwriters may close out any covered short position either by exercising their over-allotment option or by purchasing shares in the open market. To determine how they will close the covered short position, the underwriters will consider, among other things, the price of shares available for purchase in the open market, as compared to the price at which they may purchase shares through the over-allotment option. Naked short sales are short sales in excess of the over-allotment option. The underwriters must close out any naked position by purchasing shares in the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that, in the open market after pricing, there may be downward pressure on the price of the shares that could adversely affect investors who purchase shares in the offering.

•

Penalty bids — If underwriters purchase shares in the open market in a stabilizing transaction or syndicate covering transaction, they may reclaim a selling concession from other underwriters and selling group members who sold those shares as part of the offering.

Similar to other purchase transactions, an underwriter’s purchases to cover the syndicate short sales or to stabilize the market price of our securities may have the effect of raising or maintaining the market price of our securities or preventing or mitigating a decline in the market price of our securities. As a result, the price of the securities may be higher than the price that might otherwise exist in the open market. The imposition of a penalty bid might also have an effect on the price of shares if it discourages resales of the securities.

If commenced, the underwriters may discontinue any of the activities at any time.

In compliance with guidelines of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, or FINRA, the maximum consideration or discount to be received by any FINRA member or independent broker dealer may not exceed 8% of the aggregate amount of the securities offered pursuant to this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement.

Equity Line of Credit.

On May 19, 2010, we entered into what is sometimes termed as an equity line of credit arrangement with Commerce Court Small Cap Value Fund, Ltd., or Commerce Court. Specifically we entered into a Common Stock Purchase Agreement, or the Purchase Agreement, with which provides that, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth therein, Commerce Court is committed to purchase up to $20,000,000 worth of shares of our common stock over the approximately 24-month term of the Purchase Agreement; provided, however, that in no event may we issue under the Purchase Agreement more than 10,536,208 shares of common stock, which is approximately 19.9% of our outstanding shares of common stock on the closing date of the Purchase Agreement, less 63,792 shares of common stock issued to Commerce Court on the closing date in payment of its commitment fee.

From time to time over the term of the Purchase Agreement, and at our sole discretion, we may present Commerce Court with draw down notices to purchase our common stock over ten consecutive trading days or such other period mutually agreed upon by us and Commerce Court, or the draw down period, with each draw down subject to limitations based on the price of our common stock and a limit of 2.5% of our market capitalization at the time of such draw down (which limitations may be waived or modified by mutual agreement of the parties). We are able to present Commerce Court with up to 24 draw down notices during the term of the Purchase Agreement, with only one such draw down notice allowed per draw down period and a minimum of five trading days required between each draw down period.

Once presented with a draw down notice, Commerce Court is required to purchase a pro rata portion of the shares on each trading day during the trading period on which the daily volume weighted average price for our common stock exceeds a threshold price determined by us for such draw down. The per share purchase price for these shares will equal the daily volume weighted average price of our common stock on each date during the draw down period on which shares are purchased, less a discount of 5.0%, based on the trading price of our common stock. If the daily volume weighted average price of our common stock falls below the threshold price on any trading day during a draw down period, the Purchase Agreement provides that Commerce Court will not be required to purchase the pro-rata portion of shares of common stock allocated to that day. However, at its election, Commerce Court may buy the pro-rata portion of shares allocated to that day at the threshold price less the discount described above.

The Purchase Agreement also provides that, from time to time and at our sole discretion, we may grant Commerce Court the right to exercise one or more options to purchase additional shares of our common stock during each draw down period for an amount of shares specified by us based on the trading price of our common stock. Upon Commerce Court’s exercise of an option, we would sell to Commerce Court the shares of our common stock subject to the option at a price equal to the greater of the daily volume weighted average price of our common stock on the day Commerce Court notifies us of its election to exercise its option or the threshold price for the option determined by us, less a discount calculated in the same manner as it is calculated in the draw down notices.

In addition to our issuance of shares of common stock to Commerce Court pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the registration statement to which this prospectus relates also covers the sale of those shares from time to time by Commerce Court to the public. Commerce Court is an “underwriter” within the meaning of Section 2(a)(11) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act.

Commerce Court has informed us that it will use an unaffiliated broker-dealer to effectuate all sales, if any, of common stock that it may purchase from us pursuant to the Purchase Agreement. Such sales will be made on the NYSE Amex at prices and at terms then prevailing or at prices related to the then current market price. Each such unaffiliated broker-dealer will be an underwriter within the meaning of Section 2(a)(11) of the Securities Act. Commerce Court has informed us that each such broker-dealer will receive commissions from Commerce Court which will not exceed customary brokerage commissions. Commerce Court may also pay other expenses associated with the sale of the common stock it acquires pursuant to the Purchase Agreement.

In connection with this transaction, a filing was made with the Corporate Finance Department of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”), pursuant to FINRA Rule 5110, and we have received written confirmation from FINRA to the effect that FINRA’s Corporate Finance Department has determined not to raise any objection with respect to the fairness or reasonableness of the terms of the Purchase Agreement or the transactions contemplated thereby.

The shares of common stock issued under the Purchase Agreement may be sold in one or more of the following manners:

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ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which the broker solicits purchasers; or

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a block trade in which the broker or dealer so engaged will attempt to sell the shares as agent, but may position and resell a portion of the block as principal to facilitate the transaction.

Commerce Court has agreed that during the periods listed above neither it nor any of its affiliates will enter into a short position with respect to shares of our common stock except that Commerce Court may sell shares that it is obligated to purchase under a pending draw down notice but has not yet taken possession of so long as Commerce Court covers any such sales with the shares purchased pursuant to such draw down notice. Commerce Court has further agreed that during the periods listed above it will not grant any option to purchase or acquire any right to dispose or otherwise dispose for value of any shares of our common stock or any securities convertible into, or exchangeable for, or warrants to purchase, any shares of our common stock, or enter into any swap, hedge or other agreement that transfers, in whole or in part, the economic risk of ownership of our common stock, except for the sales permitted by the prior sentence.

In addition, Commerce Court and any unaffiliated broker-dealer will be subject to liability under the federal securities laws and must comply with the requirements of the Securities Act and the Securities Exchange Act or 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, including, without limitation, Rule 10b-5 and Regulation M under the Exchange Act. These rules and regulations may limit the timing of purchases and sales of shares of common stock by Commerce Court or any unaffiliated broker-dealer. Under these rules and regulations, Commerce Court and any unaffiliated broker-dealer:

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may not engage in any stabilization activity in connection with our securities;

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must furnish each broker which offers shares of our common stock covered by the prospectus that is a part of our registration statement with the number of copies of such prospectus and any prospectus supplement which are required by each broker; and

•

may not bid for or purchase any of our securities or attempt to induce any person to purchase any of our securities other than as permitted under the Exchange Act.

These restrictions may affect the marketability of the shares of common stock purchased and sold by Commerce Court and any unaffiliated broker-dealer.

We have agreed to indemnify and hold harmless Commerce Court and each person who controls Commerce Court against certain liabilities, including certain liabilities under the Securities Act. We have agreed to pay up to $35,000 of Commerce Court’s reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses incurred by Commerce Court in connection with the preparation, negotiation, execution and delivery of the Purchase Agreement and related transaction documentation. In addition, during any full calendar quarter that falls within the term of the Purchase Agreement when no shares of our common stock have been purchased or sold because we did not deliver a draw down notice, we are required to pay all reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses, up to $5,000, representing the due diligence expenses incurred by Commerce Court during such calendar quarter. Further, if we issue a draw down notice and fail to deliver the shares to Commerce Court on the applicable settlement date, and such failure continues for ten trading days, we have agreed to pay Commerce Court liquidated damages in cash or restricted shares of our common stock, at Commerce Court’s option.

Commerce Court has agreed to indemnify and hold harmless us and each of our directors, officers and persons who control us against certain liabilities under the Securities Act that may be based upon written information furnished by Commerce Court to us for inclusion in this prospectus or any other prospectus or prospectus supplement related to this transaction.

Upon each sale of our common stock to Commerce Court under the Purchase Agreement, we have agreed to pay Reedland Capital Partners, an Institutional Division of Financial West Group, Member FINRA/SIPC, or FWG, a placement fee equal to 2% of the aggregate dollar amount of common stock purchased by Commerce Court. We also have agreed to pay up to $10,000 of FWG’s attorneys’ fees and expenses incurred by FWG in connection with the preparation with filings required to be made on behalf of FWG in connection with the Purchase Agreement and the related transaction pursuant to FINRA Rule 5110. We have agreed to indemnify and hold harmless FWG and each person who controls FWG against certain liabilities, including certain liabilities under the Securities Act.

In consideration of Commerce Court’s execution and delivery of the Purchase Agreement, we agreed to issue to Commerce Court upon the execution of the Purchase Agreement 63,792 shares of our common stock. The registration statement to which this prospectus relates covers the issuance of those shares to Commerce Court, as well as the sale of those shares from time to time by Commerce Court to the public.

VALIDITY OF SECURITIES

The validity of the issuance of the securities offered by this prospectus will be passed upon for us by Lowenstein Sandler PC, Roseland, New Jersey.

EXPERTS

The consolidated financial statements incorporated in this prospectus by reference from our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, have been audited by Holtz Rubenstein Reminick LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report dated March 31, 2010 with respect to their audit of the balance sheets of NeoStem, Inc. and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2009 and 2008 and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity (deficit) and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2009, which report appears in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009 and is incorporated herein by reference, and has been so incorporated in reliance upon the report of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

The following documents previously filed by us with the SEC are incorporated in this registration statement by reference.

(a)

Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, filed on March 31, 2010.

(b)

Definitive Proxy Statement for our 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, filed on April 28, 2010.

(c)

Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2010, filed on May 17, 2010.

(d)

Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments thereto filed on November 4, 2009 (as amended on January 5, 2010), January 7, 2010, February 12, 2010, February 19, 2010, March 16, 2010 (as amended on April 6, 2010), March 17, 2010, March 18, 2010, April 1, 2010 and May 19, 2010 (excluding any information deemed furnished pursuant to Item 2.02 or Item 7.01 of any such Current Report on Form 8-K).

(e)

Description of our units, common stock and Class A warrants contained in the Registration Statement on Form 8-A, declared effective on August 8, 2007 (including any amendment or report filed with the SEC for the purpose of updating such description).

All reports and other documents that we file pursuant to Section 13(a) and 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment which indicates that all securities offered hereunder have been sold or which deregisters all such securities then remaining unsold shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference in this prospectus and to be a apart hereof from the date of filing of such reports and documents.

We will provide to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom a prospectus is delivered, copies of these filings, excluding all exhibits unless an exhibit has been specifically incorporated by reference in such filings, at no cost, upon written or oral request made to:

NeoStem, Inc.

420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 450

New York, NY 10170

Catherine M. Vaczy, Esq., Vice President and General Counsel

(212) 584-4180

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

We have filed a registration statement on Form S-3 with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933. This prospectus omits some information and exhibits included in the registration statement, copies of which may be obtained upon payment of a fee prescribed by the Commission or may be examined free of charge at the principal office of the SEC in Washington, D.C.

We are subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and in accordance therewith file reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. The reports, proxy statements and other information filed by us with the SEC can be inspected and copied at the Public Reference Room maintained by the SEC at 100 Fifth Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Copies of filings can be obtained from the Public Reference Room maintained by the SEC by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. In addition, the Commission maintains a website that contains reports, proxy and informational statements and other information filed electronically with the SEC at http://www.sec.gov.

You may request, orally or in writing, a copy of these documents, which will be provided to you at no cost, by contacting Catherine M. Vaczy, Esq., Vice President and General Counsel, NeoStem, Inc., 420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 450, New York, NY 10170, telephone (212) 584-4180.

You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus, including information incorporated by reference as described above, or any prospectus supplement that we have specifically referred you to. We have not authorized anyone else to provide you with different information. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of those documents or that any document incorporated by reference is accurate as of any date other than its filing date. You should not consider this prospectus to be an offer or solicitation relating to the securities in any jurisdiction in which such an offer or solicitation relating to the securities is not authorized. Furthermore, you should not consider this prospectus to be an offer or solicitation relating to the securities if the person making the offer or solicitation is not qualified to do so, or if it is unlawful for you to receive such an offer or solicitation.