The AXIS study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-escalating phase IIa trial to investigate treatment with AX200 (granulocyte-colony stimulating factor; G-CSF) for acute ischemic stroke. The primary objective of the present phase IIa study is to assess the safety and tolerability of AX200 compared to placebo in subjects suffering from acute stroke. The secondary objective is to assess the effect of AX200 on subject outcome in comparison to placebo.