The CIRM-funded Summer Program to Accelerate Regenerative Medicine Knowledge (SPARK) is one of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine’s (CIRM) many educational programs dedicated to building a diverse and highly skilled workforce to support California's growing regenerative medicine economy. CIRM’s paid summer program offers diverse high school students unique opportunities in stem cell research—particularly … Continue reading A day in the life of SPARK interns
Stem cell research
Gene therapy trial tests cancer-killing virus in brain tumors
Dr. Noriyuki Kasahara from UCSF has been awarded $11.8 million by the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) to target newly diagnosed high-grade gliomas. This groundbreaking clinical trial aims to treat high-grade gliomas, one of the most challenging brain cancers to manage. These aggressive cancers develop in the brain or spinal cord and are notoriously … Continue reading Gene therapy trial tests cancer-killing virus in brain tumors
CIRM awards $6 million to advance research for heart attack and heart failure treatments
In a promising development for cardiovascular health, Arjun Deb, MD, a professor of medicine and molecular, cell, and developmental biology at UCLA, has received a $6 million award from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) to advance his groundbreaking research on heart attack and heart failure treatments. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of … Continue reading CIRM awards $6 million to advance research for heart attack and heart failure treatments
$53 million awarded to fund clinical and translational research
The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) recently awarded $53 million to fund various projects, from its Clinical and Translational programs aimed at preventing heart failure to the advancement of cell therapy for Parkinson’s disease and the targeting of numerous cancers. Two preclinical projects are providing funding for eligible stem cell and gene therapy-based projects … Continue reading $53 million awarded to fund clinical and translational research
Advancing cell therapy research for dry age-related macular degeneration (dry AMD)
The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) granted Luxa Biotechnology a $4 million award to support the ongoing Phase 1/2a study (NCT04627428) of RPESC-RPE-4W transplantation, an innovative therapy for treating dry age-related macular degeneration (dry AMD). The funding will significantly enhance manufacturing and clinical activities in California. Dry AMD is a prevalent eye disorder affecting … Continue reading Advancing cell therapy research for dry age-related macular degeneration (dry AMD)
Transformative stem cell-based treatment for Cystic Fibrosis Sinusitis
A $6 million grant to Dr. Matthew Porteus and his team at Stanford University to develop an innovative stem cell-based gene correction therapy for chronic sinusitis in Cystic Fibrosis (CF) patients. CF is a common genetic disease that currently lacks a cure, causing patients to spend their lives managing symptoms. Despite significant advancements in CF … Continue reading Transformative stem cell-based treatment for Cystic Fibrosis Sinusitis
Bringing a community together at the 2nd Annual ALSP Conference
In addition to funding innovative programs and research that accelerate the development of stem cell and gene therapy treatments, the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) provides funding to support valuable mission-specific scientific conferences where people can meet to exchange scientific information to meet goals relevant to CIRM’s mission. Recently, CIRM supported the 2nd Annual … Continue reading Bringing a community together at the 2nd Annual ALSP Conference
Supporting a CAR-T cell trial for kidney cancer
Photo Credit: Allogene Therapeutics. Image of the ALLO-316 allogeneic CAR-T cell therapy. The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) awarded $15 million to Dr. John Le Gall and his team at Allogene Therapeutics. This funding will support the development of ALLO-316, an innovative anti-CD70 CAR-T cell product designed to treat metastatic clear cell renal cell … Continue reading Supporting a CAR-T cell trial for kidney cancer
CIRM’s $31 million boost for cancer and eye disease research
The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) recently approved nearly $31 million in funding, further cementing our commitment to advancing the field of regenerative medicine. This substantial investment aims to drive clinical research targeting various cancers and eye diseases. CIRM’s dedication to fostering innovative treatments is demonstrated through its clinical program, which funds eligible stem … Continue reading CIRM’s $31 million boost for cancer and eye disease research
Mental Health Awareness Month: How CIRM is advancing research for neuropsychiatric disorders
Since 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in May each year to increase awareness of the importance of mental health and wellness in America. In California, it is estimated that 1.2 million adults have a serious mental illness and that 5.6 million adults have a mental health condition. Today, neuropsychiatric disorders continue to … Continue reading Mental Health Awareness Month: How CIRM is advancing research for neuropsychiatric disorders
The Stem Cellar 