CIRM Bridges student discusses her poster presentation The CIRM Board approved a new training program called COMPASS (Creating Opportunities through Mentorship and Partnership Across Stem Cell Science). The program fills a critical need for skilled practitioners who can contribute at every stage of translating science to medicine. Next-generation scientists COMPASS aims to prepare a diverse … Continue reading CIRM Board gives thumbs up to training and treatment programs
Month: January 2022
Two Early-Stage Research Programs Targeting Cartilage Damage Get Funding from Stem Cell Agency
Darryl D'Lima: Scripps Health Every year, millions of Americans damage cartilage in their knees and other joints. These injuries can lead to osteoarthritis, pain, and loss of mobility. Today, the CIRM Board approved two projects to repair damaged cartilage. The projects were among 17 awards approved through CIRM’s DISC2 Quest Discovery Program. The program supports … Continue reading Two Early-Stage Research Programs Targeting Cartilage Damage Get Funding from Stem Cell Agency
More accessible and affordable cell and gene therapies
Developing a new therapy: Photo courtesy UCLA There is no benefit in creating a miraculous new therapy that can cure people and save lives if only the super-rich can afford it. That’s why the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) has made creating a roadmap to help make new treatments both available and affordable for … Continue reading More accessible and affordable cell and gene therapies
Next-generation regenerative science workforce
Bridges scholars presenting their research posters to CIRM team members and other scientists Regenerative medicine is a diverse, rapidly evolving field that draws on expertise from biologists, engineers, and clinicians. Building a skilled workforce As the field advances, it needs a highly trained workforce to translate discoveries into patient care. That’s why a key goal … Continue reading Next-generation regenerative science workforce
CIRM scholars growing the regenerative medicine field in California
CIRM Scholar Alessandra Rodriguez y Baena CIRM scholar Alessandra’s story illustrates just one of the many ways CIRM has helped nurture the future of regenerative medicine in California. Gaining Exposure to Innovative Research CIRM Scholar Alessandra Rodriguez y Baena was a Master’s student at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. With the support of CIRM’s Bridges Program, she became a CIRM intern in the Willert Lab … Continue reading CIRM scholars growing the regenerative medicine field in California
Expanding patient access to clinical trials
Ten years ago, I was offered a rare opportunity: to become the fifth person with a spinal cord injury to join the world’s first clinical trial testing a therapy made from human embryonic stem cells. It was a risky, life‑changing decision—and I had less than a week to make it. To complicate things, I would … Continue reading Expanding patient access to clinical trials
Overcoming obstacles and advancing treatments to patients
UC Davis GMP Manufacturing facility: Photo courtesy UC Davis When you try something that has never been done before, you are bound to face challenges and obstacles. At the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) we are used to coming up with great ideas and hearing people ask “Well, how are you going to do … Continue reading Overcoming obstacles and advancing treatments to patients
CIRM-funded stem cell clinical trial patients: Where are they now?
Ronnie with his parents Pawash Priyank and Upasana Thakur. Since its launch in 2004, the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) has led growth in the stem cell and regenerative medicine field while keeping patients' needs at the core of its mission. To date, CIRM has: Advanced stem cell research and therapy development for more than 75 diseases. Funded … Continue reading CIRM-funded stem cell clinical trial patients: Where are they now?
Ideas for regenerative medicine
If Kindergarten kids can learn to share why can't scientists? When I was a kid, adults always told us to share our toys. It taught us to cooperate and avoid conflict. Strategic plan The same principle applies to science. Sharing data, knowledge, and ideas builds community and helps researchers advance their work. It also accelerates … Continue reading Ideas for regenerative medicine
Connecting California’s research ecosystem through shared labs
A shared stem cell laboratory at UCLA In regenerative medicine (and many other fields), a lack of protocol standardization and analytical toolkits makes it difficult to access novel, reliable technology platforms. Competency hubs CIRM recognizes these limitations, and as a response, the Agency has made it a goal in the "Prop 14 era” to develop … Continue reading Connecting California’s research ecosystem through shared labs