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 programs that advance stem cell and gene therapy development, CIRM supports mission‑focused scientific conferences that foster information exchange aligned with its goals.  Second annual ALSP Conference Recently, CIRM supported the 2nd Annual ALSP Community Conference: Insights and Potential of Cell‑Based Therapies for Leukodystrophies. The conference brought together patients, advocates, care partners, … 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

Tackling sickle cell disease from within

Photo Credit: Jaquell Chandler Evie Junior was born with sickle cell disease, a life-threatening condition that affects around 100,000 Americans, most of them Black and Latino. People with sickle cell disease have blood cells that are shaped like a hook (or sickle) rather than smooth and round, which can create clogs, causing intense pain, organ … Continue reading Tackling sickle cell disease from within

How CIRM’s high school internship program inspired this scientist’s career path 

Photos courtesy of Rashi Ranjan Each year, interns and trainees from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) education and training programs celebrate achievements, whether that’s making new discoveries in their cell and gene therapy research or advancing to the next phase of their professional journey.   This summer, Rashi Ranjan—a former SPARK high school intern—is … Continue reading How CIRM’s high school internship program inspired this scientist’s career path