Gene therapy trial tests cancer-killing virus in brain tumors 

Dr. Noriyuki Kasahara of UCSF has received $11.8 million from CIRM to target newly diagnosed high‑grade gliomas. These aggressive brain and spinal cord cancers are extremely hard to treat. The grant supports research on DB107, formerly Toca 511, an innovative gene therapy that selectively targets tumor cells. The therapy delivers an enzyme that converts a … 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

Arjun Deb, MD, a UCLA professor of medicine and biology, received a $6 million award from CIRM to advance his research on heart attack and heart failure treatments. Cardiovascular disease is the leading global cause of death, responsible for about one-third of all deaths. A heart attack causes permanent heart muscle damage and often leads … Continue reading CIRM awards $6 million to advance research for heart attack and heart failure treatments

CIRM Welcomes Jonathan Thomas as New President and CEO 

The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) announces Jonathan “JT” Thomas, PhD, JD, as its new President and CEO. JT brings broad experience and a strong commitment to CIRM’s mission. He previously served 12 years as Chair of the Independent Citizens' Oversight Committee (ICOC) and most recently as Interim CEO. “JT understands our mission and … Continue reading CIRM Welcomes Jonathan Thomas as New President and CEO 

$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) awarded Luxa Biotechnology $4 million to support the Phase 1/2a study (NCT04627428) of RPESC‑RPE‑4W transplantation, an innovative therapy for dry age‑related macular degeneration. The funding will significantly expand manufacturing and clinical work in California. Dry AMD is a common eye disorder in people over 50 caused by deterioration … Continue reading Advancing cell therapy research for dry age-related macular degeneration (dry AMD)