CIRM Board Approves $19.7 Million in Awards for Translational Research Program

In addition to approving funding for breast cancer related brain metastases last week, the CIRM Board also approved an additional $19.7 million geared towards our translational research program. The goal of this program is to help promising projects complete the testing needed to begin talking to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) about holding … Continue reading CIRM Board Approves $19.7 Million in Awards for Translational Research Program

Genetic defect leads to slower production of brain cells linked to one form of autism

Child with Fragile X syndrome Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a genetic disorder that is the most common form of inherited intellectual disability in children, and has also been linked to a form of autism. Uncovering the cause of FXS could help lead to a deeper understanding of autism, what causes it and ultimately, it’s … Continue reading Genetic defect leads to slower production of brain cells linked to one form of autism

CIRM funded study identifies potential drug target for deadly heart condition

Joseph Wu is co-senior author of a study that demonstrates how patient-derived heart cells can help scientists better study the heart and screen potential therapies. Photo courtesy of Steve Fisch Heart disease continues to be the number one cause of death in the United States. An estimated 375,000 people have a genetic form of heart … Continue reading CIRM funded study identifies potential drug target for deadly heart condition

From bench to bedside: a Q&A with stem cell expert Jan Nolta

At CIRM we are privileged to work with many remarkable people who combine brilliance, compassion and commitment to their search for new therapies to help people in need. One of those who certainly fits that description is UC Davis' Jan Nolta. This week the UC Davis Newsroom posted a great interview with Jan. Rather than … Continue reading From bench to bedside: a Q&A with stem cell expert Jan Nolta

Developing a non-toxic approach to bone-crushing cancers

When cancer spreads to the bone the results can be devastating Battling cancer is always a balancing act. The methods we use – surgery, chemotherapy and radiation - can help remove the tumors but they often come at a price to the patient. In cases where the cancer has spread to the bone the treatments … Continue reading Developing a non-toxic approach to bone-crushing cancers

Stories of the week – preterm birth and mice with a human immune system

While we are here at ISSCR 2019 hearing various scientists talk about their work, we realize that there are various breakthroughs in stem cell research in a wide variety of different fields going on every day. It is wonderful to see how scientists are hard at work in developing the latest science and pushing innovation. … Continue reading Stories of the week – preterm birth and mice with a human immune system

The stem cell conference where even the smartest people learn something

A packed house for the opening keynote address at ISSCR 2019 At first glance, a scientific conference is not the place you would think about going to learn about how to run a political or any other kind of campaign. But then the ISSCR Annual Meeting is not your average conference. And that’s why CIRM … Continue reading The stem cell conference where even the smartest people learn something

“A new awakening”: One patient advocate’s fight for her daughters life

We often talk about the important role that patient advocates play in helping advance research. That was demonstrated in a powerful way last week when the CIRM Board approved almost $12 million to fund a clinical trial targeting a rare childhood disorder called cystinosis. The award, to Stephanie Cherqui and her team at UC San … Continue reading “A new awakening”: One patient advocate’s fight for her daughters life

CIRM Board Approves New Clinical Trial for Rare Childhood Disease

Today the governing Board of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) approved a grant of almost $12 million to Dr. Stephanie Cherqui at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) to conduct a clinical trial for treatment of cystinosis. This award brings the total number of CIRM funded clinical trials to 55.  Cystinosis is … Continue reading CIRM Board Approves New Clinical Trial for Rare Childhood Disease

Stanford study successful in transplant of mismatched stem cells, tissue in mice

Dr. Irv Weissman at Stanford University A transplant can be a lifesaving procedure for many people across the United States. In fact, according to the Health Resources & Services Administration, 36,528 transplants were performed in 2018. However, as of January 2019, the number of men, women, and children on the national transplant waiting list is … Continue reading Stanford study successful in transplant of mismatched stem cells, tissue in mice