CIRM would like to honor the contributions of Fred Fisher, MSW, LCSW, a dedicated member of our Independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee (ICOC) governing board and an enthusiastic patient advocate. Fred passed away in September. Fred joined the CIRM ICOC as the ALS patient advocate in June 2021 and held various roles during his tenure, including … Continue reading Remembering CIRM board member and ALS patient advocate Fred Fisher
CIRM Board
CIRM Welcomes New Board Members
The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) is thrilled to welcome a distinguished group of new board members and alternates, each bringing a wealth of experience and leadership in healthcare, research, and innovation. Joyce A. Sackey, MD, FACP Dr. Sackey joins CIRM as an alternate for Linda Boxer. As the inaugural Chief Equity, Diversity, and … Continue reading CIRM Welcomes New Board Members
CIRM Recommendations from Strategic Allocation Framework
The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), one of the world’s largest institutes dedicated to regenerative medicine, announced key recommendations at the September 26, 2024, Independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee Meeting from its Strategic Allocation Framework (SAF), a structured and data-driven effort designed to prioritize resources and maximize the impact of CIRM’s funding. These recommendations mark … Continue reading CIRM Recommendations from Strategic Allocation Framework
CIRM Welcomes Jonathan Thomas as New President and CEO
The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) is excited to announce the appointment of Jonathan “JT” Thomas, PhD, JD, as our new President and CEO. JT brings extensive experience and a deep commitment to our mission. Previously, he served as the Chair of the Independent Citizens' Oversight Committee (ICOC) for 12 years and, most recently, … Continue reading CIRM Welcomes Jonathan Thomas as New President and CEO
Kevin Xu joins governing board of California’s Stem Cell & Gene Therapy Agency
The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), the world’s largest institution dedicated to regenerative medicine, is pleased to announce the appointment of Kevin Xu to its Independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee (ICOC), the official governing Board of the agency. Xu is CEO of MEBO International, an intellectual property management company responsible for managing “Human Body Regenerative … Continue reading Kevin Xu joins governing board of California’s Stem Cell & Gene Therapy Agency
CIRM welcomes new Chair, bids farewell to Art Torres and Jonathan Thomas
Dr. Vito Imbasciani was sworn in as the new Chair of the Board of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) at its March meeting. Imbasciani (pictured above at left) was elected to the six-year term at CIRM’s January Board meeting. He will replace outgoing chair Jonathan Thomas, who has served in the position since 2011. “My experience … Continue reading CIRM welcomes new Chair, bids farewell to Art Torres and Jonathan Thomas
CIRM board member Ysabel Duron appointed to National Cancer Advisory Board by President Biden
Ysabel Duron is an award-winning journalist, patient advocate, cancer survivor and board member of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM). Her list of achievements continues to grow, as President Biden has appointed Duron to National Cancer Advisory Board (NCAB), which plays an important role in setting the course for the national cancer research program. … Continue reading CIRM board member Ysabel Duron appointed to National Cancer Advisory Board by President Biden
Dr. Vito Imbasciani elected as Chair of California stem cell agency
Dr. Vito Imbasciani will be the new Chair of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), the state agency created by voters in 2004 and funded again in 2020 to invest in stem cell and regenerative medicine research and treatments. At January’s Board meeting, the agency’s 35-member Governing Board elected Imbasciani to the six-year term, … Continue reading Dr. Vito Imbasciani elected as Chair of California stem cell agency
Making transplants easier for kids, and charting a new approach to fighting solid tumors.
Every year California performs around 100 kidney transplants in children but, on average, around 50 of these patients will have their body reject the transplant. These children then have to undergo regular dialysis while waiting for a new organ. Even the successful transplants require a lifetime of immunosuppression medications. These medications can prevent rejection but … Continue reading Making transplants easier for kids, and charting a new approach to fighting solid tumors.
Sweet 16 and counting for stem cell clinical trial
Dr. Judy Shizuru: Photo courtesy Jasper Therapeutics Over the years the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) has invested a lot in helping children born with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), a fatal immune disorder. And we have seen great results with some researchers reporting a 95 percent success rate in curing these children. Now there’s … Continue reading Sweet 16 and counting for stem cell clinical trial