Two Early-Stage Research Programs Targeting Cartilage Damage Get Funding from Stem Cell Agency

THIS BLOG IS ALSO AVAILABLE AS AN AUDIO CAST Darryl D'Lima: Scripps Health Every year millions of Americans suffer damage to their cartilage, either in their knee or other joints, that can eventually lead to osteoarthritis, pain and immobility. Today the governing Board of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) approved two projects targeting … Continue reading Two Early-Stage Research Programs Targeting Cartilage Damage Get Funding from Stem Cell Agency

Making stem cell and gene therapies available and affordable for all California patients

THIS BLOG IS ALSO AVAILABLE AS AN AUDIO CAST Developing a new therapy: Photo courtesy UCLA There is no benefit in helping create a miraculous new therapy that can cure people and save lives if no one except the super-rich can afford it. That’s why the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) has made creating … Continue reading Making stem cell and gene therapies available and affordable for all California patients

Breaking down barriers: Expanding patient access and accelerating research

THIS BLOG IS ALSO AVAILABLE AS AN AUDIO CAST 10 years ago I was presented with an incredibly unique opportunity- to become the fifth patient with spinal cord injuries to participate in the world's first clinical trial testing a treatment made from human embryonic stem cells. It was not only a risky and potentially life-changing decision, … Continue reading Breaking down barriers: Expanding patient access and accelerating research

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 been a leader in growing the stem cell and regenerative medicine field while keeping the needs of patients at the core of its mission.  To date, CIRM has:   Advanced stem cell research and therapy development for … Continue reading CIRM-funded stem cell clinical trial patients: Where are they now?

How two California researchers are advancing world class science to develop real life solutions

THIS BLOG IS ALSO AVAILABLE AS AN AUDIO CAST In our recently launched 5-year Strategic Plan, the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) profiled two researchers who have leveraged CIRM funding to translate basic biological discoveries into potential real-world solutions for devastating diseases. Dr. Joseph Wu is director of the Stanford Cardiovascular Institute and the recipient … Continue reading How two California researchers are advancing world class science to develop real life solutions

A CIRM-funded therapy for a deadly blood cancer gets approval for Phase 3 clinical trial

THIS BLOG IS ALSO AVAILABLE AS AN AUDIO CAST Michael Wang, MD (right) of the Department of Lymphoma & Myeloma at MD Anderson Cancer Center will lead the Phase 3 clinical Oncternal Therapeutics, Inc. is celebrating an encouraging milestone at the start of the new year following a successful End-of-Phase 2 meeting with the FDA.  Specifically, the FDA agreed on key … Continue reading A CIRM-funded therapy for a deadly blood cancer gets approval for Phase 3 clinical trial

Teaching stem cells to play video games

THIS BLOG IS ALSO AVAILABLE AS AN AUDIO CAST Pong video game Back when I was growing up, shortly after the extinction of the dinosaurs, there was a popular video game called Pong. It was, in fact, pretty much the only video game at the time. It was a pretty simple game. You moved a “paddle” … Continue reading Teaching stem cells to play video games

One more good reason to exercise

THIS BLOG IS ALSO AVAILABLE AS AN AUDIO CAST As we start the New Year with a fervent hope that it’s better than the last two, many people are making a resolution to get more exercise. A new study suggests that might not just benefit the body, it could also help the brain. At least … Continue reading One more good reason to exercise

The Most Read Stem Cellar Blog Posts of 2021

THIS BLOG IS ALSO AVAILABLE AS AN AUDIO CAST This year was a momentous one for the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM). We celebrated the passage of Proposition 14, and as a result, introduced our new strategic plan and added a group of talented individuals to our team.   We shared our most exciting updates and newsworthy stories—topics ranging from stem cell research to diversity … Continue reading The Most Read Stem Cellar Blog Posts of 2021

How do Zebrafish grow ears? It’s quite transparent

THIS BLOG IS ALSO AVAILABLE AS AN AUDIO CAST Zebrafish One of the hopes of regenerative medicine is that one day we will be able to use stem cells to regrow damaged organs, avoiding the need for a transplant. It’s a fascinating idea, supported in part by the ability of some creatures, such as Axolotls … Continue reading How do Zebrafish grow ears? It’s quite transparent