written by Holly Alyssa MacCormick The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) helped fund a clinical trial that involved an experimental stem cell treatment for a frequently paralyzing form of spina bifida. Today, several of those babies are now able to walk and run unassisted.Babies with severe spina bifida are often treated with surgery after … Continue reading Closer to Cures: Diana Farmer discusses clinical trials for spina bifida
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First therapy supported by CIRM approved by the FDA
Image Credit: Canva stock images After 21 years (and a few months), the California Institute of Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) has hit a major milestone: the first therapy supported by CIRM has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in patients. In 2004, when California voters created CIRM to fund research with stem cells — cells that can divide to form many different tissues … Continue reading First therapy supported by CIRM approved by the FDA
CIRM-funded clinical trial gives siblings a second chance at life
written by Holly Alyssa MacCormick Image Credit: The Langenhop Family Alicia Langenhop was seven months pregnant with her third child when she and her husband, Jon, learned that their two toddlers had a life-threatening immune disease called leukocyte adhesion deficiency-1 (LAD-1). The odds of being born with LAD-1 are rare, literally one-in-a-million, but the disease is genetic, so the Langenhop’s unborn child had a roughly 25 … Continue reading CIRM-funded clinical trial gives siblings a second chance at life
CIRM board supports a rare disease funding plan, administrative changes
Written by Holly Alyssa MacCormick South San Francisco, CA, January 30, 2026 – As many as 1 in 10 people in the U.S. has a rare disease, many of which have no known cure. A new program by the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) could change this by funding novel ways to develop multiple … Continue reading CIRM board supports a rare disease funding plan, administrative changes
Explore how CIRM is advancing California’s scientific vision
Our 2025 Annual Report, Looking Forward: Advancing California’s Scientific Vision, is here. This year’s report captures a future-focused mission that highlights progress, momentum, and long-term impact. It reflects California’s leadership in science, evokes hope and possibility, and embraces continual advancement in regenerative medicine. Inside the report, you'll find: Powerful Voices: Patients, families, and researchers share … Continue reading Explore how CIRM is advancing California’s scientific vision
Neurona Doses First Patient in CIRM-Funded Bilateral Epilepsy Cell Therapy Trial
Image Credit: Canva Stock Photo Neurona Therapeutics has reached a major milestone in the development of its stem cell approach to treating epilepsy. The company recently announced that the first patient has been dosed in a Phase 1/2 clinical trial evaluating NRTX-1001, a cell therapy for adults whose epilepsy affects both sides of the brain … Continue reading Neurona Doses First Patient in CIRM-Funded Bilateral Epilepsy Cell Therapy Trial
CIRM awards $2.8 million to develop a gene therapy for rare neuromuscular disorders
Credit: Shutterstock The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) announced in January $100 million in funding for a broad range of projects, including four to support clinical programs. One of these was a $2.8 million award to Patricio Sepulveda, PhD, MBA, CEO of Amplo Biotechnology, Inc. That grant will support the development of a gene … Continue reading CIRM awards $2.8 million to develop a gene therapy for rare neuromuscular disorders
Advancing Heart Health: CIRM Funds Tenaya Therapeutics’ Gene Therapy Trial for ARVC
Histology of human cardiac muscle under microscope. Credit: Shutterstock The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) recently announced funding a series of projects spanning the earliest stages of research through to clinical trials. One of those projects was an $8 million award to Matthew Pollman, MD, MS, Senior Vice President of Clinical Development at Tenaya … Continue reading Advancing Heart Health: CIRM Funds Tenaya Therapeutics’ Gene Therapy Trial for ARVC
Honoring Dr. John Zaia: A Legacy of Science, Leadership, and Kindness
Photo Courtesy: City of Hope The scientific community lost a true pioneer with the passing of John A. Zaia, MD, a visionary virologist, gene therapy trailblazer, and esteemed leader at City of Hope. Dr. Zaia dedicated over four decades to advancing regenerative medicine, leaving a profound impact on HIV research, pediatric diseases, stem cell transplantation, … Continue reading Honoring Dr. John Zaia: A Legacy of Science, Leadership, and Kindness
FDA Grants RMAT Designation to Luxa Biotechnology’s CIRM-funded Dry AMD Therapy
Credit: Shutterstock The FDA has granted Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy (RMAT) designation for a project focused on vision loss that was funded in part by the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM). This designation is given to highly promising regenerative medicine therapies that treat serious or life-threatening diseases with the goal of accelerating the path … Continue reading FDA Grants RMAT Designation to Luxa Biotechnology’s CIRM-funded Dry AMD Therapy