The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) is not alone in looking for ways to make cell and gene therapies more affordable and accessible.

The Innovative Genomics Institute (IGI) recently completed a year‑long effort to explore how to expand access to these treatments. IGI formed a task force of 30 experts to develop options. The group included specialists in genome engineering, economics, manufacturing, venture capital, intellectual property, and other fields.d accessible.

The task force recently published its recommendations in a report titled “Making Genetic Therapies Affordable and Accessible.”

The report outlines the current gene therapy landscape and explains how research, development, and manufacturing influence treatment costs. It also proposes ways to reduce these expenses and highlights how government funding in general—and CIRM support specifically—can offset key development costs.

One proposed model involves a development partnership between academic researchers, nonprofit medical organizations, and public benefit corporations. This model aims to significantly reduce therapy delivery costs. The report also offers policy recommendations needed to support this approach.

The progress since 2004, when stem cell science was still emerging, has been remarkable. In a short time, the field has moved from exploring stem cell potential to developing therapies for clinical trials. Now we are entering the next phase: expanding access to innovative treatments for patients.

IGI’s work, along with broader research, will inform CIRM’s Access and Affordability Working Group as it explores ways to ensure that all Californians can access CIRM‑funded treatments.