Arjun Deb, MD, a UCLA professor of medicine and biology, received a $6 million award from CIRM to advance his research on heart attack and heart failure treatments. Cardiovascular disease is the leading global cause of death, responsible for about one-third of all deaths. A heart attack causes permanent heart muscle damage and often leads … Continue reading CIRM awards $6 million to advance research for heart attack and heart failure treatments
CIRM Welcomes Jonathan Thomas as New President and CEO
The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) announces Jonathan “JT” Thomas, PhD, JD, as its new President and CEO. JT brings broad experience and a strong commitment to CIRM’s mission. He previously served 12 years as Chair of the Independent Citizens' Oversight Committee (ICOC) and most recently as Interim CEO. “JT understands our mission and … Continue reading CIRM Welcomes Jonathan Thomas as New President and CEO
$53 million awarded to fund clinical and translational research
The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) recently awarded $53 million to fund various projects, from its Clinical and Translational programs aimed at preventing heart failure to the advancement of cell therapy for Parkinson’s disease and the targeting of numerous cancers. Two preclinical projects are providing funding for eligible stem cell and gene therapy-based projects … Continue reading $53 million awarded to fund clinical and translational research
Advancing cell therapy research for dry age-related macular degeneration (dry AMD)
The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) awarded Luxa Biotechnology $4 million to support the Phase 1/2a study (NCT04627428) of RPESC‑RPE‑4W transplantation, an innovative therapy for dry age‑related macular degeneration. The funding will significantly expand manufacturing and clinical work in California. Dry AMD is a common eye disorder in people over 50 caused by deterioration … Continue reading Advancing cell therapy research for dry age-related macular degeneration (dry AMD)
Transformative stem cell-based treatment for Cystic Fibrosis Sinusitis
A $6 million grant to Dr. Matthew Porteus and his team at Stanford University to develop an innovative stem cell-based gene correction therapy for chronic sinusitis in Cystic Fibrosis (CF) patients. CF is a common genetic disease that currently lacks a cure, causing patients to spend their lives managing symptoms. Despite significant advancements in CF … Continue reading Transformative stem cell-based treatment for Cystic Fibrosis Sinusitis
Bringing a community together at the 2nd Annual ALSP Conference
In addition to funding programs that advance stem cell and gene therapy development, CIRM supports mission‑focused scientific conferences that foster information exchange aligned with its goals. Second annual ALSP Conference Recently, CIRM supported the 2nd Annual ALSP Community Conference: Insights and Potential of Cell‑Based Therapies for Leukodystrophies. The conference brought together patients, advocates, care partners, … Continue reading Bringing a community together at the 2nd Annual ALSP Conference
Supporting a CAR T-cell trial for kidney cancer
Photo Credit: Allogene Therapeutics. Image of the ALLO-316 allogeneic CAR-T cell therapy. The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) awarded $15 million to Dr. John Le Gall and his team at Allogene Therapeutics. This funding supports ALLO‑316, an anti‑CD70 CAR‑T therapy for metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma, the most common kidney cancer. Looking for … Continue reading Supporting a CAR T-cell trial for kidney cancer
CIRM’s $31 million boost for cancer and eye disease research
The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) recently approved nearly $31 million in funding, further cementing our commitment to advancing the field of regenerative medicine. This substantial investment aims to drive clinical research targeting various cancers and eye diseases. CIRM’s dedication to fostering innovative treatments is demonstrated through its clinical program, which funds eligible stem … Continue reading CIRM’s $31 million boost for cancer and eye disease research
Tackling sickle cell disease from within
Photo Credit: Jaquell Chandler Evie Junior was born with sickle cell disease, a life-threatening condition that affects around 100,000 Americans, most of them Black and Latino. People with sickle cell disease have blood cells that are shaped like a hook (or sickle) rather than smooth and round, which can create clogs, causing intense pain, organ … Continue reading Tackling sickle cell disease from within
How CIRM’s high school internship program inspired this scientist’s career path
Photos courtesy of Rashi Ranjan Each year, interns and trainees from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) education and training programs celebrate achievements, whether that’s making new discoveries in their cell and gene therapy research or advancing to the next phase of their professional journey. This summer, Rashi Ranjan—a former SPARK high school intern—is … Continue reading How CIRM’s high school internship program inspired this scientist’s career path