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
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 with its FDA approved therapy. The promise of stem cells In 2004, when California voters created CIRM to fund research with stem cells, which can divide to form many different tissues in the body. Stem cells held great potential, but scientists … 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). One in a million LAD-1 is extremely rare—about one in a million births—but because … Continue reading CIRM funded clinical trial gives siblings a second chance at life
Stanford researcher Crystal Mackall discusses progress on rare cancers clinical trials
Written by Holly Alyssa MacCormick In 2023, the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) funded a clinical trial led by Stanford researcher Crystal Mackall, MD, to investigate a possible therapy for rare brain and spinal tumors. Devastating cancers These cancers, that arise from a specific genetic mutation, known as H3K27M, are devastating. Each year, about … Continue reading Stanford researcher Crystal Mackall discusses progress on rare cancers clinical trials
Cory R. Nicholas shares update on epilepsy clinical trials
Written by Holly Alyssa MacCormick Cory R. Nicholas presenting at the January 29 ICOC board meeting About 3 million adults in the United States have epilepsy, including roughly 400,000 in California, according to the CDC. About one-third to one-half continue to have seizures that do not respond to available medications. Hope for those with epilepsy … Continue reading Cory R. Nicholas shares update on epilepsy clinical trials
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
New program to help patients with rare disease
Recently, the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) announced a new approach for how its funding can advance treatments for people living with rare diseases. Individually, few people have any single rare disease, but in aggregate, about 30 million people in the U.S. have one of the roughly 10,000 rare diseases, and 95% have no … Continue reading New program to help patients with rare disease
Early-stage research could benefit those with genetic diseases
Written by Holly Alyssa MacCormick Image Credit: Audrey Davidow－Calvin outside Wanting the best for your child is a universal experience, and Audrey Davidow wanted her baby to have a bright future full of possibility. But in March of 2012, her 13-month-old son Calvin was diagnosed with a rare disease called Pitt Hopkins Syndrome, and she … Continue reading Early-stage research could benefit those with genetic diseases
A life of service: A conversation with CIRM Board Chair Vito Imbasciani
Written by Holly Alyssa MacCormick Ask Vito Imbasciani about his career and you will not hear a simple answer—you will hear a story of service to his country and to the people of California. Imbasciani, PhD, MD, FACS, Colonel (ret.), has chaired the board of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) since March 28, … Continue reading A life of service: A conversation with CIRM Board Chair Vito Imbasciani
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