The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) has allocated $26 million to support clinical research targeting cancers, heart conditions, and rare diseases. This investment reinforces CIRM’s commitment to advancing innovative stem cell and gene therapy treatments through all stages of clinical development. This round of awards funds five projects within CIRM’s Clinical Program, which provides … Continue reading CIRM awards boost clinical trials for cancer, heart, and rare diseases
How a Genetic Therapy Helped Connor
Photo credit: n-Lorem Like many other 15 year-olds, Connor Dalby loves music and the beach, but unlike most of his peers his life has been anything but ordinary. As an infant he struggled with sleep and persistent stomach issues. As time went on, his condition worsened. By eight months old he was experiencing seizures, sometimes … Continue reading How a Genetic Therapy Helped Connor
A new generation in the golden era of regenerative medicine
CIRM CEO and President, Jonathan 'JT' Thomas, speaking in front of conference attendees. At this year's California Institute for Regenerative Medicine Trainee Networking Conference, the young scientists assembled heard it loud and clear: this is the time, and California is the place for regenerative medicine. “You’re in the golden era of biomedical innovation,” said CIRM … Continue reading A new generation in the golden era of regenerative medicine
Where Are They Now: Jake Javier
On the first day, of the 2024 CIRM Trainee Network Conference, Jake Javier took shared his experience as a clinical trial patient, as how he benefited from the innovative trial. The event done in partnership with the University of Southern California (USC) gave trainees from CIRM’s education and training programs an opportunity to engage with … Continue reading Where Are They Now: Jake Javier
A Conversation with CEO Cory Nicholas on Neurona Therapeutics’ Recent RMAT Designation
At the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), we highlight achievements from the research we support. We recently spoke with Cory Nicholas, PhD, CEO and Co‑Founder of Neurona Therapeutics, about a major milestone for the clinical‑stage company. Neurona received the FDA’s Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy (RMAT) designation for NRTX‑1001, a CIRM‑funded neural cell therapy for … Continue reading A Conversation with CEO Cory Nicholas on Neurona Therapeutics’ Recent RMAT Designation
California high schoolers “ignite innovation” at 2024 SPARK conference
More than 100 student scientists from around California showcased their excitement for regenerative medicine and stem cell research at this year’s annual CIRM SPARK Conference in the sunny Inland Empire. Hosted by UC Riverside from Aug. 5-6 at the Riverside Convention Center, this year’s event showcased the extraordinary talent and enthusiasm of high school students … Continue reading California high schoolers “ignite innovation” at 2024 SPARK conference
Meet Our New CEO: Jonathan Thomas
We are excited to reintroduce Jonathan Thomas (JT) as the new President and CEO of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine. You can read the original press release here. We recently spoke with JT, who previously served as Chair of the Independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee and as interim President and CEO. He discussed what excites … Continue reading Meet Our New CEO: Jonathan Thomas
A CIRM Bridges Trainee’s Path into Regenerative Medicine
Josh Nelson, a former technical director for various theaters, tapped into CIRM's Bridges program at Cal Poly Humbolt to establish a career in regenerative medicine research.
A day in the life of SPARK interns
The CIRM‑funded SPARK program is one of CIRM’s educational initiatives that builds a diverse, highly skilled regenerative medicine workforce. This paid summer program gives diverse high school students valuable stem cell research opportunities, especially those who lack access due to economic barriers. This year, students across California participated again. To highlight their experiences, we asked … Continue reading A day in the life of SPARK interns
Gene therapy trial tests cancer-killing virus in brain tumors
Dr. Noriyuki Kasahara of UCSF has received $11.8 million from CIRM to target newly diagnosed high‑grade gliomas. These aggressive brain and spinal cord cancers are extremely hard to treat. The grant supports research on DB107, formerly Toca 511, an innovative gene therapy that selectively targets tumor cells. The therapy delivers an enzyme that converts a … Continue reading Gene therapy trial tests cancer-killing virus in brain tumors