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 innovative programs and research that accelerate the development of stem cell and gene therapy treatments, the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) provides funding to support valuable mission-specific scientific conferences where people can meet to exchange scientific information to meet goals relevant to CIRM’s mission. Recently, CIRM supported the 2nd Annual … 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 will support the development of ALLO-316, an innovative anti-CD70 CAR-T cell product designed to treat metastatic clear cell renal cell … 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
Mental Health Awareness Month: How CIRM is advancing research for neuropsychiatric disorders
Since 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in May each year to increase awareness of the importance of mental health and wellness in America. In California, it is estimated that 1.2 million adults have a serious mental illness and that 5.6 million adults have a mental health condition. Today, neuropsychiatric disorders continue to … Continue reading Mental Health Awareness Month: How CIRM is advancing research for neuropsychiatric disorders
CIRM at LABEST: Empowering the future of bioscience in the LA region
The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) proudly participated in and sponsored the recent 2024 Los Angeles Bioscience Ecosystem Summit Twenty (LABEST) Conference, the premier showcase for bioscience innovation in Los Angeles. With around 1,000 participants, LABEST is one of the largest gatherings of visionary scientists, enthusiastic entrepreneurs, and pioneering institutions in the region. Top … Continue reading CIRM at LABEST: Empowering the future of bioscience in the LA region
How CIRM is moving to raise awareness of Parkinson’s Disease
Crissy Field was filled with vibrant colors and massive energy for the 10th annual Moving Day San Francisco event on Saturday, May 4th. Even with the rain and wind, community members showed up to demonstrate their commitment to "moving to end Parkinson's." Moving Day is an annual fundraising walk that unites people living with Parkinson’s Disease, their caregivers, and … Continue reading How CIRM is moving to raise awareness of Parkinson’s Disease
CIRM invests $1.5 million to UCLA for research identifying risk factors for viral infections
Image of Michael Wells, PhD from UCLA The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) recently awarded $1.5 million to a new research project led by Michael Wells, PhD, of UCLA, that aims to identify the genetic and molecular risk factors underlying disease-causing viral infections in multiple diverse ancestral populations. Dr. Wells and his team of … Continue reading CIRM invests $1.5 million to UCLA for research identifying risk factors for viral infections