Reaching a destination without a clear plan is hard. That’s why the CIRM Board approved a new Strategic Plan that maps the agency’s direction for the next five years.
The plan builds on the success of Proposition 71, the voter-approved initiative that created CIRM in 2004. Since then, CIRM has helped drive major advances in regenerative medicine.
Those achievements include:
- Supporting 76 clinical trials.
- Helping cure more than 40 children born with a rare and often fatal immune disorder.
- Creating the Alpha Clinics Network, which specializes in delivering stem cell therapies to patients.
- Training more than 3,000 students and researchers for careers in regenerative medicine.
- Generating $10.7 billion in additional sales revenue and supporting 56,000 new jobs in California between 2004 and 2018.
Building on a Strong Foundation
California voters reinforced that commitment by approving Proposition 14 in 2020.
The measure positioned CIRM to accelerate research from discovery through clinical development. It also expanded CIRM’s ability to support innovative treatments and improve patient access.
Most importantly, Proposition 14 strengthened CIRM’s commitment to ensuring that regenerative medicine reaches diverse communities. That includes patients who have often been overlooked or underrepresented.
“We achieved a great deal during the last 15 years, and that success gives us a strong foundation for the future,” said Dr. Maria T. Millan, President and CEO of CIRM. “This plan outlines how we will overcome barriers to developing transformative therapies and make those therapies accessible and affordable for all Californians.”
She added that the plan will guide investments in scientific innovation, healthcare delivery, education, and workforce development.
A Roadmap for the Next Five Years
The Strategic Plan focuses on three key priorities.
Advance World-Class Science
CIRM will foster collaboration across the research community. The agency will build knowledge networks and support shared tools and technologies. These efforts will make it easier for researchers to share data, resources, and discoveries.
Deliver Real-World Solutions
CIRM will accelerate the development and approval of new therapies. The agency will strengthen support for CIRM-funded clinical trials and increase participation from underserved communities.
CIRM also plans to build the California Manufacturing Network. This effort will address manufacturing challenges that often slow treatment development.
In addition, CIRM will expand the Alpha Clinics Network and establish Community Care Centers of Excellence. Together, these programs will help bring regenerative medicine to diverse patient populations across California.
Provide Opportunity for All
CIRM will help build a skilled and diverse workforce to support California’s growing regenerative medicine sector.
The agency will also develop strategies that improve access and affordability. The goal is simple: ensure that all Californians can benefit from advances in regenerative medicine.
Expanding Access and Opportunity
These priorities align with CIRM’s new mission statement:
Accelerating world-class science to deliver transformative regenerative medicine treatments in an equitable manner to a diverse California and world.
CIRM recognizes that these goals are ambitious. The agency also believes they are achievable.
“If CIRM is going to remain a global leader in regenerative medicine, we must aim high,” said Dr. Millan. “We have a talented team, a clear vision, and a strong commitment to our mission.”
That mission remains unchanged: advance breakthrough science, deliver life-changing therapies, and ensure those therapies reach the people who need them most.