Reversing hearing loss through regenerative medicine

These images show cellular regeneration, in pink, in a preclinical model of sensorineural hearing loss. The control is on the left and the right has been treated. Image: Hinton AS, Yang-Hood A, Schrader AD, Loose C, Ohlemiller KK, McLean WJ. Most of us know someone affected by hearing loss, but we may not fully realize … Continue reading Reversing hearing loss through regenerative medicine

Stem cell-derived retinal patch continues to show promising results two years post-implantation

Earlier this year we wrote about the promising results of a phase 1 clinical trial aimed at replacing the deteriorating cells in the retinas of people suffering from age-related macular degeneration- one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide for people over 50. Now there’s even more good news! Highlighted in a news story on … Continue reading Stem cell-derived retinal patch continues to show promising results two years post-implantation

First Patient Dosed in Phase 1 Clinical Trial for T1D

THIS BLOG IS ALSO AVAILABLE AS AN AUDIO CAST There’s some good news for a company and a therapeutic approach that CIRM has been supporting for many years. In September 2018, CRISPR Theraputics and ViaCyte entered a partnership to discover, develop and market gene-edited stem cell-derived therapies to treat type 1 diabetes (T1D). Today, they may stand … Continue reading First Patient Dosed in Phase 1 Clinical Trial for T1D

CIRM-funded stem cell clinical trial patients: Where are they now?

Ronnie with his parents Pawash Priyank and Upasana Thakur. Since its launch in 2004, the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) has been a leader in growing the stem cell and regenerative medicine field while keeping the needs of patients at the core of its mission.  To date, CIRM has:   Advanced stem cell research and therapy development for … Continue reading CIRM-funded stem cell clinical trial patients: Where are they now?

A CIRM-funded therapy for a deadly blood cancer gets approval for Phase 3 clinical trial

THIS BLOG IS ALSO AVAILABLE AS AN AUDIO CAST Michael Wang, MD (right) of the Department of Lymphoma & Myeloma at MD Anderson Cancer Center will lead the Phase 3 clinical Oncternal Therapeutics, Inc. is celebrating an encouraging milestone at the start of the new year following a successful End-of-Phase 2 meeting with the FDA.  Specifically, the FDA agreed on key … Continue reading A CIRM-funded therapy for a deadly blood cancer gets approval for Phase 3 clinical trial

Lack of diversity leaves cloud hanging over asthma drug study

Asthma spacer, photo courtesy Wiki Media Creative Commons THIS BLOG IS ALSO AVAILABLE AS AN AUDIO CAST If you want to know if a new drug or therapy is going to work in the people it affects the most you need to test the drug or therapy in the people most affected by the disease. … Continue reading Lack of diversity leaves cloud hanging over asthma drug study

Stem Cell Agency Board Approves Roadmap for Next Five Years

Dr. Maria Millan, CIRM's President & CEO It's hard to get somewhere if you don't know where you are going. Without a map you can't plan a route to your destination. That's why the CIRM Board approved a new Strategic Plan laying out a roadmap for the Stem Cell Agency for the next five years. … Continue reading Stem Cell Agency Board Approves Roadmap for Next Five Years

Producing insulin for people who can’t

THIS BLOG IS ALSO AVAILABLE AS AN AUDIO CAST ViaCyte's implantable stem cell pouch One of the huge advantages of a stem cell agency like CIRM (not that there is anything out there quite like us, but anyway) is our ability to support projects as they progress from a great idea to a therapy actually … Continue reading Producing insulin for people who can’t

The Evolution of World AIDS Day: Then and Now 

THIS BLOG IS ALSO AVAILABLE AS AN AUDIO CAST TIME cover stories on AIDS through the years A truly modern epidemic, HIV/AIDS has hit every continent on the planet and affects nearly 40 million people worldwide. Today, we celebrate World AIDS Day by commemorating those who have died from AIDS-related illness, showing support for people living … Continue reading The Evolution of World AIDS Day: Then and Now 

Type 1 diabetes therapy gets go-ahead for clinical trial

ViaCyte's implantable cell-based therapy for type 1 diabetes THIS BLOG IS ALSO AVAILABLE AS AN AUDIO CAST Taking even the most promising therapy and moving it out of the lab and into people is an incredibly complex process and usually requires a great team. Now, two great teams have paired up to do just that … Continue reading Type 1 diabetes therapy gets go-ahead for clinical trial