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

Chance discovery could lead to a treatment for skin ulcers

Dr. Antoni Ribas in his research lab on the UCLA Campus: Photo courtesy Ann Johansson When UCLA's Dr. Antoni Ribas was researching a potential therapy for melanoma, a form of skin cancer, he stumbled upon something unexpected. That unexpected discovery has now resulted in him getting a $5 million award from the governing Board of … Continue reading Chance discovery could lead to a treatment for skin ulcers

Stem Cell Agency Hires New Vice President of Medical Affairs & Policy

THIS BLOG IS ALSO AVAILABLE AS AN AUDIO CAST Dr. Sean Turbeville Sean Turbeville PhD. is joining the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) as the Vice President of Medical Affairs and Policy. Dr. Turbeville has almost 20 years of experience in Medical Affairs, creating strategies and teams for biopharma and digital healthcare companies. He … Continue reading Stem Cell Agency Hires New Vice President of Medical Affairs & Policy

CIRM-supported therapy for blood cancers gets FDA fast track

THIS BLOG IS ALSO AVAILABLE AS AN AUDIO CAST People often complain about how long it can take to turn a scientific discovery into an approved therapy for patients. And they’re right. It can take years, decades even. But for Immune-Onc Therapeutics the path to FDA approval may just have been shortened. Back in April … Continue reading CIRM-supported therapy for blood cancers gets FDA fast track

Making stem cell and gene therapies available and affordable for all California patients

THIS BLOG IS ALSO AVAILABLE AS AN AUDIO CAST Developing a new therapy: Photo courtesy UCLA There is no benefit in helping create a miraculous new therapy that can cure people and save lives if no one except the super-rich can afford it. That’s why the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) has made creating … Continue reading Making stem cell and gene therapies available and affordable for all California patients

Overcoming obstacles and advancing treatments to patients

THIS BLOG IS ALSO AVAILABLE AS AN AUDIO CAST UC Davis GMP Manufacturing facility: Photo courtesy UC Davis When you are trying to do something that has never been done before, there are bound to be challenges to meet and obstacles to overcome. At the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) we are used to … Continue reading Overcoming obstacles and advancing treatments to patients

Now-Defunct For-Profit Stem Cell Clinic Ordered to Pay $5.1 Million for Scamming Patients Through False Advertising

This blog is also available as an AUDIO CAST Photo of New York Attorney General Letitia James courtesy Wikimedia commons A now-defunct New York City for-profit stem cell clinic — Park Avenue Stem Cell — was order by court to pay $5.1 million in potential consumer restitution, penalties, and costs for fraudulently and illegally advertising … Continue reading Now-Defunct For-Profit Stem Cell Clinic Ordered to Pay $5.1 Million for Scamming Patients Through False Advertising

Some good news for people with dodgy knees

THIS BLOG IS ALSO AVAILABLE AS AN AUDIOCAST Graphic contrasting a healthy knee with one that has osteoarthritis About 10% of Americans suffer from knee osteoarthritis, a painful condition that can really impair mobility and quality of life. It's often caused by an injury to cartilage, say when you were playing sports in high school … Continue reading Some good news for people with dodgy knees

Good news on two CIRM-funded research on blood disorders

Dr. Rosa Bacchetta on the right with Brian Lookofsky (left) and Taylor Lookofsky after CIRM funded Dr. Bacchetta's work in October 2019. Taylor has IPEX syndrome It’s always lovely to end the week on a bright note and that’s certainly the case this week, thanks to some encouraging news about two CIRM-funded research on blood … Continue reading Good news on two CIRM-funded research on blood disorders

Feds hit predatory stem cell clinics with a one-two punch

Federal Trade Commission Stem cells have a number of amazing properties and tremendous potential to heal previously untreatable conditions. But they also have the potential to create a financial windfall for clinics that are more focused on lining their wallets than helping patients. Now the federal government is cracking down on some of these clinics … Continue reading Feds hit predatory stem cell clinics with a one-two punch