California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM)

CIRM is paving the way for a diverse and skilled workforce in regenerative medicine throughout the Golden State.     Check out this video highlighting mentors, students, clinical fellows, and program alums as they share their journey and the invaluable support they've received.     #CIRM #DiversityInScience #IgnitingInnovation 

A team of scientists at the Gladstone Institutes—with funding support from CIRM and various institutions— has created a new method to simultaneously make precise edits in multiple locations within a cell. This breakthrough uses retrons, distinct DNA sequences that code for a reverse transcriptase (RT), to modify DNA efficiently in bacteria, yeast, and human cells. The ability to edit multiple genome locations at the same time opens new possibilities for studying complex diseases and developing advanced therapies. 

The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jonathan Thomas, PhD, JD, as CIRM’s President and CEO. Dr. Thomas—who is also known as JT—previously served as the ICOC Board Chair, a position he held for 12 years up to 2023, and most recently, as CIRM’s Interim CEO. “It is a privilege to take over as the official CEO and President of this incredible organization. Over the past six months, our outstanding team has made significant strides developing a game plan for how to best use the remaining Prop 14 funds for the greatest benefits for patients throughout California. As we approach our 20th anniversary, I am eager to lead CIRM into this next phase by building on our achievements and accelerating the development of transformative therapies,” said Dr. Thomas. Read the full announcement: https://lnkd.in/dPSP7sn9

We are excited to announce CIRM's logo refresh! Over the past 20 years, our logo has evolved to reflect our growth and transformation. Our new design continues this tradition, embodying our commitment to innovation and excellence while staying true to our core values. This brand refresh reflects who we are today and symbolizes our dynamic future. #CIRM #LogoRefresh #BrandRefresh #NewLogo #BrandUpdate

Dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects nearly 19.8 million people in the U.S. and leads to deteriorated central vision due to the loss of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. CIRM granted $4 million to Luxa Biotechnology LLC to support the innovative RPESC-RPE-4W therapy. This therapy aims to replace lost RPE cells and restore vision, which could be a breakthrough in treating this prevalent eye disorder. #DryAMD #NewTherapies #StemCellTherapy #StemCellResearch #RegenerativeMedicine #IndustryNews #CIRM

CIRM is thrilled about the recent FDA approval of Eli Lilly and Company's Kisunla drug, an Alzheimer's treatment for adults with early symptomatic Alzheimer's disease (AD). This approval underscores the critical importance of continued research and innovation in developing treatments for Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases. Congratulations to all the researchers and scientists who have dedicated their efforts to this breakthrough. #AlzheimersResearch #AD #Alzheimers #FDAapproval #MedicalProgress #CIRM #IndustryNews

CIRM awarded $15 million to Dr. John LeGall and Allogene Therapeutics for developing ALLO-316, an anti-CD70 CAR-T cell therapy for metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Initial Phase 1 TRAVERSE trial data shows promising anti-tumor activity. This support will advance research, expand clinical sites, and enhance patient access, offering hope for kidney cancer treatment. #Immunotherapy #CART #CellTherapy #KidneyCancer #Treatment #Cancer #CancerTreatment #NewTreatments #NewResearch #CancerResearch

Chronic sinusitis significantly impacts the quality of life for many Cystic Fibrosis (CF) patients. A new therapy funded by CIRM and developed by Dr. Matthew Porteus' team at Stanford University aims to change that. This therapy could offer transformative, long-lasting improvements over current treatments by targeting CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) mutations. We are excited to support this pioneering research and its potential to improve the lives of CF patients. #StemCellResearch #StemCell #CysticFibrosisSinusitis #CysticFibrosis #NewTherapy #StemCellTherapy #Research

CIRM proudly supported the 2nd Annual ALSP Community Conference, where attendees discussed valuable insights and potential cell-based therapies for leukodystrophies, a group of rare genetic disorders that affect the central nervous system. Heidi Edwards of Sisters' Hope Foundation emphasized the importance of such gatherings in bridging gaps between patients, families, and medical professionals. These connections foster hope and understanding. #ALSPConference #CIRM #StemCellResearch #Community #PatientAdvocacy

The FDA has granted Neurona Therapeutics' lead product candidate, NRTX-1001, the RMAT expedited program designation for drug-resistant mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE). The first stage of the clinical trial is supported by the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM). Kim J. Burchiel, M.D., Head of Functional Neurosurgery at Oregon Health Sciences University, who treated the second subject in the Phase 1/2 trial, said: “Unlike current surgical options, which are destructive to brain tissue and can result in serious adverse effects including neurocognitive impairment, NRTX-1001 cell therapy has shown the potential to control seizures without such adverse effects. If these findings are confirmed, NRTX-1001 would satisfy a major unmet medical need for people with drug-resistant epilepsy." Investigational therapies that receive RMAT designation are eligible to receive expedited development review and planning guidance from the FDA. Read the full announcement here: https://lnkd.in/eJHzyZ6P