CIRM To Award $40M for Stem-Cell Genomic Research

The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine is planning to invest up to $40 million in stem-cell genomic research, AP/Modern Healthcare reports.

According to AP/Modern Healthcare, stem-cell genomic research could "revolutionize" the medical field by creating more personalized treatments (AP/Modern Healthcare, 1/26).

Background on CIRM

In 2004, California voters approved Proposition 71, which created CIRM. The agency was launched to advance development of stem cell-based disease treatments.

Since 2004, CIRM has allocated about $1.7 billion to 68 institutions to support advances in stem-cell research and regenerative medicine (California Healthline, 3/11/13).

However, according to AP/Modern Healthcare, the institute has not yet developed any new therapies, which could pose problems when CIRM re-applies for additional funding in three years (AP/Modern Healthcare, 1/26).

Details of New Funding

Several scientists and business leaders from across the state are vying for the funding from CIRM.

According to the Sacramento Bee, six members of the agency's board of directors, along with a number of out-of-state scientists, will review applications for the funding, and the full CIRM board will make an official decision on Wednesday (Jensen, Sacramento Bee, 1/26).

According to AP/Modern Healthcare, documents posted on CIRM's website on Friday indicate that a group led by Michael Snyder, director of Stanford University's Center for Genomics and Personalized Medicine, is expected to receive a $33 million grant (AP/Modern Healthcare, 1/26).