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The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine awarded UCLA and Cedars-Sinai researchers $5.6 million in grants aimed at bringing stem-cell research projects to clinical trial more efficiently, according to the Daily Breeze.
CIRM was established in November 2004 as California's stem cell agency after voters passed Prop 17. CIRM Presdient Alan Trounson believes these grants are vital to harnessing the power of stem cell research for cures:
"These awards are a crucial component of CIRM's commitment to accelerate the development of stem cell-based therapies for people of the world. CIRM funds all stages of therapy development, from basic research to translational awards, but any of these could be stalled by technological bottlenecks. In funding these innovative tools and technologies, CIRM is removing those barriers before they can delay cures."
Two scientists with the Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at UCLA were awarded grants of more than $1.8 million each. A Cedars-Sinai doctor was awarded more than $1.9 million.