The Maryland Stem Cell Research Commission (MSCRC) has allocated around $4 million in grant awards aimed at advancing stem cell innovations within the US state. The funding, part of the commission’s Accelerating Cures initiative, is intended to support research in the field and facilitate the growth of stem cell companies, ultimately translating scientific advancements “from the bench to the bedside.”
Twelve exceptional scientists from various research institutions and early-stage companies have been selected as recipients of these grants. The awardees include researchers from academic institutions such as Johns Hopkins University and the University System of Maryland, as well as early-stage companies like Secretome Therapeutics, Renovate Biosciences and Phycin.
“We recognize that consistent funding plays a pivotal role in the development of affordable, life-changing therapies,” said Dr Ruchika Nijhara, executive director of the Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to providing vital support to researchers and companies across Maryland as they work to realize the potential of their groundbreaking stem cell-based discoveries and transformative therapies, reshaping the future of medicine.”
The grants have been earmarked for the development of treatments and cures for a wide array of conditions, including those affecting the liver, eyes, blood, bones, heart, nervous system, autoimmune system and cancer.
The MSCRC has committed more than $200 million to nearly 600 stem cell research projects, encompassing basic research, translational research, clinical development, and product manufacturing.
“We are thrilled to witness the remarkable strides our awardees have taken in advancing their pioneering discoveries toward clinical application,” said Diane Hoffmann, chair of the MSCRC. “We hold great hope that these groundbreaking innovations will bring about enduring improvements in patient care and overall well-being.”
The grants awarded in this funding cycle are categorized as follows:
Launch: Designed to encourage new and emerging faculty in the field of regenerative medicine.
Commercialization: Aimed at companies working on diagnostics, treatments, and cures using stem cells.
Validation: Support for faculty with intellectual property related to human stem cell-based technologies that require additional validation.
Discovery: Funding for innovative ideas to develop novel human stem cell-based technologies and cures.
Post-Doctoral Fellowship: Support for exceptional post-doctoral fellows conducting stem cell research.
