For CIRM Bridges trainee Michael Zepeda, scientific research is a powerful tool for community advocacy. After completing his Master's at Cal State San Bernardino, Michael is heading to UC Irvine for his PhD to study the real-world toxicology of nicotine & e-cigarettes: https://bit.ly/3VnHlDy

Preparing for a Ph.D., CSUSB alumnus focused on communication and advocacy | CSUSB News | CSUSB

Through CSUSB's CIRM Bridges Program, two-time alumnus Michael Zepeda discovered a passion for research that improves lives and serves communities.

csusb.edu

Our latest reGEN Podcast 🎙️ features Mark Walters, MD, program director of the UCSF @cirmnews.bsky.social Alpha Clinic - & his work in blood and bone marrow transplants for children with blood disorders and cancer. Watch here bit.ly/4wYfA1t, or listen 🎧where you find your podcasts. #podcast #cancer

Blood Cells and Gene Therapy | Mark Walters, MD

Mark Walters, MD, is the Jordan Family Director of Bone Marrow Transplantation at the UC San Francisco Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland and serves as the program director of the UCSF CIRM Alpha Clinic. He has been the director of stem cell therapy and a division leader since 1999. Walters is a hematologist-oncologist who cares for children with blood disorders and cancer and specializes in blood and bone marrow transplants. Walters' research focuses on transplant and gene therapy for sickle cell disease and thalassemia – which are both red blood cell disorders that involve abnormalities of hemoglobin; the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. His goal is to offer a curative therapy to every child he treats. Because finding a healthy donor for sickle cell disease can be difficult, he also investigates methods that aim to correct the patient's own blood system through gene therapy and return the edited blood cells to the patient's circulation. Hosted by Bobby Gordon, MA, MBA This episode was recorded on Oct. 17, 2025, and all information presented is current as of this date.

bit.ly

CAR T-cell therapy works by extracting a patient's T-cells, genetically engineering them to target disease, and reinfusing them to destroy harmful cells. CIRM-funded research is expanding this "living drug" from blood cancers to HIV and autoimmune diseases. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4zKELra

“Family groups and patient organizations are absolutely central to research,” said Matthew State, MD, PhD, chief scientific advisor for Aligning Research to Impact Autism (ARIA) initiative and a scientific advisor for CIRM-funded projects: https://bit.ly/4xVXVZu

CIRM launched a $10M program to fund open-source software that helps researchers integrate, analyze, and share regenerative medicine data. The goal: turn complex datasets into faster discoveries. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4g4MZ5A

Former Broadway dancer Tara Ghiglieri joined a @ucsdstemcells.bsky.social trial testing GNSC-001, an investigational gene therapy for knee #osteoarthritis funded in part by CIRM. The therapy aims to target inflammation and cartilage damage in the joint. Read Tara's story: https://bit.ly/3TTpXpK

Experimental Treatment for Knee Osteoarthritis Explained

Explore an innovative experimental treatment for knee osteoarthritis to alleviate pain and improve mobility after injuries.

bit.ly

CIRM-funded early trial results, presented by Dr. Steven Deeks of @ucsfstemcell.bsky.social, suggest a single infusion of modified CAR-T cells may help control HIV in some participants after stopping standard treatment, pointing to a possible future beyond lifelong therapy. https://bit.ly/3UdghpZ

At the 2026 #CIRMTraineeConference, nearly 500 trainees gathered to share research, explore careers, and hear from patient advocates. Programs like Bridges, COMPASS, and CIRM Scholars reflect #California’s investment in the next generation of scientists. #regenerativemedicine

A Phase 1 trial at @stanfordmedicine.bsky.social suggests a safer stem cell transplant approach for children with Fanconi anemia, using a targeted antibody instead of radiation or high-risk chemo. CIRM invested $10M+ in this research. https://stan.md/4yByCwY

A gentler approach to pediatric stem cell transplants

Researchers are pioneering a safer stem cell transplant for children with Fanconi anemia, reducing toxicity and improving outcomes.

stanmed.stanford.edu

On the @ucsdstemcells.bsky.social podcast, Dr. Sheldon Morris discussed how collaboration with @ucsdhealth.bsky.social, industry, and researchers drives discoveries in stem cells, regenerative medicine, and gene therapies. https://youtu.be/5E_YA0-PKm8?si=zDf50hZGKRlNQyyP

Sanford Stem Cell Clinical Center | Sheldon Morris, MD, MPH

This episode features Sheldon Morris, MD, MPH, and an overview of the Sanford Stem Cell Clinical Center where Morris serves as director. The Clinical Center at UC San Diego encompasses a wide scope of services and outreach, including the California Inst...

bit.ly

3M+ Californians live with knee osteoarthritis. With $12M from CIRM, Genascence is advancing investigational gene therapy GNSC-001, designed to reduce inflammation, pain, and cartilage damage. Early data are promising; a larger trial is next. Read more: https://bit.ly/3QA4aCf

USC Roski Eye Institute and @keckschoolusc.bsky.social are launching a CIRM-funded Phase 2b trial of a stem cell-derived retinal implant for advanced dry AMD. The study will test whether it can safely replace damaged retinal cells and improve vision. https://bit.ly/4p59fPE

Can a retinal implant reverse macular degeneration?

LOS ANGELES — Age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of vision loss and blindness for Americans 65 and older, is a progressive disease affecting central vision. Over time, faces, book pag...

news.keckmedicine.org

CIRM’s largest research budget to date is an investment in Californians and the power of regenerative medicine to improve lives. In 20 years, CIRM funding has supported 100+ clinical trials for diseases without cures and expanded access. Full press release: https://bit.ly/4oORKTv

New @ucsfstemcell.bsky.social research suggests CAR-T cell therapy may offer a new approach to HIV treatment. In a CIRM-funded trial led by Dr. Steve Deeks, engineered immune cells suppressed HIV in two patients. Hear more June 25 at 10:30 AM (PT): https://www.youtube.com/CIRMTV

Hear from Genascence's founder and CEO, Tom Chalberg, PhD, on June 25 at 10:30 AM (PT), who will share an update on GNSC-001, a potential first-in-class gene therapy for knee osteoarthritis, and the progress of the CIRM-funded DONATELLO clinical trial. Watch live at https://www.youtube.com/CIRMTV

Join us for Closer to Cures on June 25 at 10:30 AM PT. Hear CIRM awardees Dr. Tom Chalberg and Dr. Steve Deeks share updates on clinical trials in knee osteoarthritis and HIV. Watch live on CIRM’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/CIRMTV

CIRM invested $2M to support @uclastemcell.bsky.social’s new Center for Advanced Biotherapies, helping expand cell and gene therapy manufacturing, speed early clinical trials, and build California’s regenerative medicine future. Read more: https://bit.ly/4fsfXMZ

Finding a #ClinicalTrial in California is now easier. CIRM’s new dashboard helps patients quickly search active cell and gene therapy trials at nine CIRM-funded Alpha Clinics across the state. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4ojqyfx

CIRM’s RAPID funding opportunity aims to speed development of platform-based genetic therapies for rare diseases. The RFA is now available for view and the mandatory consultation period is open. Interested applicants must schedule a consultation. Learn more at https://bit.ly/4uGKUli

California voters helped create a stem cell research ecosystem supporting research in 85+ diseases and nearly 1.5K grants. On the @ucsdstemcells.bsky.social reGEN Podcast, CIRM's President & CEO explains how that vote made California a global leader in regenerative medicine: https://bit.ly/3QaOHbl

At @uclahealth.org's California Center for Rare Diseases, progress is accelerating for patients with complex genetic conditions. From coordinated specialty care to promising gene therapy research, including work led by Dr. Donald Kohn, hope is growing. https://bit.ly/4tUh4Z5

UCLA research prioritizes hard-to-treat patients through rare disease innovation

At the UCLA California Center for Rare Diseases (CCRD), “rare” is a word that includes over 7,000 conditions and affects 3 million Californians. With hundreds of thousands of patients and families tou...

stemcell.ucla.edu

On the @ucsdstemcells.bsky.social reGEN Podcast, @cityofhope.bsky.social's Dr. Leo Wang highlights how CIRM Alpha Clinics is helping bring cutting-edge therapies to more patients across California through collaboration, access, and innovation. https://youtu.be/qCNBwbcc8-4?si=Uq7KtpPKSa_5rCz3

Novel Therapeutics and Discoveries | Leo D. Wang, MD, PhD

YouTube video by Sanford Stem Cell Institute at UC San Diego

youtu.be

Dr. Stephanie Cherqui and her team at @ucsdhealth.bsky.social developed a CIRM-supported stem-cell-based genetic therapy that changed Jordan Janz’s life. Now, CIRM’s RAPID initiative aims to build on breakthroughs like this to help more people with rare diseases. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3Rydc2D

CIRM Vice Chair Maria Gonzalez Bonneville joined after her father’s Parkinson’s diagnosis. Now she chairs CIRM’s #AccessibilityAndAffordability Working Group to help ensure CIRM-backed therapies reach all Californians. https://bit.ly/3QZj052

Clinical trials don’t move forward without people. For #ClinicalTrialsDay, we’re honoring the patients who make progress possible. CIRM supports 100+ clinical trials and a statewide Alpha Clinics network to expand access across California. Read more: https://bit.ly/4wHEbss

Clinical Trials: A Vital Step in Medicine

Join us in celebrating clinical trials and the brave participants who help advance medical research and treatment options.

blog.cirm.ca.gov

Solano Community College’s CIRM-funded COMPASS program trains students to spot and help build life-saving therapies. Alum Joel Saenz now helps make CAR-T products at UC Davis: “If it wasn’t for CIRM…” Full recap: https://bit.ly/4uivoeW

CIRM President & CEO Jonathan Thomas joined the @ucsdstemcells.bsky.social reGEN Podcast to discuss CIRM’s impact, why research funding matters, CA’s leadership in stem cell & gene therapy, and the #CIRMAlphaClinics Network for clinical trials access. https://bit.ly/4u84YfQ

A Conversation with CIRM's President and CEO | Jonathan Thomas, PhD, JD

This episode features our conversation with Jonathan Thomas, PhD, JD, President and CEO of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM). Thomas was previously the chair of the CIRM governing board from June 2011 to March 2023 and has played...

youtu.be

So our anti-HIV CAR makes it to the NYT. LV from Miltenyi, funded by CIRM @cirmnews.bsky.social - article should also highlight Dr Abedi’s team @ucdavismedschool.bsky.social @ucdavis.bsky.social where patients are being treated. #HIVcure #HIV #ASGCT26 www.nytimes.com/2026/05/11/h...

A Single Infusion Could Suppress H.I.V. for Years, Study Suggests

nytimes.com

Maria Gonzalez Bonneville, vice-chair of CIRM’s governing board and chair of CIRM’s Accessibility and Affordability Working Group discusses her path to CIRM, her work, and her commitment to help Californians live healthier lives. Read more of Maria's story: https://bit.ly/3QZj052

Our reGEN Podcast 🎙️ with Jonathan Thomas, PhD, JD, President and CEO of @cirmnews.bsky.social reviews the Alpha Clinic network and patient-focused novel therapeutics, clinical trials and gene therapies. Watch here bit.ly/4ffhe9K or listen 🎧 where you find your podcasts. #stemcells #genetherapy

A Conversation with CIRM’s President and CEO | Jonathan Thomas, PhD, JD

This episode features our conversation with Jonathan Thomas, PhD, JD, President and CEO of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM). Thomas was previously the chair of the CIRM governing board from June 2011 to March 2023 and has played an integral role in supporting patient-centric research, strategies and outcomes within the Alpha Clinic network and UC San Diego’s Sanford Stem Cell Institute. We discuss his history with CIRM and the impact the organization has had across California. Thomas has a long-standing commitment to patient advocacy. He spent more than 15 years on the board of the Crippled Children’s Society of Southern California and served as chair for four years. The organization, now called AbilityFirst, assists children with spinal cord injuries and mental disabilities that could be targets of stem cell therapies. Hosted by Bobby Gordon, MA, MBA This episode was recorded on Oct. 17, 2025, and information presented herein is current at the time of recording.

bit.ly