October Digest

On October 28, CIRM announced the recipients of the Disease Team Research Awards, which provide up to $20 million for teams of researchers intending to move a therapy to FDA filing for a clinical trial within four years. Of the 14 awards, four went to teams that include international partners in Canada and the UK.

• CIRM, the UK and Canada Award more than $250 Million to Accelerate the Pace of Bringing Stem Cell Therapies to the Clinic
• Press conference video and background materials

News

CIRM continued building relationships with international partners in October, signing an agreement with China to collaborate on stem cell research.

• China and California Announce Collaboration to Advance Stem Cell Research toward Cures

October also brought good news for students in California: Governor Schwarzenegger signed SB471, mandating that all students in California learn about stem cell science.

• Governor Schwarzenegger signs SB471

Robert Klein, Chair of the CIRM Governing Board, was honored this month for his work leading the campaign for Proposition 71, which created CIRM.

• Robert Klein receives Research!America Advocacy Award

New Videos

CIRM released two new videos, one celebrating Stem Cell Awareness Day and one discussing progress toward a stem cell-based therapy for macular degeneration.

• Stem Cell Awareness Day 2009

• Progress and Promise in Macular Degeneration