Funding to Accelerate Groundbreaking Research
and Development in Stem Cell Therapies Across Maryland
COLUMBIA, Md., Sept. 17,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Maryland Stem Cell Research
Commission (MSCRC) announces the allocation of approximately
$4.5 million in new grant awards to
advance stem cell research and technology. These grants will drive
innovative research with the potential to deliver life-saving
treatments and transformative cures for patients with a variety of
medical conditions.
Funding to Accelerate Groundbreaking
Research and Development in Stem Cell Therapies Across
Maryland
This award has been awarded to 11 accomplished scientists from
Maryland-based institutions and
companies. The awardees include researchers from renowned academic
institutions such as Johns Hopkins
University and the University System of Maryland, as well as pioneering companies such
as Therapative Inc. and Caleo Biotechnologies, Inc. Non-profit
organizations, including Regenerative Orthopedics and Sports
Medicine, LLC are also among the recipients. The grants will
support critical research into treatments for brain diseases such
as Alzheimer's and dementia, blindness, autoimmune diseases,
inflammatory bowel disease and orthopedic conditions, among
others.
A portion of the funding is dedicated to collaborative projects
between academic institutions and Maryland-based companies. As part of
this strategic initiative, researchers and companies can qualify
for additional, second-tier funding when they collaborate to
advance their innovative projects. These collaborations aim to
bridge the gap between research and market-ready products, helping
to bring novel therapies to patients more rapidly.
Notably, more than half of the total funding in this award cycle
is allocated to projects led by scientists who are new to the stem
cell research field, fostering fresh ideas and diverse expertise to
fuel the regenerative medicine ecosystem in Maryland and beyond.
"Supporting scientific advancements paves the way for
transformative medicines and cures that bring hope and healing to
patients. Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund (MSCRF) is dedicated to
guiding this path toward a healthier, brighter future for
all," said, Ruchika Nijhara, Ph.D, executive director of
MSCRF.
MSCRC remains committed to enhancing Maryland's stem cell manufacturing
capabilities. Through the Manufacturing Assistance Awards, which
aim to reduce the costs of clinical product development,
these grants significantly contribute to the State's expanding
bioeconomy, while making cutting-edge treatments more affordable
and accessible. One of the award recipients, Theradaptive, Inc., is
utilizing the funding to enhance its manufacturing infrastructure
in support of clinical trials for spinal degeneration treatment.
The company recently initiated its first-in-human clinical
trial.
"This is another year of exciting, impactful proposals that have
the potential to lead to groundbreaking stem cell-based therapies,
while also contributing to job growth in the Maryland biotech sector," said Rachel
Brewster Ph.D., chair of the MSCRC.
The 11 proposals awarded from the first cycle of Fiscal Year
2025 (FY25) include the following award categories:
- Launch: These awards encourage new and new-to-the-field
faculty to bring innovative research and technology to the
regenerative medicine field. Totaling $2,095,875, the six Launch Award recipients are
Konstantinos Konstantopoulos, Ph.D.,
Dr. Marios Arvanitis, Debasish Sinha, Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins University, as well as Dudley Strickland, Ph.D., Alexandros Poulopoulos, Ph.D., and Robin Roychaudhuri, Ph.D., from the University of Maryland, Baltimore.
- Commercialization: This award is for a Maryland-based start-up company developing new
human stem cell-based products. Totaling $490,700, the Commercialization Award recipient
is Dr. Samaneh Kamali from Caleo
Biotechnologies, Inc.
- Validation: These awards support faculty at Maryland-based Universities/Research
institutes with IP for human stem cell-based technologies that
require additional validation. Totaling $599,073, the two Validation Award recipients are
Drs. Jeffrey D Rothstein and Elias Zambidis from Johns Hopkins University.
- Clinical: This award supports clinical trials in the
State of Maryland using human stem
cells. Totaling $360,000, the
Clinical Award recipient is Dr. John
Ferrell from Regenerative Orthopedics and Sports Medicine,
LLC.
- Manufacturing Assistance: This award is to foster the
creation or advancement of manufacturing capabilities for cell
therapy products in Maryland.
Totaling $1,000,000, the
Manufacturing Assistance Awardee recipient is Dr. Luis Alvarez from Theradaptive, Inc.
Since its inception, MSCRF has committed over $200 million to nearly 650 research projects,
covering the full spectrum of technology development—from basic
research to translational research, clinical trials, and product
manufacturing.
This latest round of funding was supported by a $20.5 million budget from Governor Wes Moore and the Maryland General Assembly, showcasing Maryland's steadfast dedication to advancing
stem cell research and developing innovative medical treatments. As
the MSCRC prepares to release Requests for Applications for its
second round of FY25 funding, it anticipates continued progress in
Maryland's leadership in
regenerative medicine and medical innovation.
For more information on the grants awarded and future funding
opportunities, please visit www.mscrf.org.
About the Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund (MSCRF)
The Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund, overseen by Maryland Stem
Cell Research Commission, promotes the development of human stem
cell-based technologies in Maryland. The fund supports research through
grants to both public and private entities in Maryland, with a focus on fostering
innovation, advancing scientific discoveries, and bringing
cutting-edge treatments to patients.
About TEDCO
TEDCO, the Maryland Technology Development
Corporation, enhances economic empowerment growth through the
fostering of an inclusive entrepreneurial innovation ecosystem.
TEDCO identifies, invests in, and helps grow technology and life
science-based companies in Maryland. Learn more at www.tedcomd.com.
MSCRF Contact
Ruchika Nijhara, Executive Director, Maryland Stem Cell Research
Fund, rnijhara@tedcomd.com
Media Contact
Tammi
Thomas, Chief Development & Marketing Officer, TEDCO,
tthomas@tedcomd.com
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SOURCE Maryland Stem Cell Research Commission