2020
The impact of 15 years of CIRM funding at UCLA
Read more The impact of 15 years of CIRM funding at UCLA
In 2004, California voters approved Proposition 71, which established the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) and authorized the issuance of $3 billion in state general obligation bonds to provide funding for stem cell research in California. CIRM’s mission is to accelerate stem cell treatments to patients with unmet medical needs. Between April 2006 and September 2020, the agency awarded UCLA researchers 120 grants totaling more than $307 million.
How UCLA scientists are using stem cells to take on COVID-19
Read more How UCLA scientists are using stem cells to take on COVID-19
As the COVID-19 pandemic rages on, researchers are rising to the occasion by channeling their specialized expertise to seek new and creative ways to reduce the spread of the virus and save lives. At UCLA, more than 230 research projects, including several being led by members of the UCLA Broad Stem Cell Research Center, are contributing to that mission.
UCLA scientists receive grants for COVID-19 research from California’s stem cell agency
Read more UCLA scientists receive grants for COVID-19 research from California’s stem cell agency
Three researchers at the UCLA Broad Stem Cell Research Center have received awards to pursue treatments and vaccines for COVID-19 from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine. Drs. Gay Crooks and Christopher Seet's award will support their study of how T cells respond to SARS-CoV-2 to inform the development of vaccines and therapies. Dr. Gomperts’ award will support her use of a human stem cell-derived lung organoid model to identify new treatments.
Six patients with rare blood disease are doing well after gene therapy clinical trial
Read more Six patients with rare blood disease are doing well after gene therapy clinical trial
UCLA researchers led by Dr. Donald Kohn are part of an international team that reported the use of a stem cell gene therapy to treat nine people with the rare, inherited blood disease known as X-linked chronic granulomatous disease, or X-CGD. Six of those patients are now in remission and have stopped other treatments. Before now, people with X-CGD – which causes recurrent infections and a shortened lifespan – relied on bone marrow donations for a chance at remission.
2019
Three UCLA scientists receive grants totaling more than $18 million
Read more Three UCLA scientists receive grants totaling more than $18 million
Three researchers at the Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at UCLA have received awards totaling more than $18 million from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine, the state’s stem cell agency.
UCLA receives $10 million from The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation
Read more UCLA receives $10 million from The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation
The gift to UCLA will propel cutting-edge research toward clinical application. Over the past 12 years, the center has achieved critical successes in stem cell gene therapy, stem cell immunotherapy, cell replacement strategies and drug discovery.
Clinical trial for late-stage lung cancer opens for recruitment
Read more Clinical trial for late-stage lung cancer opens for recruitment
A phase 1 clinical trial to test a novel cancer treatment for advanced-stage lung cancer opens for recruitment. The goal of the trial is to use a combined approach to activate a targeted and precise immune response against lung cancer.
UCLA scientists create a renewable source of cancer-fighting T cells
Read more UCLA scientists create a renewable source of cancer-fighting T cells
A study by UCLA researchers is the first to demonstrate a technique for coaxing pluripotent stem cells into becoming mature T cells capable of killing tumor cells.
2018
$5.1 million grant will fund research to develop a stem cell-based therapy for blinding eye conditions
Read more $5.1 million grant will fund research to develop a stem cell-based therapy for blinding eye conditions
The new treatment will use patients’ own skin cells to generate autologous induced pluripotent stem cells to derive retinal pigment epithelium cells, which are lost in many blinding eye conditions.
Family travels 7,500 miles to save son’s life with treatment developed at UCLA
Read more Family travels 7,500 miles to save son’s life with treatment developed at UCLA
Stem cell gene therapy cures baby with life-threatening immune disorder.
New grant funds cutting-edge UCLA clinical trial for late-stage lung cancer
Read more New grant funds cutting-edge UCLA clinical trial for late-stage lung cancer
The goal of the trial is to activate a targeted and precise immune response against lung cancer.
Alpha Stem Cell Clinics Symposium champions patients and research
Read more Alpha Stem Cell Clinics Symposium champions patients and research
With a focus on the delivery of stem cell therapeutics to patients, the symposium highlighted advancements and accomplishments of the ASCC network and shared developments and applications in the field of stem cell therapeutics.
2017
UCLA opens first engineered blood stem cell clinical trial for cancers with the NY-ESO-1 tumor marker
Read more UCLA opens first engineered blood stem cell clinical trial for cancers with the NY-ESO-1 tumor marker
Directed by Dr. Antoni Ribas, the trial is the first to genetically engineer blood-forming stem cells to produce cancer-fighting white blood cells called T cells, which constitute part of the immune system.
Mice headed for space to test bone-building drug developed at UCLA
Read more Mice headed for space to test bone-building drug developed at UCLA
Findings could lead to treatment for osteoporosis and other forms of bone damage or loss.
Study overturns seminal research about the developing nervous system
Read more Study overturns seminal research about the developing nervous system
Findings could help scientists replicate or control the way axons grow more effectively in patients whose nerves have been damaged.
Eli and Edythe Broad announce new $1M grant at stem cell symposium hosted by UCLA
Read more Eli and Edythe Broad announce new $1M grant at stem cell symposium hosted by UCLA
The grant will fund innovative pilot stem cell research projects at UCLA, UCSF and USC.
2016
Dr. Owen Witte receives Stanford University alumni award in biomedical sciences
Read more Dr. Owen Witte receives Stanford University alumni award in biomedical sciences
Owen Witte is named the 2016 recipient of the Arthur Kornberg and Paul Berg Lifetime Achievement award for his groundbreaking research and passion for discovery.
UCLA's cutting-edge Duchenne muscular dystrophy research funded by California's stem cell agency
Read more UCLA's cutting-edge Duchenne muscular dystrophy research funded by California's stem cell agency
Stem cell gene therapy approach developed at UCLA holds promise for 60 percent of patients with the deadly disease.
2015
Zipursky awarded prize
Read more Zipursky awarded prize
Columbia University announced September 22 that S. Lawrence Zipursky, Ph.D., was awarded the 2015 Louisa Gross Horwitz Prize.
Andrew Goldstein on ESPN
Read more Andrew Goldstein on ESPN
UCLA stem cell scientist and anti-bullying advocate featured on ESPN
Ovarian cancer discovery
Read more Ovarian cancer discovery
Combination therapy targeting cancer stem cells may be more effective against the most common ovarian cancer.
Clinical trial led by UCLA receives $7.4 million in state stem cell funding
Read more Clinical trial led by UCLA receives $7.4 million in state stem cell funding
The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine voted unanimously to award UCLA with $7.4 million to lead a phase I/II clinical trial for X-linked chronic granulomatous disease, an immunodeficiency disorder commonly referred to as X-linked CGD. The trial, which will use stem cell gene therapy to correct the genetic defect associated with the disorder, is led by renowned stem cell researcher and UCLA Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research member, Dr. Donald Kohn.
BSCRC Director Receives Prestigious G.H.A. Clowes Memorial Award
Read more BSCRC Director Receives Prestigious G.H.A. Clowes Memorial Award
The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) announced today that Dr. Owen Witte, the founding director of the Eli & Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cell Research at UCLA, will receive the prestigious G.H.A. Clowes Memorial Award. Witte is being recognized for his many contributions to the understanding of human leukemias, immune disorders and the stem cells involved in the formation of epithelial cancers...
Treating Sickle Cell Disease - Research Shows Promising Method for Correcting Genetic Code
Read more Treating Sickle Cell Disease - Research Shows Promising Method for Correcting Genetic Code
Dr. Donald Kohn and colleagues show that a novel stem cell gene therapy method could one day provide a one-time, lasting treatment for sickle cell disease. The stem cell research published today in the journal Blood, outlines a method that corrects the mutated gene that causes sickle cell disease and shows, for the first time, the gene correction method leads to the production of normal red blood cells that do not sickle.
2014
$6 Million Awarded to Physician-Scientists for Clinical and Translational Grants from State Stem Cell Agency
Read more $6 Million Awarded to Physician-Scientists for Clinical and Translational Grants from State Stem Cell Agency
Two cardiology investigators from the Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Drs. Reza Ardehali and Ali Nsair, received grants totaling over $6 million from CIRM, the state stem cell agency. They will use their clinical and scientific training to conduct leading-edge research on the developmental and molecular biology of stem cells to advance regenerative medicine for heart disease.
UCLA and UCI Awarded $8M to Launch Collaborative Stem Cell Clinic “Center of Excellence”
Read more UCLA and UCI Awarded $8M to Launch Collaborative Stem Cell Clinic “Center of Excellence”
In a first-of-its-kind collaboration, the UCLA Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research and UC Irvine Sue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center received a five year $8M grant from the California Institute of Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), the state’s stem cell agency, to establish a CIRM Alpha Stem Cell Clinic “center of excellence.”
Clinician-Scientist Receives Research Leadership Award
Read more Clinician-Scientist Receives Research Leadership Award
Dr. John Chute has been awarded a Research Leadership Award of $5.1 million from CIRM, the state’s stem cell agency. This is intended to bolster California’s efforts in stem cell research and further its mission to advance novel treatments and cures into medical practice. Dr. Chute’s groundbreaking research focuses on the study of hematopoietic stem cells (HSC, the cells that become blood cells) and how they grow.
Campus launches The Centennial Campaign for UCLA
Read more Campus launches The Centennial Campaign for UCLA
UCLA has kicked off its $4.2 billion Centennial Campaign, the largest fundraising effort ever undertaken by a public university. As UCLA counts down to 2019, the 100th anniversary of its founding, the campaign celebrates a century of growth and achievement as a top-tier university. Learn more about giving opportunities for UCLA Broad Stem Cell Research Center and pledge your support today.
The Broad Foundations Donate $4 million to Support UCLA Research in Stem Cell Science and Digestive Diseases
Read more The Broad Foundations Donate $4 million to Support UCLA Research in Stem Cell Science and Digestive Diseases
The Broad Foundation's $2 million gift to the UCLA Broad Stem Cell Research Center (BSCRC) adds to the 2007 gift of $20 million for which the Center is named. The 2007 gift has supported faculty and research and launched the Innovation Award program, which furthers cutting-edge research at the Center by giving UCLA stem cell scientists "seed funding" for their research projects.
BSCRC Director Inducted into Cancer Research Academy
Read more BSCRC Director Inducted into Cancer Research Academy
Dr. Owen Witte, director of UCLA’s Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research is a 2014 inductee into the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Academy. The Academy was created to recognize and honor distinguished scientists whose important research has significantly advanced the fight against cancer.
Five UCLA stem cell scientists receive $3.5 million from CIRM that will forward revolutionary stem cell science in medicine.
Read more Five UCLA stem cell scientists receive $3.5 million from CIRM that will forward revolutionary stem cell science in medicine.
Recipients of the four Basic Biology V awards from the state stem cell agency, CIRM, included Dr. Lili Yang, Dr. Denis Evseenko, Dr. Thomas Otis and Dr. Ben Novitch, and Dr. Samantha Butler.
2013
UCLA Scientists Taking Stem Cell Research to Patients
Read more UCLA Scientists Taking Stem Cell Research to Patients
Scientists from UCLA’s Broad Stem Cell Research Center are bringing stem cell science funded by the California Institute of Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), the state stem cell agency, directly to patients in two exciting new clinical trials scheduled to begin in early 2014. The recipients of the Disease Team Therapy Development III awards were Dr. Dennis Slamon and Dr. Zev Wainberg, and Dr. Donald Kohn.
$13 Million Awarded to 4 UCLA Researchers from State Stem Cell Agency
Read more $13 Million Awarded to 4 UCLA Researchers from State Stem Cell Agency
Four prominent UCLA stem cell researchers have received Early Translational research awards totaling approximately $13 million from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) the state stem cell agency. The UCLA researchers received four of the 12 total awards; no other applicant institution received more than one award.
Stem Cell Researcher Receives Stem Cell “Bank” Initiative Grant
Read more Stem Cell Researcher Receives Stem Cell “Bank” Initiative Grant
Dr. Brigitte Gomperts,, a member of the Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research and associate professor of pediatric hematology/oncology, received a Tissue Collection for Disease Modeling grant of over $900,000 from the California Institute of Regenerative Medicine (CIRM).
UCLA Scholars Awarded Sloan Research Fellowships
Read more UCLA Scholars Awarded Sloan Research Fellowships
Five outstanding young professors from UCLA are among 126 scientists and scholars to receive Sloan Research Fellowships from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. Two of the five UCLA recipients, Drs. Jason Ernst and Yi Xing, are members of the Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research Center.
2012
BSCRC Scientists Awarded $20 Million Grant to Develop New Melanoma Treatment and Test it in Clinical Trials
Read more BSCRC Scientists Awarded $20 Million Grant to Develop New Melanoma Treatment and Test it in Clinical Trials
A team of scientists led by Dr. Antoni Ribas, a member of the Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at UCLA and a professor of medicine, were awarded a $20 million grant today to take leading-edge stem cell science from the laboratory and translate it into a new treatment for metastatic melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer.
Vision improves modestly in patients after human embryonic stem cell transplants
Read more Vision improves modestly in patients after human embryonic stem cell transplantsResearchers at UCLA's Jules Stein Eye Institute and colleagues who successfully transplanted specialized retinal cells derived from human embryonic stem cells into the eyes of two legally blind patients report that the transplants appear safe and that both patients have experienced modest improvement in their vision. The patients are part of two separate clinical trials, each of which will eventually include 12 patients. The trials will aim to determine the safety of this particular use of stem cell therapy, as well as the patients' ability to tolerate the treatment. UCLA Newsroom Full Story
More Information on the Clinical Trial at UCLA
Photo: UCLA's Dr. Steven Schwartz performs stem cell transplant. (Source: UCLA Newsroom)BSCRC Receives $1 Million to Support Annual Educational Symposium
Read more BSCRC Receives $1 Million to Support Annual Educational Symposium
The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at UCLA received a $1 million gift today for its annual stem cell symposium that draws top scientists from around the world. The Bloomfield Family Foundation, headed by Margaret “Peggy” Bloomfield of Pacific Palisades, made the gift. Bloomfield is a long-time supporter of the Broad Stem Cell Research Center.
2011
President Obama Nominates Broad Stem Cell Research Center Director Dr. Owen Witte to Serve on the President's Cancer Panel
Read more President Obama Nominates Broad Stem Cell Research Center Director Dr. Owen Witte to Serve on the President's Cancer Panel
Dr. Owen Witte, founding director of the Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at UCLA and a renowned cancer researcher, was selected today by President Barack Obama to serve on the President’s Cancer Panel, which monitors the development and execution of the National Cancer Program. The members of the panel are selected based on their training, experience and background as exceptionally qualified to appraise the National Cancer Program.
NIH Awards $4 million to BSCRC researchers recognizing their leading-edge, innovative research
Read more NIH Awards $4 million to BSCRC researchers recognizing their leading-edge, innovative research
Two BSCRC scientists have received prestigious awards from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) recognizing their leading-edge, innovative research. Researchers Utpal Banerjee, the Irving and Jean Stone Professor and chairman of the Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology Department and Heather Christofk, an assistant professor of molecular and medical pharmacology, received the NIH Pioneer Award and New Innovator Award, respectively.
CIRM awards more than $8 million to BSCRC researchers to investigate basic mechanisms underlying stem cell biology and differentiation
Read more CIRM awards more than $8 million to BSCRC researchers to investigate basic mechanisms underlying stem cell biology and differentiation
Six BSCRC researchers, Drs. Gay Crooks, Shuo Lin, William Lowry, W. Robb MacLellan, Kathrin Plath, and Yi Sun were awarded more than $8 million in grants from the state stem cell agency on May 3 to investigate basic mechanisms underlying stem cell biology and differentiation. The studies supported by these awards will form the foundation for future translational and clinical advances.
CIRM awards more than $5.3 million to BSCRC researchers to develop innovative tools and technologies.
Read more CIRM awards more than $5.3 million to BSCRC researchers to develop innovative tools and technologies.
Three BSCRC researchers, Dr. Richard Gatti, a professor of pathology and laboratory medicine, Dr. Thomas Carmichael, an associate professor of neurology, and Dr. Martin Martin a professor of pediatrics and gastroenterology, were awarded more than $5.3 million in state grants to develop innovative tools and technologies that will help overcome the technical hurdles in advancing basic, translational and clinical stem cell research.
2010
CIRM-BSCRC Laboratory Opens in Terasaki Life Sciences Building
Read more CIRM-BSCRC Laboratory Opens in Terasaki Life Sciences Building
The CIRM-BSCRC Laboratory is a state-of-the-art stem cell research facility that fosters scientific collaboration across disciplines in the pursuit of advancing stem cell and regenerative medicine housed in the Terasaki Life Sciences Building. In May 2010, UCLA professor emeritus of surgery and pioneer in organ transplant medicine, Dr. Paul Terasaki, donated $50 million to UCLA Life Sciences; the building was named in recognition of his visionary philanthropy.
Four UCLA Researchers awarded $12 million in grants to translate basic discoveries into therapies
Read more Four UCLA Researchers awarded $12 million in grants to translate basic discoveries into therapies
October 2010 - The state stem cell agency today awarded four grants totaling $12 million to researchers with the Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at UCLA to translate basic science into new and more effective therapies to regenerate bone and treat deadly brain cancers, spinal cord injuries and cornea disorders that result in blindness.
BSCRC researcher Gay Crooks receives $1.35 million from CIRM to fund research into transplantation immunology.
Read more BSCRC researcher Gay Crooks receives $1.35 million from CIRM to fund research into transplantation immunology.
Using stem cells to replace or restore tissues lost to injury or disease represents an area of great promise in regenerative medicine. However, immune rejection of stem cell transplants remains a challenge to translating science from the lab into the clinic. Gay Crooks will use her grant funding to develop “tolerant” T cells, cells that have been engineered to not react against, or reject, transplanted cells.
NIH accepts three UCLA human embryonic stem cell (hESC) lines into their hESC Registry.
Read more NIH accepts three UCLA human embryonic stem cell (hESC) lines into their hESC Registry.
May 2010 - hESC lines, UCLA 1, 2, and 3, derived by Drs. Amander Clark and Rachel Kim are available for use in federally funded research projects, increasing the diversity of cell lines available for study. UCLA is one of only nine institutions in the world with stem cell lines admitted to the NIH registry.
photo credit: Human Embryonic Stem Cells PLoS Biology via Wikimedia Commons2009
CIRM awards $49.2 million to BSCRC scientists to advance bench to bedside research.
Read more CIRM awards $49.2 million to BSCRC scientists to advance bench to bedside research.
Three BSCRC scientists, Drs. Donald Kohn, Irvin Chen, and Dennis Slamon, are awarded CIRM grants totaling $49.2 million to take leading-edge stem cell science from the laboratory and translate it into new therapies.
View Press ReleaseBSCRC launches Scholars in Translational Medicine (STM) Program
Read more BSCRC launches Scholars in Translational Medicine (STM) Program
The STM Program awards young clinician scientists the extraordinary opportunity to pursue translational endeavors that will drive their basic scientific discoveries to clinical application and ultimately impact patient care.
CalTech-UCLA collaboration establishes the Joint Center for Translational Medicine (JCTM).
Read more CalTech-UCLA collaboration establishes the Joint Center for Translational Medicine (JCTM).
Initial funding for the JCTM comes from a two year, $5 million gift from The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation to CalTech. The JCTM advances experimental research into clinical applications, including the diagnosis and therapy of diseases such as cancer.
President Obama’s executive order lifts Bush-era limitations on human embryonic-stem-cell research.
Read more President Obama’s executive order lifts Bush-era limitations on human embryonic-stem-cell research.
President Obama signs an executive order to lift the restriction imposed by President Bush wherein funding is prohibited for human embryonic stem cell research on cell lines created after August 9, 2001.
2008
BSCRC receives $19.8 million from CIRM to build new facilities for stem cell research.
Read more BSCRC receives $19.8 million from CIRM to build new facilities for stem cell research.
UCLA officials create space that includes research labs and core facilities to accommodate both senior and junior faculty members interested in a wide range of stem cell research areas.
View Press ReleaseUCLA researchers are the first in California to create induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells)
Read more UCLA researchers are the first in California to create induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells)
Led by Kathrin Plath and William Lowry researchers use genetic alteration to turn back the clock on human skin cells and create cells that are nearly identical to human embryonic stem cells, which have the ability to become every cell type found in the human body. Previously, only two teams of scientists from Kyoto University and the University of Wisconsin-Madison had reported the creation of iPS cells from human cells.
2007
The Broad Foundations donate $20 Million to advance the stem cell research effort at UCLA
Read more The Broad Foundations donate $20 Million to advance the stem cell research effort at UCLA
The Institute is renamed Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at UCLA. This generous gift enables UCLA to purchase specialized, high-tech laboratory equipment, support faculty recruitment through research grants and continue its leadership in cutting-edge, multidisciplinary scientific and medical research.
Stem cell researchers reprogram normal tissue cells into cells with the same properties as embryonic stem cells
Read more Stem cell researchers reprogram normal tissue cells into cells with the same properties as embryonic stem cells
Researchers at the Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Medicine at UCLA were able to take normal tissue cells and reprogram them into cells with the same unlimited properties as embryonic stem cells, the cells that are able to give rise to every cell type found in the body. The implications for disease treatment could be staggering. Reprogramming adult stem cells into embryonic stem cells could generate a potentially limitless source of immune-compatible cells...
UCLA Stem Cell Institute receives $2.86 million from CIRM to create new laboratory space.
Read more UCLA Stem Cell Institute receives $2.86 million from CIRM to create new laboratory space.
The multi-user laboratory space equipped with four tissue culture areas makes possible human embryonic stem cell research that is either not allowed due to current federal funding restrictions or not technically feasible in individual research laboratories.
2006
UCLA Stem Cell Institute recruits five internationally renowned scientists to its research team
Read more UCLA Stem Cell Institute recruits five internationally renowned scientists to its research team
The Stem Cell Institute faculty members are Amander Clark formerly of UCSF; William Lowry formerly of Rockefeller University; Hanna Mikkola formerly of Harvard; Kathrin Plath, formerly of the Whitehead Institute at MIT; April Pyle formerly of Johns Hopkins University.
View Press Release2005
UCLA launches Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Medicine
Read more UCLA launches Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Medicine
Then Chancellor Carnesale commits $20 million over five years to deepen UCLA’s impact on the field of stem cell and regenerative medicine.
2004
California voters approve Proposition 71
Read more California voters approve Proposition 71
Proposition 71, establishes the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) and authorizes the issuance of $3 billion in state general obligation bonds to provide funding for stem cell research and facilities in California.
2001
President George W. Bush restricts federal funding for stem cell research
Read more President George W. Bush restricts federal funding for stem cell research
President Bush limits federal funding for stem cell research to the existing 21 human embryonic stem cell lines and prohibits funding for research on stem cell lines created after August 9, 2001.
1998
World's first human embryonic stem cell lines are created
Read more World's first human embryonic stem cell lines are createdNovember 1998 - James Thomson (University of Wisconsin) successfully removes cells from the inner cell mass of embryos and develops the first human embryonic stem cell lines; scientists still utilize these lines to further their research.
Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research
Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research
