The Maryland Stem Cell Research Commission has approved funding to its first round of 2019 recipients for a total of $529,998. The stem cell community will come together at the organization's 2019 Stem Cell Symposium, Maryland's premier event showcasing resources for researchers and entrepreneurs to learn, connect and be inspired.
"Maryland has played a consistent and critical role in the technological growth of life sciences throughout the region," said Dr. David Mosser, chairman of the Maryland Stem Cell Research Commission. "This first round of recipients through The Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund showcases the state's successes in medical advancements, and why Maryland continues to be a leader in bringing products to market."
Established by the governor and the Maryland General Assembly through the Maryland Stem Cell Research Act of 2006, the Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund (MSCRF) promotes state-funded stem cell research and cures through grants to both public and private entities in Maryland. To date, over $147 million and over 430 grants have been committed and for this year (FY2019) the program has a budget of $8.2 million.
"These projects are focusing on developing treatments for coronary artery disease and third-degree burns," said Dr. Dan Gincel, Executive Director of MSCRF. "The funding provided to these awards focus on taking technologies from the lab into the commercial market."
The first round of MSCRF awards of the 2019 fiscal year include:
- 1 Commercialization: These awards assist with the creation of start-up companies or new technologies developed in Maryland-based companies. Totaling $299,998, the commercialization award recipient is Emily English of Gemstone Biotherapeutics, LLC.
1 Validation: These grant awards foster the transition of promising stem cell technologies having significant commercial potential from universities and research labs to the commercial sector. Totaling $230,000, the validation award is presented to Sharon Gerecht of Johns Hopkins University.
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The Commission also announced the new Requests for Applications (RFAs) for the accelerating cures programs. The RFAs are available on the Fund's website: http://www.mscrf.org with details on the program's funding mechanism. All applications are due by January 17, 2019 and awardees will be notified by early May.
Both the Commission and the MSCRF are administered by TEDCO, the go-to source for entrepreneurial support and guidance for start-ups and early-stage companies engaged in bringing innovative ideas to market. All MSCRF-funded research must be conducted in Maryland and must involve human stem cells. For additional information, visit http://www.mscrf.org/.
About the Maryland Stem Cell Research Commission
The Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund (MSCRF) was established by the governor and the Maryland General Assembly under the Maryland Stem Cell Research Act of 2006. The purpose of the fund is to promote state-funded human stem cell research and medical treatments through grants to public and private entities in the state. Those qualified to apply must be Maryland-based organizations conducting research and commercializing.
About TEDCO
TEDCO provides resources and connections that early-stage technology and life sciences companies need to thrive in Maryland. TEDCO's mission is to discover, invest in, and help build great companies. Learn more at http://www.tedco.md.
