The Maryland Stem Cell Research Commission has awarded over $18 million in grants to accelerate cutting-edge stem cell and regenerative medicine research across the state. This substantial funding will support 52 investigators from leading Maryland-based research institutions and companies working on treatments for nearly 50 different medical conditions and diseases.
The grants target a wide spectrum of health challenges including sickle cell anemia, diabetes, various cancers, chronic pain, and conditions affecting the heart, bone, blood, digestive system, and neurological function. This comprehensive approach reflects the Commission's commitment to addressing diverse medical needs through regenerative medicine.
"We recognize the life-saving potential of the research supported by our grant awardees. Sustained MSCRF funding is essential to advancing these efforts, particularly in today's challenging funding landscape," emphasized Rachel Brewster, Ph.D., chair of the Commission. "We remain committed to helping innovative scientists and companies move cutting-edge stem cell research from the lab to patient care."
Expanding Maryland's Regenerative Medicine Ecosystem
This year's funding round notably includes the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore among its recipients for the first time, strengthening statewide participation in regenerative medicine research. The grant recipients feature innovative companies such as Seraxis Inc., Britecyte Inc., SereNeuro Therapeutics Inc., and Diagnostic Biochips, Inc., alongside academic researchers from Johns Hopkins University, University of Maryland campuses in Baltimore, College Park, and Baltimore County, and the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences/Henry Jackson Foundation.
Ruchika Nijhara, Ph.D., executive director of Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund (MSCRF), expressed particular pride in supporting the first stem cell research grant application from the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore. "It is exciting to see Maryland's regenerative medicine community continue to expand," Nijhara stated. "New companies are emerging and our existing portfolio companies with MSCRF-funded projects are advancing to human clinical trials, bringing discoveries closer to patients and fulfilling the mission of MSCRF."
Economic Impact and Long-term Investment
The current awards represent the second funding round of fiscal year 2025. Earlier in the fiscal year, the Commission allocated an additional $4.5 million in research grants to public and private entities in Maryland. Since its establishment under the Maryland Stem Cell Research Act of 2006, MSCRF has invested over $200 million in more than 650 projects, generating $525 million in economic activity and creating over 2,000 jobs statewide.
This consistent investment demonstrates Maryland's long-term commitment to positioning itself as a leader in regenerative medicine research and development, with both scientific and economic benefits for the state.
Diverse Funding Programs Support Research Pipeline
The MSCRF distributes funding through several specialized programs designed to support research at different stages of development:
Launch Awards ($3,440,434): Encouraging new and new-to-the-field faculty to bring innovative research and technology to regenerative medicine. Recipients include researchers from University of Maryland campuses and Johns Hopkins University.
Commercialization Awards ($992,710): Supporting companies developing new human stem cell-based products in Maryland. Recipients include Diagnostic Biochips, Inc. and SereNeuro Therapeutics, Inc.
Clinical Awards ($1,499,145): Funding public and private entities conducting human stem cell-based clinical trials in Maryland. Recipients include Dr. Heather Symons from Johns Hopkins University and Dr. Alla Danilkovitch from Britecyte, Inc.
Manufacturing Assistance Awards ($918,534): Providing support for manufacturing processes and infrastructure of stem cell therapy products. Seraxis, Inc., led by Dr. William Rust, received this funding.
Validation Awards ($350,000): Supporting faculty with intellectual property for human stem cell-based technologies requiring additional validation. Dr. Elias T. Zambidis from Johns Hopkins University received this award.
Discovery Awards ($9,948,617): Funding innovative ideas to develop novel human stem cell-based technologies and cures. This largest funding category supports numerous researchers across multiple institutions.
Post-Doctoral Fellowship Awards ($910,000): Supporting exceptional post-doctoral fellows conducting research in Maryland, with recipients from multiple institutions.
"New companies are emerging and our existing portfolio companies with MSCRF-funded projects are advancing to human clinical trials, bringing discoveries closer to patients," noted Dr. Nijhara, highlighting the translation of research from laboratory to clinical applications.
Future Funding Opportunities
Looking ahead, the Commission plans to release Requests for Applications (RFAs) for the first round of fiscal year 2026 funding, with applications due in July 2025. This continued investment aims to foster innovative research and advance promising cures through the various MSCRF programs.
The Maryland Stem Cell Research Commission, through the Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund, focuses on identifying and funding cutting-edge research and innovation in regenerative medicine in Maryland. Their Accelerating Cures initiative comprises programs that help transition human stem cell-based technologies from laboratory research to clinical applications, while also building and growing stem cell companies in the state.
This substantial funding commitment reinforces Maryland's position as a hub for regenerative medicine research and development, potentially leading to breakthrough treatments for numerous challenging medical conditions.
