The Maryland Stem Cell Research Commission (The Commission) recently announced over $7M in Maryland Stem Cell Fund (MSCF) grant awards for its second round of 2020 MSCF fund recipients. The MSCF, which is a program of the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO), has awarded $157M in funding to BioHealth Capital Region (BHCR) companies seeking to accelerate stem cell research, therapies and commercialization of products since 2007.
The $7M in new funding follows MSCFs announcement in September 2019 of over $1.3M in grants for the first cohort of 2020 recipients, bringing the total 2020 MSCF award tally to approximately $8.3M for the year. The financial awards are delivered across a wide range of areas, including clinical, commercialization, validation, launch, discovery, and post-doctoral fellowships. The first cohort of funding included three commercialization and two validation awards; the second, larger recipient pool included one clinical, one commercialization, one validation, four launches, 11 discovery, and five post-doctoral awards.
Notable BHCR MSCF recipients included:
Dr. Luis Garza of Johns Hopkins University (JHU) received a clinical grant to support clinical trials for his autologous volar fibroblast injection into the stump site of amputees. The trials are exploring ways to make the skin where a prosthetic limb meets the stump site tougher and less irritable to the wearer. Skin irritation is a major issue for those with prosthetic limbs and is often a cause for individuals to stop wearing their prosthesis.
Vita Therapeutics, a company that spun out of JHU, was awarded a 300K MSCF grant to support the commercialization of the companys satellite stem cell therapy for limb-girdle Muscular Dystrophy. According to the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD), Limb-girdle muscular dystrophies (LGMD) are a group of rare progressive genetic disorders that are characterized by wasting (atrophy) and weakness of the voluntary muscles of the hip and shoulder areas (limb-girdle area). Vita Therapeutics is led by CEO Douglass Falk, who is a JHU alum.
Jamie Niland, VP of Baltimore, Marylands Neoprogen Inc. received part of $892,080K in funding that was part of MSCFs first 2020 grant round. Jamie is the son of Bill Niland, Neoprogens current CEO and the former leader of Baltimore, Maryland life science community anchor Harpoon Medical, which was acquired by Edwards Scientific in 2017. The award was for Neoprogens neonatal cardiac stem cells for the heart tissue regeneration program.
Dr. Brian Pollok of Rockville, Marylands Propagenix, Inc., was also the recipient of a commercialization award for his Apical Surface-Outward (ASO) airway organoids, which is a potential novel cell system for drug discovery and personalized medicine. Propagenix develops innovative new technologies that address unmet needs in epithelial cell biologyfor applications in life science research as well as in precision diagnostics, and next-generation therapeutics such as immune-oncology, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine, according to the companys website.
In addition, Dr. Ines Silva, R&D Manager of REPROCELL, USA received an MSCF commercialization grant for its work on building a commercial neural cell bank from patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells. REPROCELL was founded in Japan in 2003 and acquired BioServe in Beltsville, Maryland in 2014.
Dr. Sashank Reddy, the founder of JHU startup LifeSprout and Medical Director, Johns Hopkins Technology Ventures Johns Hopkins University, received a portion of the $1,334,462 distributed for launch grants in 2020. The grant will go to support the launch of regenerative cell therapies for soft tissue restoration. LifeSprout recently closed a $28.5M seed round.
Past MSCF grant recipients include Frederick, Marylands RoosterBio, Inc. and Theradaptive, Inc., and Baltimore, Marylands Gemstone Biotherapeutics and Domicell, Inc., among others.
TEDCOs MSRF program continues to lend its deep support and ample funding to build and grow Marylands burgeoning and exciting regenerative medicine industry. Well be keeping a close eye on these companies as they grow and make future contributions to the thriving BHCR biocluster.
Steve has over 20 years experience in copywriting, developing brand messaging and creating marketing strategies across a wide range of industries, including the biopharmaceutical, senior living, commercial real estate, IT and renewable energy sectors, among others. He is currently the Principal/Owner of StoryCore, a Frederick, Maryland-based content creation and execution consultancy focused on telling the unique stories of Maryland organizations.
- Stem.MD | Stem Cell Therapy - Stem.MD [Last Updated On: August 22nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: August 22nd, 2014]
- Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund - MDBIZNews [Last Updated On: August 22nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: August 22nd, 2014]
- Capitol Pain Institute Celebrating Three Employee Anniversaries and the Addition of Ten Medical Assistants [Last Updated On: September 12th, 2014] [Originally Added On: September 12th, 2014]
- Turmeric Shows Benefit for 530 Health Conditions And Studied for Alzheimer's, Osteo and Rheumatoid Arthritis ... [Last Updated On: September 16th, 2014] [Originally Added On: September 16th, 2014]
- Why the eye is nature's miracle [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2014]
- Under the lid - the mysteries of the eye are being unveiled [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2014]
- UCSD Stem Cell program begins human testing [Last Updated On: October 21st, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 21st, 2014]
- stem cell - MDBIZNews - MDBIZNews - News of the growing ... [Last Updated On: October 23rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 23rd, 2014]
- MD Stem Cells Begins the Largest Stem Cell Eye Treatment ... [Last Updated On: November 5th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 5th, 2014]
- Head, National Institutes of Health Stem Cell Technology ... [Last Updated On: November 11th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 11th, 2014]
- Bid on Stem Cells and Alcohol-induced Tissue Injuries (R21 ... [Last Updated On: November 12th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 12th, 2014]
- Toughest Breast Cancer May Have Met Its Match [Last Updated On: December 9th, 2014] [Originally Added On: December 9th, 2014]
- American Spine offers experimental fix for pain -- Gazette.Net [Last Updated On: January 28th, 2015] [Originally Added On: January 28th, 2015]
- American Spine offers experimental fix for pain [Last Updated On: January 28th, 2015] [Originally Added On: January 28th, 2015]
- Gene regulatory path revealed as target for therapy of aggressive pediatric brain cancer [Last Updated On: March 10th, 2015] [Originally Added On: March 10th, 2015]
- TiGenix: TiGenix reports its full year 2014 results [Last Updated On: March 18th, 2015] [Originally Added On: March 18th, 2015]
- MD Stem Cells Release Optic Nerve Vision Loss Reversed ... [Last Updated On: March 22nd, 2015] [Originally Added On: March 22nd, 2015]
- MRI based on a sugar molecule can tell cancerous from noncancerous cells [Last Updated On: March 27th, 2015] [Originally Added On: March 27th, 2015]
- Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund: Funding Opportunities [Last Updated On: July 2nd, 2015] [Originally Added On: July 2nd, 2015]
- Patients' Own Genetically Altered Immune Cells Show ... [Last Updated On: October 19th, 2015] [Originally Added On: October 19th, 2015]
- Human Stem Cells Institute - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: October 19th, 2015] [Originally Added On: October 19th, 2015]
- Maryland Stem Cell Center Consortium and Core Facility ... [Last Updated On: August 12th, 2016] [Originally Added On: August 12th, 2016]
- Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Derived Neuronal Cells ... [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2016] [Originally Added On: August 18th, 2016]
- Johns Hopkins Team Creates Stem Cells From Schizophrenia ... [Last Updated On: September 5th, 2016] [Originally Added On: September 5th, 2016]
- Ginger | University of Maryland Medical Center [Last Updated On: September 6th, 2016] [Originally Added On: September 6th, 2016]
- Center for Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine ... [Last Updated On: November 14th, 2016] [Originally Added On: November 14th, 2016]
- The Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund (MSCRF) | Tedco [Last Updated On: November 25th, 2016] [Originally Added On: November 25th, 2016]
- Roanoke researchers pursue treatments for the type of deadly brain cancer affecting McCain - Roanoke Times [Last Updated On: August 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 3rd, 2017]
- Cannon Scholars visit National Institute of Standards and Technology - Dover Post [Last Updated On: August 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 9th, 2017]
- Lab-Grown, Virus-Free Stem Cells Repair Retinal Tissue in ... [Last Updated On: August 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 9th, 2017]
- Science and technology to get boost from CRS-12 mission - SpaceFlight Insider [Last Updated On: August 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 12th, 2017]
- How Stem Cell Therapy Can Help Repair and ... - Mercola.com [Last Updated On: September 4th, 2017] [Originally Added On: September 4th, 2017]
- How Stem Cell Therapy Can Help Repair and Regenerate Your Body [Last Updated On: October 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: October 12th, 2017]
- Free stem cell Essays and Papers - 123HelpMe [Last Updated On: October 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: October 12th, 2017]
- Catholic response to stem cells - Featured Today ... [Last Updated On: October 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: October 14th, 2017]
- Excellence in Stem Cell Research | University of Maryland ... [Last Updated On: June 24th, 2018] [Originally Added On: June 24th, 2018]
- Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund: 2014 Awardees [Last Updated On: June 24th, 2018] [Originally Added On: June 24th, 2018]
- Nervous System Stem Cells Can Replace Themselves, Give ... [Last Updated On: July 3rd, 2018] [Originally Added On: July 3rd, 2018]
- Baltimore, Maryland Stem Cell Transplants, Montgomery ... [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2018] [Originally Added On: August 17th, 2018]
- Stem Cell Clinical Trial | University of Maryland Children ... [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2018] [Originally Added On: August 17th, 2018]
- STEM CELL THERAPY - Orthopedic and Wellness Maryland [Last Updated On: September 5th, 2018] [Originally Added On: September 5th, 2018]
- Patient Resources | University of Maryland School of Medicine [Last Updated On: September 5th, 2018] [Originally Added On: September 5th, 2018]
- Stem Cell Centers - Towson > Stem Cell Centers [Last Updated On: October 6th, 2018] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2018]
- Stem Cell Therapy in Annapolis Maryland | Stem Cell ... [Last Updated On: October 25th, 2018] [Originally Added On: October 25th, 2018]
- Meristem - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: January 17th, 2019] [Originally Added On: January 17th, 2019]
- Stem Cell Therapy in Maryland | Stem Cell Professionals [Last Updated On: April 5th, 2019] [Originally Added On: April 5th, 2019]
- Stem Cells and Type 1 Diabetes: What the Future Has in ... [Last Updated On: April 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: April 24th, 2019]
- cord_blood - Maryland [Last Updated On: September 14th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 14th, 2019]
- Artificially Engineering Intestine - Mirage News [Last Updated On: September 25th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 25th, 2019]
- Prothena Corporation plc (PRTA)'s Financial Results Comparing With Neuralstem Inc. (NASDAQ:CUR) - The EN Herald [Last Updated On: September 25th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 25th, 2019]
- Analyzing US Stem Cell (OTCMKTS:USRM) and Intrexon (OTCMKTS:XON) - TechNewsObserver [Last Updated On: September 25th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 25th, 2019]
- Reviewing Intrexon (NASDAQ:XON) & US Stem Cell (NASDAQ:USRM) - Mayfield Recorder [Last Updated On: September 25th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 25th, 2019]
- Head-To-Head Survey: Intrexon (NASDAQ:XON) versus US Stem Cell (NASDAQ:USRM) - Riverton Roll [Last Updated On: September 25th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 25th, 2019]
- Comparing of Neuralstem Inc. (CUR) and Allakos Inc. (NASDAQ:ALLK) - MS Wkly [Last Updated On: November 6th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 6th, 2019]
- Contrasting of Applied Therapeutics Inc. (APLT) and Neuralstem Inc. (NASDAQ:CUR) - MS Wkly [Last Updated On: November 6th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 6th, 2019]
- Reviewing Synthetic Biologics Inc. (SYN)'s and Asterias Biotherapeutics Inc. (:)'s results - FinanceMercury [Last Updated On: November 6th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 6th, 2019]
- BioLineRx Presents Preclinical Data From Triple Combination of BL-8040, Anti PD-1 and Chemotherapy Demonstrating Significant Reduction in Pancreatic... [Last Updated On: November 6th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 6th, 2019]
- VetStem Biopharma Shares the Success Story of Ole who was Treated with VetStem Cell Therapy by Dr. Holly Mullen - PR Web [Last Updated On: November 6th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 6th, 2019]
- Serving those who serve - The Hub at Johns Hopkins [Last Updated On: November 14th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 14th, 2019]
- Organoids, iPSCs, and advanced cell models: Advancing discovery from basic research to drug discovery - Science Magazine [Last Updated On: March 4th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 4th, 2020]
- Maryland Stem Cell Center Consortium & Core Facility ... [Last Updated On: March 4th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 4th, 2020]
- Dr Borehams Crucible: The small cap biotechs trying to make a buck from coronavirus - Stockhead [Last Updated On: March 9th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 9th, 2020]
- The Aussie Biotech Companies Trying To Make A Buck From Coronavirus - D'Marge [Last Updated On: March 9th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 9th, 2020]
- Watch: Hogan orders closure of bars, restaurants, theaters and gyms, restricts gatherings - Maryland Daily Record [Last Updated On: March 22nd, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 22nd, 2020]
- Could Innate Immunology Save Us From the Coronavirus? - The New York Times [Last Updated On: May 3rd, 2020] [Originally Added On: May 3rd, 2020]
- David C. Karli is Offering a New Ray of Hope Through Regenerative Medicine - RESPECT. [Last Updated On: May 3rd, 2020] [Originally Added On: May 3rd, 2020]
- What Do New Neurons in the Brains of Adults Actually Do? - The Scientist [Last Updated On: May 7th, 2020] [Originally Added On: May 7th, 2020]
- 'Virus Goes In, Virus Goes Out': Advocates Call For Release Of More Low-Level Prisoners To Stem Infection Rate - Kaiser Health News [Last Updated On: May 22nd, 2020] [Originally Added On: May 22nd, 2020]
- Researchers develop nanoengineered bioink to 3D print functional bone tissue - 3D Printing Industry [Last Updated On: May 27th, 2020] [Originally Added On: May 27th, 2020]
- CRISPR cows could boost sustainable meat production, but regulations and wary consumers stand in the way - Genetic Literacy Project [Last Updated On: August 26th, 2020] [Originally Added On: August 26th, 2020]
- ShoreRivers awarded DNR grant for two restoration projects - MyEasternShoreMD [Last Updated On: August 26th, 2020] [Originally Added On: August 26th, 2020]
- New toilet, a VR camera and science experiments are heading to t - KAKE [Last Updated On: October 8th, 2020] [Originally Added On: October 8th, 2020]
- Trump was one of the first 10 patients to get an experimental COVID-19 treatment under special use - Yahoo News [Last Updated On: October 8th, 2020] [Originally Added On: October 8th, 2020]
- Sirnaomics to Initiate Phase I Study of STP705 in Treatment of Primary and Metastatic Liver Cancer | DNA RNA and Cells | News Channels -... [Last Updated On: December 7th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 7th, 2020]
- US gets more help in raging battle against COVID-19 as FDA authorizes Moderna vaccine, the second allowed for emergency use - USA TODAY [Last Updated On: December 20th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 20th, 2020]
- UMD Researchers Perform Crucial Proof-of-Concept ... [Last Updated On: December 20th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 20th, 2020]
- What really happened in Wuhan? - The Sunday Guardian Live - The Sunday Guardian [Last Updated On: June 6th, 2021] [Originally Added On: June 6th, 2021]
- A Look Inside A Termite's Gut Wins The 11th Annual Nikon Small World in Motion Competition - PRNewswire [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2021] [Originally Added On: August 18th, 2021]
- US is Out of Step on Primate Research With Rest of World - NewsClick [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2021] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2021]
- Synthetic biology's past, present and future explored in timely new account - Winnipeg Free Press [Last Updated On: April 6th, 2022] [Originally Added On: April 6th, 2022]