Maryland Stem Cell Research Commission Announces Funding Opportunities
for stem cell research commercialization and clinical trials
COLUMBIA, Md. (April 12, 2019)— The Maryland Stem Cell Research Commission (Commission) issued its Request for Applications (RFAs) for the first round of funding for fiscal year 2020. The deadline for applications is July 11, 2019. The Commission, established as an independent unit within the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO), supports cutting-edge research and accelerates cures through the Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund (MSCRF).
The FY 2020 MSCRF budget is committed up to $8.2 million for grants under all its RFAs. The first round of RFAs include: Validation Research Grants, Commercialization Research Grants, and Clinical Trial Stem Cell Research Grants. Under this funding cycle, all research proposals must pertain to human stem cell-based therapy and regenerative medicine.
“We continue to expand our grant opportunities to support advancement in research and commercialization in stem cell therapy and regenerative medicine,” said Dr. David Mosser, Chair of the Commission. “We welcome researchers and companies throughout our nation to apply for funding for Maryland-based research, especially to our clinical funding source, in order to advance the field of healthcare and accelerate cures.”
The Validation Research Grants are for faculty at Maryland-based universities and research institutions (not federal labs) with intellectual property for human stem cell-based technologies that require additional validation before creation of start-up companies. Applicants to these grants may request up to $230,000 for up to an 18-month project.
The Commercialization Research Grants are for Maryland-based start-up companies or established companies developing new human stem cell-based products. Applicants for these grants may request up to $300,000 for a 12-month project.
The Clinical Trial Stem Cell Research Grants are for universities and research institutions or companies that wish to conduct human stem cell-based clinical trials in Maryland. Applicants to these grants may request up to $750,000 for up to a two-year project duration. A one-to-one match of non-state money is required. A United States FDA Investigational New Drug clearance is required.
The following are key dates regarding the RFA:
Application Submission Deadline: July 11, 2019, by 5:00 pm
Peer Review Dates: August 6-8, 2019
Commission Review Date: September 2019
Earliest Anticipated Start Date: October 2019
“Maryland’s Stem Cell Research Fund is addressing a critical need to invest early in the state’s innovation ecosystem with world-class researchers, promising therapies, and life-saving cures,” stated MSCRF Executive Director Dr. Dan Gincel.
In an industry with over 900 regenerative medicine companies worldwide and a total global financing of $13.3B in 2018, a 73% increase over 2017 according to the Alliance for Regenerative Medicine, Maryland is proud to be in the forefront advancing research and commercialization through our programs.
A second round of MSCRF grant applications is planned for mid-January 2020.
About the Maryland Stem Cell Research Commission
The Maryland Stem Cell Research Commission is focused on identifying and fostering cutting-edge research and innovation in the field of regenerative medicine in Maryland. Our Accelerating Cures initiative comprises programs that help transition human stem cell-based technologies from the bench to the bedside as well as mechanisms to build and grow stem cell companies in Maryland. Learn more at www.mscrf.org about our funding opportunities.