TheBoss(DCA)
08-23-2006, 09:44 AM
Posted by: "Stephen Meyer" Mon Aug 21, 2006 2:41 pm (PST)
# 212 Monday, August 21, 2006 - STEM CELL RESEARCH VICTORIES!
A key Appropriations committee meeting was held in Sacramento last
Thursday, and (though I don?t have details yet) a major step to bring SB
401 forward did not happen.
For any California bill requiring public funds to become law, it has to
be considered by the Appropriations Committee, and this includes a
waiting period, called the ?suspense file?, which means time for
consideration. Bills which clearly demonstrate their reason for
existence ?come out of suspense? and move forward.
Senate Bill 401 was not voted out of suspense.
While one ever counts out a great fighter like Senator Deborah Ortiz,
and she may yet find a way to bring back SB 401, still I hope and
believe that mistake of a bill is gone.
To the thousands of individuals and groups in California and across
America who sent letters and emails and phone calls opposing SB
401?especially the final wave of communication with Appropriations Chair
Judy Chu?let me express an advocate?s respect: thank you, so much.
To the many folks (in chairs and not) who made the grueling trip to
Sacramento for hearings and Senatorial/Assembly visits, thank you, thank
you, thank you.
The battle was long and difficult, but you prevailed.
It was a quiet, but tremendous victory. Faced with a complicated issue,
the patients? rights community dissected, synthesized, and disseminated
our position?and won.
We dodged a bullet. And, like a soldier on the battlefield who seldom
stops to think about the simple fact of not dying, no one will spend a
lot of time saying, whew, glad that didn?t happen?but folks, the
blocking of SB 401 was just enormously important.
The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine will continue as it
has begun, fully accountable, working out difficulties real and imagined
in the full blaze of public view, and with every opportunity for public
input from supporters and opponents alike.
But because of your efforts, the CIRM will not have a clutching octopus
of ill-advised restrictions and ever-changing entanglements to cope
with.
Our new research program has troubles enough to contend with, as it
struggles to find the best ways to defeat incurable illness and injury,
here and everywhere across the world.
Defeating SB 401 (and yes, I realize it could still be brought back at a
later date?I just don?t think it will) removed a huge and needless
burden from the already overworked folks at that little office at 382
King Street.
Imagine trying to do your work, and someone says, ?Next week, you not
only have to do your typing, but we are going to put a huge boulder on
your back.?
The shadow of that boulder no longer looms: one threat has been removed.
It is time to let the work go forward: and it is.
They are not sitting idle, the workers of CIRM.
With Governor Schwartzenegger?s foresighted authorization of a $150
million loan to CIRM, substantial money is there, grants for research
can move forward?and they are.
Check out this message from the secret vaults (well, okay, actually it
is from the CIRM?s completely publicly accessible website,
[Only registered and activated users can see links] <[Only registered and activated users can see links] ([Only registered and activated users can see links])> ) of the California stem cell
research program.
I almost wish I could say this stuff was secret?so much more exciting if
it could seem like it was non-authorized disclosures, whispered
insider?s info?but the boring truth is that anybody who can click a
mouse can find this stuff on the public website.
The CIRM is probably the single most open organization on earth?contrast
that with Washington, which seems to classify (i.e., hide) anything that
might be controversial.
Maybe the reason our stem cell research program sometimes seems
controversial is that our laundry is washed in public.
These are the long-awaited RFA?s (Request For Applications) for stem
cell researchers.
This is what people like you have been working toward for so many years:
the money for the research that will one day set our families free from
endless, needless suffering.
Look at this:
The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) is pleased to
announce two new Requests for Applications (RFAs). These solicitations
are limited to proposals that work directly on human embryonic stem cell
(hESC) and that can utilize existing space and major equipment at the
applicant institution. They are open to all academic and non-profit
research institutions in the state of California. Future solicitations
may be available to for-profit institutions when the CIRM Intellectual
Property Policy for for-profit organizations is in place.
RFA 06-01, the SEED Grant Program, is intended to bring new ideas and
new investigators into the field of hESC research. It offers an
opportunity for investigators to carry out studies that may yield
preliminary data or proof-of-principle results that could then be
extended to full scale investigations. One of the goals of the program
is to attract new investigators - young investigators as well as
established scientists in other fields - to direct their focus to hESC
research.
RFA 06-02, the Comprehensive Research Grants Program, is intended to
support mature, ongoing studies on hESCs by scientists with a record of
accomplishment in this field. This is also an opportunity for
investigators with well-developed expertise in hESC research or in a
closely-related stem cell field to expand their programs or take
promising new directions in hESCs research based on current research.
Letters of intent for both programs are required and due on September
15, 2006. Applications for the SEED Grant Program must be submitted by
October 13, 2006. Applications for the Comprehensive Research Grant
Program must be submitted by November 13, 2006. Application forms will
be available on the CIRM website by September 15, 2006.
The full text of these RFAs can be found on the CIRM website
([Only registered and activated users can see links] <[Only registered and activated users can see links] ([Only registered and activated users can see links])> ) under ?CIRM Funding
Opportunities? ([Only registered and activated users can see links] ([Only registered and activated users can see links])
<[Only registered and activated users can see links] ([Only registered and activated users can see links])> )
What does this mean? Read on.
Twelve days after Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger?s announcement of a
$150 million loan to the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine
(CIRM), its oversight board responded with a new proposal funding human
embryonic stem cell research at California?s non-profit research
institutions.
The Independent Citizens? Oversight Committee (ICOC) approved a proposal
for three Requests for Application (RFAs):
* Comprehensive Research Grants?four-year grants to investigators
with a record of accomplishment in human embryonic stem cell research or
closely-related field that relate to a long-term therapeutic goal; *
Seed Grants?two-year grants to fund innovative ideas by scientific
investigators who are new to the field; * CIRM Shared Research
Laboratory Grants?grants for dedicated laboratories for culturing human
embryonic stem cells including core equipment and trained personnel.
Additional grants in this category will be made for a course to teach
culturing methods.
All grants will be made on a competitive basis to ensure that the best
scientific proposals are funded. The ICOC will approve all funding
decisions following scientific peer review and recommendations by the
Scientific and Medical Research Funding Working Group and the Facilities
Working Group, as appropriate.
The Governor?s commitment to this science has electrified the field and
given hope to millions that the promise of stem cell research will move
forward in California,? said ICOC Chairman Robert Klein. ?The board?s
decision to focus on human embryonic stem cell research will address the
critical funding gap created by the paralysis of federal policy.?
* Topics to be considered in the new RFA will include but are not
limited to: * Self-renewal and differentiation of human embryonic
stem cells; * Derivation of new human embryonic stem cell lines,
including disease-specific lines; * Assessment of tumorigenicity of
human embryonic stem cells and derived cells; * Reprogramming of
adult human somatic nuclei; * Studies related to identification,
storage, maintenance, stability and storage of human embryonic stem
cells.
The board?s decision will allow CIRM to jump-start human embryonic stem
cell research in California,? said CIRM President Zach Hall. ?We have
the infrastructure and policies in place to manage this exciting program
in a responsible way for the people of California. We can now advance
the goal set by California voters?funding the best science that leads
toward therapies.?
Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research Program
Preliminary Budget
Year 1
$69.5 million Year 2
$37 million Year 3
$25 million Year 4
$20 million Total
$151.5 million
The first two years of the Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research Program is
intended to be funded from the loan from the State of California
initiated by the Governor, with the anticipated general obligation bonds
funding years three and four. An additional RFA is expected later this
year which can address adult, cord blood and other critical stem cell
research. The State loan will be available to fund this RFA as well.
The ICOC wrote a mission statement, guiding values and strategic
principles for the scientific strategic plan, which is scheduled to be
presented for formal approval at the next board meeting in October. The
board created a slogan for the program: Turning stem cells into cures.
# 212 Monday, August 21, 2006 - STEM CELL RESEARCH VICTORIES!
A key Appropriations committee meeting was held in Sacramento last
Thursday, and (though I don?t have details yet) a major step to bring SB
401 forward did not happen.
For any California bill requiring public funds to become law, it has to
be considered by the Appropriations Committee, and this includes a
waiting period, called the ?suspense file?, which means time for
consideration. Bills which clearly demonstrate their reason for
existence ?come out of suspense? and move forward.
Senate Bill 401 was not voted out of suspense.
While one ever counts out a great fighter like Senator Deborah Ortiz,
and she may yet find a way to bring back SB 401, still I hope and
believe that mistake of a bill is gone.
To the thousands of individuals and groups in California and across
America who sent letters and emails and phone calls opposing SB
401?especially the final wave of communication with Appropriations Chair
Judy Chu?let me express an advocate?s respect: thank you, so much.
To the many folks (in chairs and not) who made the grueling trip to
Sacramento for hearings and Senatorial/Assembly visits, thank you, thank
you, thank you.
The battle was long and difficult, but you prevailed.
It was a quiet, but tremendous victory. Faced with a complicated issue,
the patients? rights community dissected, synthesized, and disseminated
our position?and won.
We dodged a bullet. And, like a soldier on the battlefield who seldom
stops to think about the simple fact of not dying, no one will spend a
lot of time saying, whew, glad that didn?t happen?but folks, the
blocking of SB 401 was just enormously important.
The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine will continue as it
has begun, fully accountable, working out difficulties real and imagined
in the full blaze of public view, and with every opportunity for public
input from supporters and opponents alike.
But because of your efforts, the CIRM will not have a clutching octopus
of ill-advised restrictions and ever-changing entanglements to cope
with.
Our new research program has troubles enough to contend with, as it
struggles to find the best ways to defeat incurable illness and injury,
here and everywhere across the world.
Defeating SB 401 (and yes, I realize it could still be brought back at a
later date?I just don?t think it will) removed a huge and needless
burden from the already overworked folks at that little office at 382
King Street.
Imagine trying to do your work, and someone says, ?Next week, you not
only have to do your typing, but we are going to put a huge boulder on
your back.?
The shadow of that boulder no longer looms: one threat has been removed.
It is time to let the work go forward: and it is.
They are not sitting idle, the workers of CIRM.
With Governor Schwartzenegger?s foresighted authorization of a $150
million loan to CIRM, substantial money is there, grants for research
can move forward?and they are.
Check out this message from the secret vaults (well, okay, actually it
is from the CIRM?s completely publicly accessible website,
[Only registered and activated users can see links] <[Only registered and activated users can see links] ([Only registered and activated users can see links])> ) of the California stem cell
research program.
I almost wish I could say this stuff was secret?so much more exciting if
it could seem like it was non-authorized disclosures, whispered
insider?s info?but the boring truth is that anybody who can click a
mouse can find this stuff on the public website.
The CIRM is probably the single most open organization on earth?contrast
that with Washington, which seems to classify (i.e., hide) anything that
might be controversial.
Maybe the reason our stem cell research program sometimes seems
controversial is that our laundry is washed in public.
These are the long-awaited RFA?s (Request For Applications) for stem
cell researchers.
This is what people like you have been working toward for so many years:
the money for the research that will one day set our families free from
endless, needless suffering.
Look at this:
The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) is pleased to
announce two new Requests for Applications (RFAs). These solicitations
are limited to proposals that work directly on human embryonic stem cell
(hESC) and that can utilize existing space and major equipment at the
applicant institution. They are open to all academic and non-profit
research institutions in the state of California. Future solicitations
may be available to for-profit institutions when the CIRM Intellectual
Property Policy for for-profit organizations is in place.
RFA 06-01, the SEED Grant Program, is intended to bring new ideas and
new investigators into the field of hESC research. It offers an
opportunity for investigators to carry out studies that may yield
preliminary data or proof-of-principle results that could then be
extended to full scale investigations. One of the goals of the program
is to attract new investigators - young investigators as well as
established scientists in other fields - to direct their focus to hESC
research.
RFA 06-02, the Comprehensive Research Grants Program, is intended to
support mature, ongoing studies on hESCs by scientists with a record of
accomplishment in this field. This is also an opportunity for
investigators with well-developed expertise in hESC research or in a
closely-related stem cell field to expand their programs or take
promising new directions in hESCs research based on current research.
Letters of intent for both programs are required and due on September
15, 2006. Applications for the SEED Grant Program must be submitted by
October 13, 2006. Applications for the Comprehensive Research Grant
Program must be submitted by November 13, 2006. Application forms will
be available on the CIRM website by September 15, 2006.
The full text of these RFAs can be found on the CIRM website
([Only registered and activated users can see links] <[Only registered and activated users can see links] ([Only registered and activated users can see links])> ) under ?CIRM Funding
Opportunities? ([Only registered and activated users can see links] ([Only registered and activated users can see links])
<[Only registered and activated users can see links] ([Only registered and activated users can see links])> )
What does this mean? Read on.
Twelve days after Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger?s announcement of a
$150 million loan to the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine
(CIRM), its oversight board responded with a new proposal funding human
embryonic stem cell research at California?s non-profit research
institutions.
The Independent Citizens? Oversight Committee (ICOC) approved a proposal
for three Requests for Application (RFAs):
* Comprehensive Research Grants?four-year grants to investigators
with a record of accomplishment in human embryonic stem cell research or
closely-related field that relate to a long-term therapeutic goal; *
Seed Grants?two-year grants to fund innovative ideas by scientific
investigators who are new to the field; * CIRM Shared Research
Laboratory Grants?grants for dedicated laboratories for culturing human
embryonic stem cells including core equipment and trained personnel.
Additional grants in this category will be made for a course to teach
culturing methods.
All grants will be made on a competitive basis to ensure that the best
scientific proposals are funded. The ICOC will approve all funding
decisions following scientific peer review and recommendations by the
Scientific and Medical Research Funding Working Group and the Facilities
Working Group, as appropriate.
The Governor?s commitment to this science has electrified the field and
given hope to millions that the promise of stem cell research will move
forward in California,? said ICOC Chairman Robert Klein. ?The board?s
decision to focus on human embryonic stem cell research will address the
critical funding gap created by the paralysis of federal policy.?
* Topics to be considered in the new RFA will include but are not
limited to: * Self-renewal and differentiation of human embryonic
stem cells; * Derivation of new human embryonic stem cell lines,
including disease-specific lines; * Assessment of tumorigenicity of
human embryonic stem cells and derived cells; * Reprogramming of
adult human somatic nuclei; * Studies related to identification,
storage, maintenance, stability and storage of human embryonic stem
cells.
The board?s decision will allow CIRM to jump-start human embryonic stem
cell research in California,? said CIRM President Zach Hall. ?We have
the infrastructure and policies in place to manage this exciting program
in a responsible way for the people of California. We can now advance
the goal set by California voters?funding the best science that leads
toward therapies.?
Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research Program
Preliminary Budget
Year 1
$69.5 million Year 2
$37 million Year 3
$25 million Year 4
$20 million Total
$151.5 million
The first two years of the Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research Program is
intended to be funded from the loan from the State of California
initiated by the Governor, with the anticipated general obligation bonds
funding years three and four. An additional RFA is expected later this
year which can address adult, cord blood and other critical stem cell
research. The State loan will be available to fund this RFA as well.
The ICOC wrote a mission statement, guiding values and strategic
principles for the scientific strategic plan, which is scheduled to be
presented for formal approval at the next board meeting in October. The
board created a slogan for the program: Turning stem cells into cures.