Statewide showcase promotes current research and innovations in stem cell and regenerative medicine
COLUMBIA, MD (May 8, 2024) – 
Maryland’s leading edge in stem cell research was on full display at the Maryland Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Technology Showcase (“Showcase”) on April 25, 2024. This event, hosted as a collaborative effort between Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund (MSCRF) and the Maryland Department of Commerce, served as a platform to highlight groundbreaking advancements in stem cell and regenerative medicine from MSCRF portfolio members.
“This is an exciting time in the regenerative medicine space and the Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund is honored to support the innovations in stem cell therapy taking place in Maryland,” said MSCRF executive director, Ruchika Nijhara, PhD. “Maryland is home to pivotal and innovative stem cell research, and we are pleased to partner with the Department of Commerce to bring the regenerative medicine community together to share their cutting-edge research in this growing field.”
During the Showcase, companies and university scientists shared ongoing stem cell research and therapeutics that have the potential to become the cures of tomorrow. The day’s activities, held at the Rita Rossi Colwell Center in Baltimore, included presentations highlighting promising stem cell technologies being developed by Maryland scientific researchers.
“The event was a success in convening key stakeholders in regenerative medicine from across Maryland’s unique life sciences ecosystem, to ignite discussions on biomedical discovery and commercialization,” said Maryland Department of Commerce manager of life sciences business and innovation development, Matthew Cimino, PhD.
The Showcase featured presentations from multiple Maryland stem cell-based companies. Secretome Therapeutics, Renovate Biosciences, Phycin, Seraxis, Theradaptive and SereNeuro Therapeutics each presented data highlighting their regenerative medicine programs. Additionally, multiple stem cell scientists from Maryland universities presented data from their ongoing research. The academic faculty presenters included Sheikh Amer Riazuddin of Johns Hopkins University; Elias Zambidis of Johns Hopkins University; Curt Civin of the University of Maryland; Luis Garza of Johns Hopkins University; Xiaoming (Shawn) He, HOHCells, LLC, and University of Maryland, College Park; and Tao Lowe of the University of Maryland, Baltimore.
In his keynote address to the Showcase, Dr. Peter Marks, director of the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research at the FDA, said the regulatory agency is committed to advancing development of safe and effective stem cell and regenerative medicine therapies to help address unmet medical needs. To accomplish this, the FDA will issue clear regulatory guidance for sponsors that will expedite the development and approval of safe and effective innovative regenerative medicine therapies and associated devices. The guidance documents will also clarify regulations that will make it simpler for sponsors to determine if they need to obtain premarket authorization for their products.
Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman delivered the day’s closing remarks, echoing the importance of the state’s role and commitment to supporting Maryland’s businesses and universities develop novel stem cell therapies and products that will improve the health and well-being of Marylanders and people around the world.
“MSCRF grants are supporting therapies that have the potential to address many unmet medical needs. Our seven grant programs (Discovery, Validation, Launch, Commercialization, Post-Doctoral Fellowship, Clinical, and Manufacturing Assistance) are providing crucial financial resources that support ongoing research, turning ‘what if’ into the cures of tomorrow,” Nijhara added.
MSCRF was established by the governor and the Maryland general Assembly under the Maryland Stem Cell Research Act of 2006 as an independent unit within the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO). The Fund leads the way in identifying and supporting the most promising stem cell technologies in our region by offering seven programs that are designed to accelerate the research and commercialization of human stem cell-based technologies.
About Maryland Commerce
The Maryland Department of Commerce stimulates private investment and creates jobs by attracting new businesses, encouraging the expansion and retention of existing companies, and providing financial assistance to Maryland companies. The Department promotes the State's many economic advantages and markets local products and services at home and abroad to spur economic development and international investment, trade and tourism. Because they are major economic generators, the Department also supports the arts, film production, sports and other special events. For more information, visit commerce.maryland.gov.
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. Visit us at www.mscrf.org to learn more about our funding opportunities
MSCRF Contact
Ruchika Nijhara, PhD, MBA, Executive Director, MSCRF, rnijhara@tedcomd.com