Stem Cell Network announces $33M to advance 36 regenerative medicine research projects and clinical trials

On June 16 2025, the Stem Cell Network (SCN) was pleased to allocate $13.5M to support 36 research projects and clinical trials across Canada, with 63 partner organizations committing $19.5M of in kind or cash support.

This investment is the result of SCN’s first of two funding competitions for the 2025-2029 period to support world-class regenerative medicine research and clinical trials. The projects and clinical trials cover 14 different disease areas and illnesses such as, brain disorders, diabetes, heart and lung disease, cancer and much more.

The Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy congratulates Bowen Li, assistant professor, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, on receiving funding to support three significant research initiatives in cystic fibrosis and cardiac regeneration.

“We’re grateful for SCN’s support, which will allow us to accelerate the development of nonviral genome editing platforms to lung stem cells for pulmonary diseases. This funding enables us to advance genome editor delivery technologies with the goal of achieving safer and more effective gene correction in the lungs.” - Bowen Li

As part of this funding competition, which opened in September 2024, 111 applications were received for consideration. These applications were assessed through an international peer review for scientific merit, and then considered for strategic fit by SCN’s Research Management Committee.

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