Seventeen Apply for California's Millions in Clinical Research; Twelve Will Be Rejected

First award round since hold on applications was lifted

It’s good to be loved, if only for your money. At least that could be the case for the state’s $12 billion stem cell and gene therapy research program. 

A demonstration of that affection popped up last week when the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) received 17 applications for awards in its clinical stage program -- a clear indication that the agency or its money is lustily sought after. 

Under new rules, however, 12 of the suitors will be rejected — at least for the time being — in order to allow a more detailed consideration of the worth of the five who clear new, initial hurdles. Awards can range up to $15 million. 

The 17 applications came after a six-month hiatus triggered last January when the CIRM staff was overwhelmed by applications. The CIRM board called a halt to the “tsunami” of applications to provide time to deal with the affection for its research dollars. 

The latest round is operating under new application review rules that are aimed