Tissue Preservation, Life care and Biobanking (B2B & Networking)

Over the past 10 years we have seen the fi eld of regenerative medicine evolving from research to innovation and soon to have commercial products. We have seen processes and products that are either stand alone or in combinations with diff erent types of cells move through the complex and challenging stages of FDA clearness. However, the path forward is both challenging as well as expensive, there are lots of bottleneck areas that will infl uence the move forward as well as aff ect the value of the technology. Understanding these challenges in the development is crucial for the future success and commercial potential of the technology. We at the Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund work to support research and commercialization of cell-based therapy and regenerative medicine technologies. Over the past 10 years over 400 research projects were funded with state money and last year we launched a new initiative, Accelerating Cures. With this new initiative, we aimed to address those bottleneck, enable the discovery of new technologies but also help these new ideas mature and transition from the bench into commercial products and cures. In a short time, we have identifi ed, helped and funded over 13 new technologies from our Universities that are looking for market validation. We have had in-depth discussions with over 30 companies about potential opportunities and have funded 8 new companies. We now have a community of over 50 regenerative medicine companies in our state. Th is overwhelming interest and excitement from our community endorse our new strategy and our commitment to continue along this path of creating a sustainable market and delivering cures.