Maryland continues to cement its role as a leader in regenerative medicine with the latest round of funding from the Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund (MSCRF). This year, the Commission awarded $4.7 million to 11 projects, spanning early-stage academic research through to commercialization and advanced manufacturing.
The awards are designed to move promising therapies closer to patients while strengthening Maryland’s innovation economy. Categories included Launch grants for new faculty, Commercialization awards for companies bringing products to market, and Manufacturing Assistance to expand critical infrastructure for scaling therapies.
Spotlight on Commercialization Awards ($1.6M)
Four seasoned companies—many led by repeat entrepreneurs—secured funding to push forward new stem cell–based products in Maryland:
- RoosterBio, Inc. – Dr. Jon Rowley | Known for its scalable biomanufacturing solutions, RoosterBio continues to power cell and gene therapy developers.
- HOHCells, LLC – Mr. Gregory Merril | Building on its cell therapy pipeline for musculoskeletal conditions.
- Theradaptive, Inc. – Dr. Luis Alvarez | A veteran Maryland biotech advancing targeted regenerative therapeutics.
- Stemora, Inc. – Dr. Srujana Cherukuri | Focused on innovative approaches to stem cell–based treatments.
Spotlight on Manufacturing Assistance Awards ($1.36M)
Two awardees will bolster Maryland’s ability to produce next-generation therapies at scale:
- Nanochon, Inc. – Dr. Nathan Castro | Advancing implants and regenerative scaffolds for cartilage repair.
- Reprocell U.S.A., Inc. – Dr. Rama Modali | Expanding capabilities for stem cell–derived products in Maryland.
Since its founding in 2006, the MSCRF, managed by TEDCO, has invested more than $230 million into 700+ projects, generating over 2,000 jobs and $525 million in economic activity statewide. This latest cycle underscores Maryland’s commitment to accelerating cures while nurturing a thriving regenerative medicine ecosystem.
👉 Stay tuned to BioBuzz for deeper dives into each awardee and how their work is shaping the future of cell and gene therapy.
