PDEV & CLIN2 Grant Applications Now Open

New CIRM Funding Opportunities for UCLA Health Investigators

Stem Cell in green and pink
By UCLA Health Alpha Clinic
1 min read

The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) is now accepting applications for two major funding opportunities designed to accelerate stem cell–based and genetic therapies from preclinical development through late-stage clinical trials. These programs are an incredibly opportunity for UCLA Health’s translational research mission and will help our investigators leverage California-based clinical and manufacturing infrastructure, including the CIRM Alpha Clinic Network.

CLIN2: Clinical Trials Awards

The CLIN2 program supports Phase 1–3 and pivotal clinical trials for innovative cell and gene therapies addressing serious unmet medical needs.

  • Funding: Up to $15M per award (up to $12M for non-profits for First-in-Human trials)
  • Duration: Up to 4 years
  • Deadlines: Quarterly cycles (4× per year)
  • Eligibility highlights: 
    • FDA-cleared (or imminently cleared) IND
    • At least one California trial site (UCLA Health sites strongly aligned)
    • Required project management, data management, and access & affordability planning

PDEV: Preclinical Development Awards

For teams preparing for IND submission and first-in-human studies

The PDEV program supports preclinical and IND-enabling activities, bridging the gap between discovery and clinical translation.

  • Funding: Up to $13M total costs
  • Duration: Up to 5 years
  • Cycles:Twice per year (pre-submission required)
  • Eligibility highlights: 
    • California-based organizations
    • Demonstrated disease-modifying preclinical data
    • Supports candidate optimization, IND-enabling studies, GMP manufacturing, and trial startup planning

Both programs offer more than funding—CIRM provides hands-on partnership, access to statewide clinical and manufacturing infrastructure, and a strong emphasis on equity, data sharing, and patient access. UCLA Health investigators are well positioned to take advantage of these opportunities through existing clinical expertise, Alpha Clinic capabilities, and translational research strengths.