There are currently two active RMIP funding announcements. These opportunities are specifically for renewal applications from previously funded RMIP projects and are intended to support the continued development of their proposed adult stem cell therapeutics.
We encourage you to consider applying for these funding opportunities and hope you will take advantage of the support available.
RMIP Research Spotlight
Register today for the next quarterly RMIP Research Spotlight featuring Dr. Jeffrey Stern of the Neural Stem Cell Institute on Wednesday, September 24th at 1:00-2:00 PM ET. Dr. Stern is a renowned retinal scientist and co-founder of the Neural Stem Cell Institute in Albany, NY. His pioneering research has advanced our understanding of photoreceptor cell biology and led to the discovery of retinal pigment epithelial stem cells (RPESCs), opening new avenues for treating age-related macular degeneration. Dr. Stern’s work bridges basic science and clinical application, including the development of innovative stem cell therapies and controlled-release growth factor technologies.
Presentation Abstract: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a major cause of blindness in the aging population characterized by retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) atrophy and loss of retinal function. We recently discovered a novel adult retinal pigment epithelial stem cell, the RPESC, in the human RPE layer that self-renews and produces highly pure populations of RPE progeny (RPESC-RPE). We found that subretinal transplantation of adult RPESC-derived RPE at an intermediate stage of differentiation increases vision rescue in a rat model, leading to an ongoing Phase I/IIa clinical trial to assess the safety and preliminary efficacy of subretinal transplantation of human RPESC-derived cells in patients with advanced AMD. Early clinical trial outcomes show good safety and tolerability.
We hope that you will be able to join us for this spotlight.
Publications
If you have recently submitted or published a manuscript related, please submit the citation to jstratford@rti.org.
Meet with us
BDC now has office hours each Wednesday from 2:00 to 3:00 PM ET to assist investigators with aggregating and harmonizing RMIP study data on the ecosystem.
We continue to coordinate one-on-one meetings with study teams to discuss a data linkage strategy. This strategy will ensure that the cell characterization data is prepared and formatted appropriately for seamless sharing with the study team. The goal is to facilitate efficient data transfer and analysis.
Mike Enger
July 2025 RMIP Updates
Funding Opportunities
There are currently two active RMIP funding announcements. These opportunities are specifically for renewal applications from previously funded RMIP projects and are intended to support the continued development of their proposed adult stem cell therapeutics.
RFA-AR-25-013 (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
RFA-AR-25-014 (UH3 Clinical Trial Optional)
We encourage you to consider applying for these funding opportunities and hope you will take advantage of the support available.
RMIP Research Spotlight
Register today for the next quarterly RMIP Research Spotlight featuring Dr. Jeffrey Stern of the Neural Stem Cell Institute on Wednesday, September 24th at 1:00-2:00 PM ET. Dr. Stern is a renowned retinal scientist and co-founder of the Neural Stem Cell Institute in Albany, NY. His pioneering research has advanced our understanding of photoreceptor cell biology and led to the discovery of retinal pigment epithelial stem cells (RPESCs), opening new avenues for treating age-related macular degeneration. Dr. Stern’s work bridges basic science and clinical application, including the development of innovative stem cell therapies and controlled-release growth factor technologies.
Presentation Abstract: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a major cause of blindness in the aging population characterized by retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) atrophy and loss of retinal function. We recently discovered a novel adult retinal pigment epithelial stem cell, the RPESC, in the human RPE layer that self-renews and produces highly pure populations of RPE progeny (RPESC-RPE). We found that subretinal transplantation of adult RPESC-derived RPE at an intermediate stage of differentiation increases vision rescue in a rat model, leading to an ongoing Phase I/IIa clinical trial to assess the safety and preliminary efficacy of subretinal transplantation of human RPESC-derived cells in patients with advanced AMD. Early clinical trial outcomes show good safety and tolerability.
We hope that you will be able to join us for this spotlight.
Publications
If you have recently submitted or published a manuscript related, please submit the citation to jstratford@rti.org.
Meet with us
BDC now has office hours each Wednesday from 2:00 to 3:00 PM ET to assist investigators with aggregating and harmonizing RMIP study data on the ecosystem.
We continue to coordinate one-on-one meetings with study teams to discuss a data linkage strategy. This strategy will ensure that the cell characterization data is prepared and formatted appropriately for seamless sharing with the study team. The goal is to facilitate efficient data transfer and analysis.
Resources, Materials and Support
Slides and Video from RMIP Orientation
FAQs from the Orientation Sessions
BDC Resource Hub
Join the Community for full interaction with our support services
RMIP BDC Office Hours Wednesday 2:00-3:00PM ET
Velsera Seven Bridges Office Hours at on Tuesdays at 10:00-11:00 AM ET and Thursdays at 2:00-3:00 PM ET
BDC Powered by Seven Bridges Onboarding videos*
Submit suggestions for future short-form videos
Submit a question or raise a ticket with our Help Desk
Navigating BDC YouTube Channel
If you use BDC in your work, don’t forget to cite us.
BDC Documentation or the Seven Bridges Knowledge Center