Meet Our New CEO: Jonathan Thomas

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We are thrilled to (re)introduce Jonathan Thomas (JT) as the new President and CEO of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM). You can check out the original press release here. We recently sat down with JT -who previously served as Chair of the Independent Citizens' Oversight Committee (ICOC) as well as interim President and CEO- to discuss what excites him about leading CIRM, reflect on significant moments from his time with the Agency, and share his vision for the future of gene and cell therapy.

Q: What excites you most about leading a unique organization like CIRM?

My enthusiasm for leading CIRM began during a pivotal meeting with former ICOC Chair Bob Klein in 2010, where we discussed the Agency's accomplishments and its potential. What struck me was CIRM's mission to develop treatments and cures for conditions that, at the time, seemed out of reach. The innovative approach of using public funding to advance cutting-edge medical research across the state of California was also compelling. During my time as Chair, I had the privilege of working with a highly talented Board and an exceptional team, both of which have been instrumental in driving our mission forward. The opportunity to contribute to such a groundbreaking organization, both then and now, continues to inspire me every day.

Q: With your extensive history at CIRM, is there a particular memory or achievement that stands out to you?

One significant memory from my time at CIRM is from December 2012, when the Institute of Medicine (IOM) released a comprehensive review of our practices and operations. The report praised CIRM's innovative contributions to medical research but also highlighted areas needing improvement, particularly addressing conflicts of interest. We immediately responded to these critiques by implementing significant changes, including establishing the Application Review Subcommittee (ARS) to ensure impartiality in grant awards. This swift action led to positive editorial responses and reaffirmed our commitment to transparency and excellence.

Another standout moment was in March 2020, at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Recognizing the urgency, we quickly mobilized to support COVID-related research. Within a week, we developed a comprehensive plan, and by July, we had issued 17 awards for COVID research projects. This rapid and effective response showcased the extremely well-oiled apparatus we had in place for funding grants and highlighted the Agency's dedication to addressing global health crises.

Currently, we are revising our strategic plan to manage the increasing number of grant applications and the limited Prop 14 funds. This effort involves the entire team and aims to strategically prioritize and allocate resources for the greatest impact. The collaborative and thorough approach we've taken underscores our ongoing commitment to innovation and effective resource management. These are outstanding accomplishments that truly encompass who we are as an Agency, and I am extremely proud of each and every member of our team for their contribution.

Q: How do you envision the future of gene and cell therapy, and where do you see CIRM in that landscape over the next 10 years?

Forecasting the future of gene and cell therapy is challenging, but it's clear that we're in the midst of a golden age of biological discovery, with advancements occurring at an accelerated pace. Cell therapy, which began in 1998 with James Thompson's isolation of human embryonic stem cells, has advanced dramatically in just 25 years. Innovations such as Shinya Yamanaka's induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells and Jennifer Doudna's CRISPR gene editing have revolutionized the field, enabling scientists to develop therapies for numerous genetic conditions.

One remarkable example is Don Kohn's work at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) on Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID), which has led to functional cures for over 50 children. Future advancements will likely include in vivo gene editing, where genetic mutations are treated directly within the patient, and further developments in CAR-T cell therapies for cancer. The potential for new discoveries that could shift the parameters of what's possible is immense, and CIRM will continue to be at the forefront, funding scientists who leverage these breakthroughs.

CIRM prides itself on being the most nimble, large funding source in the field globally, allowing us to react quickly to new developments and challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. We stay on top of advancements and encourage grant applications that push the boundaries of cell and gene therapy.

Over the next five to ten years, we anticipate seeing many of our funded therapies move from the research stage to commercialization. As the field progresses and realizes its full potential, CIRM will play a pivotal role. Thanks to the generosity of California taxpayers, we can fund outstanding scientists throughout our great state- advancing basic research, discovery, clinical trials, and commercialization. These contributions are significant, and the state of California should be extremely proud of its pioneering spirit and support for this groundbreaking work.

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