The University of Miami's Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute has announced a $10 million grant from the New York City-based Starr Foundation to broaden the scope of the institute's preclinical and clinical research.

The grant will support ISCI in accelerating its pipeline of translational research and programs for a wide array of debilitating conditions, including cardiac disease, cancer, wound healing, stroke, glaucoma, and chronic kidney and gastrointestinal diseases. Founded in 2008, ISCI has conducted groundbreaking cardiac clinical trials which demonstrate that stem cells injected into a heart after a heart attack can repair damage and improve organ function. The institute currently is leading thirteen clinical trials to evaluate the use of stem cells in patients with conditions such as congestive heart failure, skin wounds, burns, pulmonary fibrosis, and stroke.

"Stem cells and regenerative medicine are poised to transform the way we practice medicine, cure disease and treat injuries," said Pascal J. Goldschmidt, senior vice president for medical affairs and dean of the Miller School of Medicine. "To realize this potential, the University of Miami...is performing world-leading research at ISCI."