Stanford's $40 Million Stem Cell Genomics Award Still Hanging Fire

More than four months after a Stanford-led consortium won a $40 million stem cell genomics award, the California stem cell agency has not yet concluded a formal contract with the researchers.

The award was approved Jan. 29 by the agency's board following a process that Stanford's competitors said was marred by unfairness, apparent preferential treatment and manipulation of scientific scores.

The award is aimed at creating medical treatments tailored to a patient's genetic makeup and making the state a world leader in stem cell genomics.

In response to a query from the California Stem Cell Report, Kevin McCormack, senior director for communications, said that the contract with the consortium remains unsigned. He said, however, that the agency is hopeful that final details will be worked out soon.