RAPID Awards - Accelerating Development of Genetic Therapies for Rare Diseases (CIRM)

About this program

The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) RAPID program funds development and delivery of platform-based in vivo genetic therapies to accelerate multiple rare-disease candidates into first-in-human trials while promoting data sharing and regulatory alignment. There are two award tracks—RAPID Validation (expected outcome: completion of FIH trials demonstrating clinical proof-of-concept for at least three candidates; up to 6 years) and RAPID Innovation (expected outcome: master protocol IND clearance for FIH trials of at least three candidates; up to 3.5 years)—with CIRM anticipating 2–3 awards in FY2026–27 and no specified maximum award amount. Applicants must propose a platform of at least three in vivo genetic therapy candidates that are at an appropriate stage of readiness and include studies designed to achieve the award-specific outcomes, adhering to the RFA and CIRM policies (e.g., data sharing, patient access). A mandatory pre-application consultation with CIRM’s Preclinical Development Team is required (consultation period currently closed); the application window opens July and closes September 2026.