Tokyo – October 16, 2026 – The CiRA Foundation announces that Mr. Stephen A. Schwarzman, Chairman, CEO and Co-Founder of Blackstone, will provide philanthropic support to launch new research projects focused primarily on the application of iPS cell technology to the treatment of severe liver diseases.

The CiRA Foundation is engaged in research and technology development to advance the clinical application of regenerative medicine using iPS cells. With support from a donation made last year, the Foundation has been advancing projects focused primarily on developing iPS cell-based cancer treatments. With an additional donation, the Foundation will launch the following two projects:

The philanthropic support will consist of approximately 320 million yen ($ 2 million) from FY2026 to FY2028, with possible additional support for FY2029 and beyond, depending on the progress of the projects.

Stephen A. Schwarzman, said:
“I am pleased to continue my support of Dr. Yamanaka and this promising initiative to treat liver disease, which has the potential to improve millions of lives in Japan and around the world. I am honored to help further Dr. Yamanaka’s vision to accelerate medical innovation in Japan and deliver lasting impact for generations to come.”

Mr. Schwarzman is an active philanthropist around the world. His philanthropy has included transformational gifts to major universities including the University of Oxford (UK), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (USA), and Yale University (USA), as well as the establishment of Schwarzman Scholars at Tsinghua University in Beijing, China.

Shinya Yamanaka, President of the CiRA Foundation, said:
“As we mark the 20th anniversary of the publication of the mouse iPS cell paper, we are deeply encouraged to receive this generous support following last year’s support. This year has also become an important one, with the results of our research to date beginning to reach society in the form of medical care, including the approval of an iPS cell-derived product, albeit subject to conditions and a time limit. With this donation as a driving force, the CiRA Foundation will work with CiRA and other academic and research institutions to advance the practical application of research outcomes and strive to ensure that iPS cell technology brings new treatment options to more patients.”

This donation will support further advances in the treatment of intractable diseases, including liver diseases, using iPS cells. Originating in Japan, iPS cell technology is steadily progressing from research to medical application and expanding the possibilities of regenerative medicine.

Mr. Schwarzman is Chairman, CEO and Co-founder of Blackstone, the world’s largest alternative investment firm. Blackstone has been active in Japan since 1987, both investing in the country and managing funds for Japanese institutions and individuals.

*¹ CiRA・・・Abbreviation for Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University

For inquiries from the media, please contact

Public Relations Office, CiRA Foundation
media*cira-foundation.or.jp

Blackstone Public Relations Department
Mariko Sanchanta
mariko.sanchanta*blackstone.com

(please change the * to @)