Facts About The California
Immunology Research & Cures Initiative

This historic statewide ballot initiative will fund immunology research and life-saving cures to prevent cancer, Alzheimer’s, heart disease and other debilitating diseases – in our lifetime.

Life-saving cures

  • The California Immunology Research and Cures Initiative provides $8.4 billion in state bonds to fund cutting-edge immunology research to develop life-saving cures for the most persistent and debilitating diseases impacting all California families.
  • Immunotherapies are a form of medical treatments that harness the body’s own immune system to recognize and stop diseases. In recent years, breakthrough immunotherapies have been developed that prevent and fight cancers like melanoma, lung cancer, certain leukemias and lymphomas, and more.
  • Leading doctors and research scientists are already developing immunotherapies that have the potential to prevent and cure a whole range of diseases in our lifetime, including cancer, heart disease, neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, and autoimmune diseases such as diabetes, ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease), HIV/AIDS, muscular dystrophy, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and multiple sclerosis.
  • The measure specifically designates at least $4 billion for research related to the prevention, treatment, and cure of cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer’s.
  • Millions of families suffer when devastating diseases upend or claim the lives of loved ones. This measure will invest in promising immunotherapy research that can prevent and cure diseases that touch every community.

Turns California into a world-class leader for immunology research & cures

  • Federal funding cuts and uncertainty for California universities and research institutions are jeopardizing research into immunotherapies and life-saving cures. This initiative will create our state’s own independent source of funding to ensure scientists and medical experts can continue to conduct vital research leading to life-saving medical treatments.
  • The measure will foster collaboration between leading California-based universities, scientists and physicians to develop preventative vaccines and cures for some of the world’s most chronic and serious medical conditions.
  • Studies show that each dollar invested in medical research has a return of three dollars. This measure will create tens of billions of dollars in economic benefits and tens of thousands of good-paying life sciences jobs, here in California.

Strong accountability & no cost to taxpayers

  • Ten percent (10%) of all proceeds from the licensing of immunotherapies developed because of this measure must be returned to California to offset the total costs of the bond measure, including interest.
  • The measure limits state administrative costs to no more than 2%; requires all grant funds to public universities and nonprofit research centers be spent directly on medical research; implements rigorous conflict of interest rules; requires public disclosure of all spending; and mandates independent financial audits.

Reduces health care costs for families and our entire health care system

  • Any cure or immunotherapy developed through research funded by this initiative must be made available to California patients at a 20% discount below the national average.
  • Preventing and curing the most pressing diseases will also reduce long-term healthcare expenses and save the state and families tens of billions of dollars in avoided medical expenses.
Download Fact Sheet