Blood Cancer United backs California's Prop 38 for immunology research

Blood Cancer United’s chief medical officer is urging Californians to vote yes on Proposition 38, saying federal research cuts are slowing lifesaving immunotherapy work. The measure would raise $8.4 billion for immunology research and set aside revenue rules and oversight provisions aimed at limiting costs and boosting access.

Why it matters: - Proposition 38 would direct $8.4 billion to immunology research aimed at preventing and treating cancer, Alzheimer’s, heart disease and other diseases. - Blood Cancer United says the measure could help protect research momentum as federal cuts threaten labs, trials and future treatments. - The initiative also includes access terms meant to lower the cost of resulting cures and therapies for California patients.

What happened: - Dr. Gwen L. Nichols, chief medical officer for Blood Cancer United, published a guest opinion in The Mercury News and East Bay Times urging Californians to vote yes on Prop 38. - Nichols wrote that immunotherapies have already extended lives for patients with certain cancers and that the progress remains fragile. - Blood Cancer United is part of a coalition of more than 70 patient advocacy, nursing and scientific groups supporting Yes on Prop 38.

The details: - Prop 38 is formally called the Immunology Medical Research & Cures Initiative. - The measure would fund next-generation immunology research for diseases including Parkinson’s, diabetes, ALS, muscular dystrophy, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and multiple sclerosis. - Nichols said federal cuts are making research less certain, with labs shutting down mid-study and young scientists leaving the field. - She also said patients in clinical trials face the risk of losing access to treatments if research stops. - At least 160 active clinical trials nationwide were affected by the termination of National Institutes of Health grants in 2025. - California universities have begun curtailing biomedical research and delaying hiring after federal grants were terminated or withheld. - Prop 38 says 10% of proceeds from licensing immunotherapies developed under the measure must be returned to California to help offset total costs, including interest. - Any cure or immunotherapy developed under the measure would be offered to California patients at a 20% discount below the national average. - The measure includes a 2% cap on state administrative expenses. - Prop 38 requires public disclosure of spending and independent financial audits. - For-profit corporations would not be eligible for grant funding. - More information is available at YESon38.com, including a coalition list and supporter statements.

Between the lines: - Nichols is framing Prop 38 as both a research-funding measure and a response to federal retrenchment. - The pitch blends public health urgency with financial safeguards, a sign the campaign is trying to appeal to both patient advocates and budget-conscious voters. - The emphasis on immunotherapies reflects a broader bet that immune-based treatments could expand beyond cancer into other major chronic diseases.

What's next: - Supporters are pushing the measure as California voters weigh whether to create a new funding stream for immunology research. - If approved, the initiative would move money into research intended to speed new treatments and potential cures. - The coalition is directing voters to its website for additional details and endorsements.

The bottom line: - Prop 38 is being sold as a way to keep immunology research moving despite federal cuts, while building in cost controls and patient access provisions.