PEOPLE ON THE MOVE
Cryoport
Cryoport, a cold chain logistics company, has appointed stem cell pioneer Robert Hariri to its board of directors.
Hariri is the founder and chief scientific officer of Celgene Cellular Therapeutics, and was among the first scientists to use stem cells and biomaterials to treat disease. He has more than 100 issued and pending patents in tissue engineering, and is best known for his discovery of pluripotent stem cells from the placenta and as a member of the team which discovered the physiological activities of TNF (tumor necrosis factor).
Hariri said of his new role, "As an established investor in Cryoport's common stock, I have a great deal of confidence in the need and demand for Cryoport's cold chain and logistical solutions in the life sciences market, which is expected to increase substantially as cellular therapies such as stem cells, immunotherapies and, especially, CAR-T cell therapies come to commercialization.
“These advanced therapies require rigid and well-designed enhanced cold chain management solutions to ensure effective patient treatment, as temperature excursion will affect efficacy. To effectively bring these therapies through clinical trials and commercialization, after receiving FDA approval, the use of advanced cold-chain solutions, such as Cryoport's, is crucial. The cellular therapies market, on a broad scale, is greatly enhanced by the presence and use of Cryoport's technologies."