Michael Stella

Biography

Mr. Stella joined Cognate in 2007. Mr. Stella has over 22 years of extensive manufacturing and operations experience in the biotech industry. Prior to attaining the role of COO, Mr. Stella served as Cognate’s Executive Vice President of Global Operations, responsible for overseeing the startup, on-going operations, and validation of the Memphis facility and overseas activities. Mr. Stella has been instrumental in the identification and continuing establishment of a number of commercial-ready systems to support the manufacture of cell therapies at commercial scales. Prior to joining Cognate, Mr. Stella served as Director of Operations at Cell Genesys, Inc. where he held responsibilities for manufacturing, facilities, environmental health and safety and clinical distribution for its Memphis facility. During his tenure at Cell Genesys he was directly responsible for the site operations and clinical manufacturing of the Autologous GVAX Lung Cancer Immunotherapy in NSCLC and BAC. Before joining Cell Genesys, Mr. Stella served as regional manager for The Interstate Companies which was focused on the procurement and utilization of blood and blood components in therapeutic and diagnostic products. 

Research Interest

Immunotherapy