Applied StemCell Strengthens Executive Leadership with Two Key Appointments
December 04, 2023 9:00 AM Eastern Standard Time
MILPITAS, Calif.–Applied StemCell, Inc., a leading CRO/CDMO recognized for its proprietary TARGATT gene editing technology and expertise in stem cells and cell therapy development, is pleased to announce the addition of two accomplished professionals to its C-level executive team: George Hong (Chief Commercial Officer) and Timothy J. Largen (Chief Operating Officer). The recent acquisition of the company by QHP Capital in October has set the stage for an ambitious expansion focused on supporting cell manufacturing from development through commercialization.
New Leadership
George Hong joins Applied StemCell, Inc. as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), bringing more than 20 years of experience in academic and industry roles within life sciences, serving as a sales, marketing, and commercial executive with increasing responsibilities. Prior to joining ASC, George worked as Chief Commercial Officer and President at Exellgene, Head of North America Sales at Advanced Instruments, Strategic Marketing Manager at MilliporeSigma, and Director of Sales and Marketing at Transgenomics. George holds a BS in Molecular Microbiology from the University of Illinois, an MBA in Corporate Entrepreneurship from Boston University, a Ph.D. and a postdoc in Molecular Clinical Microbiology/Immunology from Duke University.
Timothy J. Largen steps in as Chief Operating Officer (COO) at ASC. With a 25-year career marked by significant contributions to Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs), Tim’s experience spans GMP manufacturing, quality management, process engineering, business operations, and regulatory affairs. Prior to joining Applied StemCell, Tim held key positions, including VP of Commercial Manufacturing at Adrian Biotech, VP of Manufacturing Science and Technology (MSAT) at RoslinCT, and over 8 years in commercial manufacturing and quality positions at Dendreon. Tim holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and an MBA in Operations Management Services.
“We are thrilled to have George and Tim as valuable additions to the ASC leadership team,” expressed Dr. Ruby Chen-Tsai, CEO of Applied StemCell. “As a CDMO specializing in cell manufacturing, we affirm our dedication to make cell therapy affordable and ready-to-use, and most importantly to save human lives. With George and Tim joining us and with our foundational stem cell and proprietary gene editing technologies, we now offer unique, fully integrated solutions from research, process engineering, early clinical phases, all the way through commercial manufacturing.”
About Applied StemCell, Inc.
Located in the California Bay Area, Applied StemCell (ASC) is a leading CRO/CDMO specializing in cell and gene therapy. Leveraging its proprietary TARGATT Genome Editing and iPSC platform, the company is dedicated to supporting clients in research, pre-clinical development, and clinical manufacturing for novel therapeutics. ASC is committed to offering a platform enabling significant cost reductions in cell drug development, deliver ready-to-use cell medicine, and most importantly save human lives.
About TARGATT
TARGATT technology revolutionizes gene editing with fast and precise integration of large DNA fragments (up to 20 kb) into a specific safe harbor locus. This method ensures stable integration of a single copy gene at a transcriptionally active site with high efficiency. ASC’s proprietary TARGATT platform offers versatility for various applications, including the development of cell lines/master cell banks (MCBs) with large fragment knock-ins, bioproduction, and library construction. It overcomes challenges associated with random integration, such as position effect, gene silencing, and genomic instability from multiple transgene copies.
Media Contact
Pia Abola
Marketing Director, Applied StemCell, Inc.
pia.abola@appliedstemcell.com