BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Inc., a developer of adult stem cell therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases, has appointed Hartoun Hartounian Ph.D. as its new EVP and COO, effective June 18, 2024.
 
Hartounian brings a distinguished track record with over 32 years of experience in the biopharmaceutical industry, with a focus on cell and gene therapy. His career highlights include founding and leading BioCentriq, a cell and gene therapy CDMO facility, which was successfully acquired for $73 million in 2022. Hartounian also founded and managed the growth of four biotechnology companies. He has a track record of achieving aggressive goals at large pharmaceutical, contract development and manufacturing organizations, as well as at start-up biotechnology companies.
 
Hartounian has also been an affiliated faculty member at the New Jersey Institute of Technology in the Department of Chemistry and Environmental Sciences since 2020, as well as an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Columbia University from 2015 to 2022.
 
Additionally, he holds a Ph.D. in chemical engineering with a minor in biochemistry from the University of Delaware, an M.S. in chemical engineering from the University of California and a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Arya-Mehr University.
 
In his new role, Hartounian will oversee all operational aspects of BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics, including CMC and commercialization. The company believes he has the right skill set to enhance the company’s operational efficiency and the strategic vision to support the commercial readiness of its therapeutic platforms including NurOwn for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
 
Chaim Lebovits, President and CEO of Brainstorm Cell Therapeutics, commented, “We are pleased to welcome Dr. Hartounian to our team. His broad experience and proven track record will be invaluable as we continue to advance NurOwn, our investigational treatment for ALS. Dr. Hartounian brings the relevant expertise at this important time for the company to help us smoothly navigate CMC and commercialization complexities and to streamline logistics.”
 
Hartounian said, “I am eager to join BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics at this exciting juncture and envision a tremendous opportunity to leverage my expertise in advancing the company’s innovative therapies.”