Mike Cooke

CEO at AmacaThera

Speaker

Dr. Cooke earned his PhD in stem cell biology from the University of Durham (UK), focusing on methods for controlling cell fate. During his postdoctoral research in Molly Shoichet's laboratory at the University of Toronto, he explored the use of a hydrogel (HAMC) in combination with neural stem/progenitor cells to repair stroke-induced brain damage in mice. His work successfully demonstrated that HAMC-enhanced cells could facilitate functional recovery in stroke-affected brains.

For over 15 years, Dr. Cooke and Dr. Shoichet have collaborated on commercializing innovative hydrogels, co-founding AmacaThera to bring these technologies to clinical applications. AmacaThera is built around a versatile hydrogel platform technology that can deliver a broad range of molecules. The company's lead product aims to enhance post-operative pain management, with additional developments focused on oncology.

As AmacaThera's CEO, Dr. Cooke has led the team to achieve significant milestones, including completing a Phase 1 clinical trial. AmacaThera has secured several rounds of financing totaling over US$12M. Additionally, Dr. Cooke recently completed a Global Professional Master of Laws (GPLLM) in business law at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law.