BioLife Solutions, a developer, manufacturer and marketer of proprietary clinical grade hypothermic storage and cryopreservation freeze media and precision thermal shipping products for cells and tissues, has hired two new additions to its scientific advisory board. The new members are Jason Acker, Ph.D., and Anthony Davies, Ph.D.

Acker is a senior development scientist with the Canadian Blood Services and a professor in the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. Focusing his research on understanding the biological response of cells to freezing and freeze-drying has allowed Acker to develop a solid foundation from which he has contributed to the design of new methods for the long-term storage of a number of cell types and tissues.

Davies is president of Dark Horse Consulting, a boutique practice focused on CMC and product development issues in cell and gene therapy. After training as a biochemist, chemical engineer and molecular biologist, Davies has worked in the cell and gene therapy field for 20 years. He brings with him an extensive track record in manufacturing, operational management and commercial development, most recently as chief technology officer for Capricor and vice president, product development for Geron's cell therapy programs.