Management
Mario DiPaola is Chief Scientific/Operating Officer and co-founder of Blue Stream Laboratories. Dr. DiPaola has over 15 years experience in the biotechnology/ pharmaceutical industry with extensive knowledge in basic research, development, quality, manufacturing and regulatory functions for protein and small molecule based pharmaceutical products; including a number of approved therapeutics: Alferon-N®, Amevive®, and Sucraid®. From 2001 through 2005, Dr. DiPaola held a variety of positions with Antigenics, including Senior Director of Manufacturing and Director of Quality Control. From 1998-2001, he served in the position of Project Leader at Biogen Idec and authored numerous CMC sections for European and U.S. regulatory filings (IND/BLA/CTD). Prior to his work at Biogen Idec, from 1990-1998, he served as Director of Analytical Development and Quality Control with Charles River Laboratories and Associate Director of Analytical Biochemistry with Interferon Sciences.
Dr. DiPaola holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from New York University, and an M.B.A. in Finance from CUNY - Baruch College.
Michael Kouchakdjian is President and co-founder of Blue Stream Laboratories. From 2000 through 2005, Dr. Kouchakdjian was Director of Business Development at Antigenics Inc. where he led numerous initiatives and transactions in the areas of business development, corporate development, M&A, and alliance management with key partners in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries. Prior to his work at Antigenics, he held various executive management positions of increasing responsibility at AUA Corporation where he managed day-to-day operations as well as key strategic programs. Dr. Kouchakdjian also has experience in management consulting, business planning, international business and entrepreneurship, and has taught management courses at the university level.
Dr. Kouchakdjian holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics from the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University and an M.B.A. from UCLA Anderson School of Management.
William Rash is Vice President of Sales and Marketing and co-founder of Blue Stream Laboratories. He has more than 19 years experience in the biotechnology industry with extensive business development experience and technical operations knowledge in protein characterization, quality control, and manufacturing-support for protein - based biotech corporations and contract service organizations.
Prior to founding Blue Stream, Mr. Rash served as Vice President of Essenix Pharmaceuticals, where he led the North American sales and international business development activities for the early-stage, international, drug-development corporation. From 1997 - 2005, Mr. Rash held the position of Senior Sales Manager for Charles River Laboratories where he significantly increased regional market share for a broad range of CRL products and services. Preceding these business positions, he held various technical operations management positions of increasing responsibility, directing QA/QC, analytical protein chemistry, and sterile manufacturing-support laboratories.
