MKA Insights

About Dominic

Dominic Clarke is a recognized thought leader and Key Opinion Leader (KOL) in the cell and gene therapy industry, with deep expertise in cryopreservation, cell-based starting materials, technical operations, and the complex supply chain challenges that impact the accessibility and commercialization of advanced therapies. Over his 20+ year career, he has held leadership roles at some of the industry’s most influential organizations—including Cryoport Systems, Discovery Life Sciences, and Charles River Laboratories—and has established himself as a trusted voice shaping industry conversations around how to make CGT therapies more scalable, reliable, and accessible to patients who need them most.

Currently, Dominic serves as VP of Technical Operations for IntegriCell at Cryoport Systems, where he leads technical strategy and operations for the company’s innovative cryopreservation solutions designed to improve the viability, shelf life, and global distribution of cell-based starting materials. His work focuses on solving one of the most critical challenges in CGT manufacturing: ensuring that fresh leukapheresis and other cell-based materials can be standardized, preserved, and transported reliably across complex global supply chains without compromising product quality. This work is foundational to enabling scalable commercialization of cell therapies—particularly as the industry moves beyond major Centers of Excellence to community hospitals and regional treatment centers where access to advanced therapies remains limited.

Dominic is also a Strategic Advisor to Orange County Bio, where he provides thought leadership and strategic guidance on CGT marketing, positioning, and commercial strategy. His work with Orange County Bio reflects his belief that successful commercialization in CGT requires more than just great science—it requires clear messaging, differentiated positioning, and the ability to communicate complex technical value propositions to diverse audiences including pharma, strategic partners, distributors, and healthcare providers. He has contributed to the development of marketing resources, persona blueprints, and strategic frameworks that help CGT companies navigate the unique challenges of bringing advanced therapies to market.

Before joining Cryoport, Dominic served as Chief Technical Officer for Cell & Gene Therapy at Discovery Life Sciences, where he was responsible for establishing the company’s technical leadership and strategic direction in the CGT space. In this role, he developed and managed strategic partnerships with industry therapeutic and technology leaders, provided subject matter expertise to internal and external stakeholders, and supported corporate M&A due diligence and integration efforts. His ability to bridge scientific expertise with commercial strategy made him a critical leader during a period of rapid growth and portfolio expansion at Discovery Life Sciences.

Dominic’s thought leadership extends beyond his corporate roles. He serves on the Board of Trustees for Gulf Coast Blood, where he contributes to strategic governance and operational oversight focused on ensuring a safe and sustainable blood supply while advancing the organization’s work in supporting CGT manufacturing and distribution. He also serves on the Scientific Advisory Board for BendBio and is a Key Opinion Leader for FUJIFILM Irvine Scientific, where he provides strategic guidance on product development, market positioning, and technical innovation in cell culture and CGT manufacturing.

As an active speaker and industry advocate, Dominic regularly presents at leading conferences including AABB, Advanced Therapies Congress, and other forums where he addresses critical challenges in CGT supply chain, cryopreservation, and expanding access to advanced therapies. His presentations often focus on the infrastructure, workforce, and partnership models needed to extend CGT therapies beyond major academic medical centers to community hospitals and regional treatment networks—ensuring that patients everywhere, not just those near major metros, can access life-saving treatments. His collaborative approach and willingness to tackle difficult industry challenges have made him a sought-after speaker and trusted advisor to companies, investors, and industry organizations navigating the complexities of CGT commercialization.

Dominic holds a Ph.D. in Cellular and Molecular Biology from Binghamton University and completed his post-doctoral training in Cell and Developmental Biology at Upstate Medical University. His scientific foundation, combined with his two decades of commercial and technical operations leadership, positions him uniquely at the intersection of science, technology, and business—enabling him to translate complex technical concepts into actionable strategies that drive commercial success. At MKA Insights, Dominic works with clients on CGT strategy, product development, partnership structuring, technical operations, and market positioning—bringing the same rigor, scientific depth, and commercial acumen that has defined his career as a leader and innovator in the cell and gene therapy industry.