Explore a bit of our history, who we are and where we are headed.
A Technology Leader
Cook MyoSite Incorporated is developing and commercializing technology related to the collection, selection and expansion of human skeletal muscle cells. Separate research and clinical programs have been established to assist the research community in performing muscle-related research and to develop cellular products for the treatment of a variety of muscle-related disorders.
Cook MyoSite is part of Cook Medical, the first company to introduce minimally invasive interventional devices in the United States. Today, Cook Medical participates in all global markets, integrating device design, biopharma, gene and cell therapy and biotech to enhance patient safety and improve clinical outcomes.
Company History
In 2002, Cook Medical formed Cook MyoSite to guide the company into the expanding world of cellular technologies. Through pioneering efforts, research involving the use of adult skeletal muscle-derived cells for tissue augmentation is being developed into a treatment option for patients with a variety of muscle-related disorders.
In 2007, Cook MyoSite completed construction on its new facility, which is located 10 miles outside of downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Our clinical products are produced in this state-of-the-art ISO Class 7 manufacturing suite to guarantee the highest level of quality.
Leadership Team Biographies
Carl Cook, MBA
CEO, Cook Group
Carl Cook received his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Purdue University in 1985 and his MBA from the University of Iowa. He has worked for Cook Group companies, founded by his father, Bill Cook, in a variety of roles since 1988. Carl Cook has performed duties as an engineer of cardiac pacemakers and Doppler blood flow monitors at Cook Vascular (Leechburg, PA), in production at Cook Endoscopy (Winston-Salem, NC) and most recently as chief operating officer of Cook Group.
Richard A. Faulk Jr., MBA
Director of Business Process Management
Richard began his career in information technology in 1993 as a data systems technician in the United States Navy. Since then he has worked in a variety of roles ranging from information systems consultant and network engineer to field trial coordinator and department manager. Faulk joined Cook MyoSite in 2007 as a technical advisor. Currently, he is the director of business process management, and is responsible for driving initiatives to strategically align business and operational processes with information technology resources. In 2008, Faulk earned a master’s of business administration from the Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business at the University of Pittsburgh.
Ron Jankowski, PhD
Director of Research and Product Development
Ron Jankowski received his bachelor of science in chemical engineering, master of science in bioengineering and doctorate in bioengineering from the University of Pittsburgh. He has been with Cook MyoSite since inception and has over 10 years of experience in medical devices and biotechnology. He has authored or coauthored numerous peer-reviewed manuscripts and articles involving a variety of cellular-based therapies. He currently leads both internal and external research and development programs for current products, investigates the formation of new strategic research partnerships to expand Cook MyoSite’s product pipeline, and evaluates new indications for existing products in development. He also serves as adjunct assistant professor for the department of bioengineering at the University of Pittsburgh.
Ryan Pruchnic, MS, MBA
Director of Operations
Ryan Pruchnic received his bachelor’s degree in biology and his master of science in exercise physiology from the University of Pittsburgh in 1996 and 2002, respectively. While working as a technician investigating the experimental uses of skeletal muscle-derived cells for urinary tract tissue augmentation, he authored and coauthored numerous peer-reviewed scientific journal articles and book chapters. In 2002, Pruchnic became the first Cook MyoSite employee. Performing administrative and scientific research duties, he was part of a team of five that customized the muscle-derived cell isolation technology for use in human clinical trials. In 2004, Pruchnic and other MyoSite members oversaw the first North American patient trial involving the transplant of an experimental myogenic cell product for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence. Within the organization, he has key functions in Regulatory Affairs, Clinical Studies, Product Development, Human Resources and Material Control. In 2008, Pruchnic earned a master’s of business administration from the Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business at the University of Pittsburgh.
Stephen Westover
Director of Quality
Stephen Westover graduated with a bachelor of science degree in molecular biology/biotechnology and a minor in mathematics from Clarion University of Pennsylvania in 1998. In 2000, he began his career as a manufacturing technician in the testing laboratory at Wyeth Pharmaceuticals. In 2001, as a manufacturing supervisor, Westover gained experience in vaccine production processes, in-process quality control testing of product and aseptic processing of finished product. In 2003, Westover joined Cook MyoSite as a quality control associate, expanding his experience in quality systems and learning cell culture technologies. He is currently serving as director of quality and is responsible for maintaining product integrity, coordinating all communications between the quality control and quality assurance units, and ensuring compliance with current good manufacturing practices. Westover is a member of the Parenteral Drug Association (PDA).
