Michael currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of Cerecor, Inc., formerly Aevi Genomic Medicine, Inc., a position he has held since February 2020, when Cerecor acquired Aevi. Prior to joining Cerecor, Mr. Cola served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Aevi since 2013. Michael has served as president of specialty pharmaceuticals at Shire Plc, a global specialty pharmaceutical company he first joined in 2005 as executive vice-president of global therapeutic business units and portfolio management. Previously, Michael also served as a growth capital provider and president of the life sciences group for Safeguard Scientifics, Inc., where he served as chairman and chief executive officer of Clarient, Inc., and chairman of Laureate Pharma, Inc. In addition, Michael has held senior positions in product development and commercialization at AstraMerck and AstraZeneca.

Michael received a B.A. in biology and physics from Ursinus College and an M.S. in biomedical science from Drexel University. He also serves on the board of directors at Phathom Pharmaceuticals and as chairman for the board of governors of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Philadelphia.