Outi Sareila became Vacara’s Chief Operating Officer in 2026, taking responsibility for the company’s day‑to‑day operations and the delivery of high‑quality services, projects, and products. Her role centers on ensuring Vacara’s scientific and commercial ambitions translate into reliable, customer‑ready outcomes. 

With an M.Sc. in biochemistry and a PhD in pharmacology from the University of Tampere, Outi has built a career at the intersection of academic research, clinical development, and diagnostic innovation. She spent over ten years investigating inflammation in Finland, Sweden, and Germany, working extensively with human cohorts and contributing to clinical studies supporting regulatory submissions in Europe, China, and the US. 

Before joining Vacara, she worked in a global diagnostics corporation in Finland, focusing on design validation of in vitro diagnostic devices and gaining deep expertise in regulatory requirements. 

Outi joined Vacara in 2021 to strengthen the company’s diagnostic development capabilities. Her contributions have spanned diagnostic projects and Vacara’s pioneering work in tolerogenic vaccines. As former CSO, she helped drive several of the company’s core scientific programs before transitioning into operational leadership.

Email: outi.sareila@vacara.se, cso@vacara.se