In this episode of BioTalk, Rich Bendis welcomes Dr. Helen Sabzevari, President and CEO of Precigen, to discuss the company’s cutting-edge science in gene and cell therapy. Dr. Sabzevari shares how Precigen’s unique AdenoVerse® platform has powered the development of PRGN-2012, a potential first-in-class therapeutic currently under FDA priority review for the treatment of adults with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP), a rare and devastating disease. She also highlights advances across P...
Jul 06, 2025•38 min
In this episode of BioTalk, Lara Mangravite, PhD, Executive Director of Digitalis Commons, joins the conversation to explore how scientific research is shifting in the U.S.—from centralized, institutional models to a more decentralized, innovation-driven landscape. She shares the mission of Digitalis Commons and explains how the organization is working at the intersection of technology, research, and public good to address systemic barriers in health and healthcare. Drawing from her recent artic...
Jun 20, 2025•34 min
In this episode of BioTalk, Amy C. Hay, Chief Business and Strategy Officer at the Cell Therapy Manufacturing Center (CTMC), joins the conversation to explore the evolving landscape of cell and gene therapy. Amy shares insights from her extensive career in oncology care and innovation, highlighting the role CTMC—a joint venture between National Resilience and MD Anderson Cancer Center—is playing in accelerating the transition from discovery to commercialization. She discusses the current state o...
Jun 13, 2025•39 min•Ep. 176
In this episode of BioTalk , Sam Tetlow, Founder and CEO of Grant Engine, joins the conversation to unpack how companies can successfully navigate the rapidly changing world of non-dilutive funding. With continued resolutions, shifting agency priorities, and evolving leadership at HHS and beyond, 2025 presents both new hurdles and new opportunities for biotech and health innovators. Sam shares actionable insights on what’s changed under the current administration, where funding gaps exist, and h...
Jun 06, 2025•47 min•Ep. 178
In this episode of BioTalk , we welcome Rick Wieczorek , President and CEO of the NIH Federal Credit Union (NIHFCU) , to discuss how credit unions like NIHFCU are uniquely positioned to support the biohealth and healthcare communities. With over 40 years of industry experience, Rick shares his journey from teller to CEO and reflects on NIHFCU’s 85-year history, its mission-driven approach to service, and the importance of tailoring financial solutions to meet the needs of life science profession...
May 31, 2025•23 min•Ep. 174
In this episode of BioTalk, host Rich Bendis welcomes Sona Shah , CEO and Co-Founder of Neopenda , for an inspiring conversation on innovation, impact, and scaling medical technology in underserved markets. Sona shares how a formative experience teaching in rural Kenya ignited her passion for global health, leading to the creation of neoGuard , a wearable vital signs monitor tailored for low-resource settings. They discuss the engineering challenges of building clinical-grade hardware for hospit...
May 11, 2025•37 min•Ep. 173
In this timely episode of BioTalk, returning guest Alex Philippidis, Senior Business Editor at Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News, joins host Rich Bendis to explore how sweeping changes in U.S. regulatory policy, workforce dynamics, and economic pressures are affecting the biotech industry in real time. Alex breaks down the potential consequences of FDA workforce cuts, particularly for small and mid-sized biotechs that depend on regulatory guidance, and offers perspective on how HHS an...
Apr 27, 2025•35 min•Ep. 172
What does it take to establish Maryland as a powerhouse for biotech commercialization? In this episode of BioTalk with Rich Bendis , Dr. Deborah Hemingway, Founder and Managing Partner of Ecphora Capital, shares her insights on the current investment landscape in the BioHealth Capital Region. She discusses the strategic advantages that make Maryland uniquely positioned for success, the critical gaps that must be addressed, and how state and local governments can provide essential support through...
Feb 09, 2025•31 min•Ep. 171
In this episode of BioTalk, host Rich Bendis is joined by Amitabh Varshney, Dean of the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences and a Professor of Computer Science at the University of Maryland, College Park. Together, they explore the groundbreaking advancements in artificial intelligence and health computing driven by the University of Maryland (UMD). Dean Varshney discusses the launch of the Artificial Intelligence Interdisciplinary Institute at Maryland (AIM) earlier this yea...
Jan 26, 2025•37 min•Ep. 170
In this episode of BioTalk with Rich Bendis , Dr. Kolaleh Eskandanian , Vice President and Chief Innovation Officer at Children’s National Hospital , discusses her work driving pediatric healthcare innovation. Dr. Eskandanian introduces the BARDA SPARK Accelerator , a groundbreaking initiative focused on advancing medical countermeasures for children, and explains how it aligns with Children’s National’s mission to lead in pediatric healthcare innovation. She also highlights the unique challenge...
Jan 19, 2025•41 min•Ep. 169
In this episode of BioTalk, Bill Tompkins, President and CEO of the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC), discusses the strategies driving Montgomery County’s position as a leading bioscience hub. Bill highlights MCEDC’s role in reinforcing the region’s standing as the third-largest bioscience cluster in the U.S. and shares insights into the new Institute for Health Computing. He also introduces two new venture funds—the Technology Innovation Fund and the Founders Fund—desi...
Jan 05, 2025•35 min•Ep. 168
In this episode of BioTalk , host Rich Bendis welcomes Ric Hughen , CEO of Linshom Medical, and Talia Feldman , Software Engineer at Linshom Medical, to discuss their groundbreaking advancements in respiratory monitoring technology. As the main winners of the 2024 Crab Trap Competition at the 10th Annual BioHealth Capital Region Week, Ric and Talia share Linshom’s mission to improve patient safety through their innovative and accessible respiratory monitoring devices. Ric explains how Linshom is...
Dec 01, 2024•31 min•Ep. 167
In this episode of BioTalk with Rich Bendis, Dr. Eric Edwards, Co-Founder and CEO of MedPhlow, shares how his innovative company is reshaping emergency medicine through cutting-edge drug delivery systems. Dr. Edwards discusses his journey from co-founding Kaléo, where he helped develop life-saving products like AUVI-Q, to leading MedPhlow, a subsidiary of Phlow Corp. Based in Richmond, VA, MedPhlow is dedicated to addressing critical challenges in essential medicine delivery, with its first prod...
Nov 24, 2024•36 min•Ep. 166
Join us for an insightful episode of BioTalk as Rich Bendis speaks with Eric Mayton, CEO of Cerillo, one of the recent winners at the Crab Trap competition during the 10th Annual BioHealth Capital Region Week. Cerillo, based in Charlottesville, VA, is making waves in microbiome research and biological product development with its innovative tools designed to tackle variability challenges and enhance data collection efficiency. In this episode, Eric shares Cerillo’s mission to combat Eroom's Law—...
Nov 17, 2024•26 min•Ep. 165
In this episode of BioTalk, Rich Bendis sits down with Rachel Rath, the Head of JLABS @ Washington, DC, to discuss her journey and insights on building a thriving ecosystem for life sciences innovation. Rachel shares her academic and professional background, from roles at PCORI and BARDA Blue Knight to leading JLABS @ Washington, DC. She offers an in-depth look at JLABS’ national and international footprint, and the significant partnerships with organizations like Children’s National, Virginia T...
Nov 03, 2024•37 min•Ep. 164
In this episode of BioTalk, Rich Bendis speaks with Dr. Frank Gupton, Co-Founder of Phlow and CEO of the Medicines for All Institute, about his pioneering efforts to improve pharmaceutical manufacturing and global access to essential medications. Dr. Gupton shares how Phlow is addressing vulnerabilities in the U.S. pharmaceutical supply chain by producing critical medicines domestically, and how the Medicines for All Institute is reshaping the way drugs are made by reducing costs and streamlinin...
Oct 21, 2024•49 min•Ep. 163
In this episode of BioTalk, Rich Bendis, President and CEO of BioHealth Innovation, Inc., sits down with Peter Ronco, Chief Executive Officer of Emmes, a global full-service Clinical Research Organization (CRO). Peter discusses his transition from leading roles at Janssen R&D and Bristol Myers Squibb to guiding Emmes' strategic direction and operations. Peter introduces Emmes, its growth as a full-service CRO, and the recent partnership with New Mountain Capital that has accelerated global a...
Sep 01, 2024•31 min•Ep. 162
In this episode of BioTalk, Rich Bendis, President and CEO of BioHealth Innovation, Inc., welcomes Brad Sibbald, Vice President of Kelly Science and Clinical, and Sarah Porter, Vice President of Government Solutions at Kelly Services. Together, they explore the critical trends and strategies shaping the biotech and government workforce landscapes, with a particular focus on the BioHealth Capital Region (BHCR). Kelly Services, a global leader in workforce solutions, plays a pivotal role in connec...
Aug 25, 2024•40 min
In this special episode of BioTalk, Rich Bendis, President and CEO of BioHealth Innovation, Inc., hosts a compelling discussion with three groundbreaking guests from South Africa: Johann de Bruyn, CEO of TASK, Ethan Hunter, Chief Operations Officer at Immobazyme, and Dr. Carla Eksteen, Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Stellenbosch University. Together, they share their journey of connecting South Africa's biotech scene with the BioHealth Capital Region, showcasing how innovation transcends border...
Aug 18, 2024•26 min
In this episode of BioTalk, Rich Bendis, President and CEO of BioHealth Innovation, Inc., welcomes guests from ARPA-H: Craig Gravitz, Director of the Project Accelerator Transition Innovation Office (PATIO), and Jenica Patterson, Ph.D., Portfolio Lead at ARPA-H. Together, they provide a comprehensive overview of ARPA-H's mission and innovative programs. Craig Gravitz and Jenica Patterson share their educational and career backgrounds, setting the stage for a discussion about ARPA-H and its vario...
Aug 05, 2024•39 min•Ep. 159
In this episode of BioTalk, Rich Bendis, President and CEO of BioHealth Innovation, Inc., speaks with Alex Philippidis, Senior Business Editor at Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News. Alex joins the podcast to discuss the latest Top 10 U.S. Biopharma Clusters list, where the BioHealth Capital Region secured its #3 ranking for the second consecutive year. The conversation highlights the factors that contributed to the success of the top biopharma clusters, focusing on early investments in...
Jul 28, 2024•36 min•Ep. 158
In this episode of BioTalk, Rich Bendis, President and CEO of BioHealth Innovation, Inc., speaks with Matt Gardner, Head of Life Sciences, Americas, at CBRE. With over 30 years of experience in the technology and life sciences sectors, Matt Gardner provides a comprehensive look at the latest trends and developments in the life sciences industry. Matt shares key findings from CBRE's recently released 'U.S. Life Sciences Talent Trends' report for 2024 ( https://www.cbre.com/insights/books/us-life-...
Jul 21, 2024•40 min•Ep. 157
In this episode of BioTalk with Rich Bendis, we have the honor of speaking with the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Tunisia, Joey R. Hood. With an impressive diplomacy and international relations background, Ambassador Hood sheds light on the vital collaboration between the U.S. and Tunisia in scientific research, innovation, and technology transfer. Host Rich Bendis is the President and CEO of BioHealth Innovation, Inc., dedicated to accelerating biohealth opportunities and fostering innovat...
Jul 14, 2024•38 min•Ep. 156
Join us for an episode of BioTalk with Rich Bendis featuring Dr. Bradley Maron, Senior Associate Dean for Precision Medicine and Executive Co-Director of the University of Maryland-Institute for Health Computing at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. With his extensive background in cardiovascular research and precision medicine, Dr. Maron offers a wealth of knowledge and innovative perspectives. In this episode, Dr. Maron shares his professional journey, discussing his various roles ...
Jun 30, 2024•41 min•Ep. 154
Radiological Health (CDRH) at the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). With a distinguished background as a board-certified ophthalmologist and epidemiologist, Dr. Tarver is at the forefront of transforming the evaluation and inclusion of medical devices in underserved and underrepresented populations. In this episode, Dr. Tarver introduces the FDA and the CDRH Division, explaining the definition of a medical device by FDA standards. She discusses the creation of the Chief Transformation Offic...
Jun 24, 2024•33 min•Ep. 154
Join us for an enlightening episode of BioTalk with Rich Bendis as we welcome Dan Berglund, President and CEO of SSTI. With nearly four decades of experience in tech-based economic development (TBED), Dan has been a pivotal figure in shaping the landscape of innovation and entrepreneurship across the nation. In this episode, Dan shares the history and evolution of Technology Based Economic Development, discussing key initiatives in states like Ohio and Pennsylvania, and at the federal level. He ...
Jun 16, 2024•44 min•Ep. 153
Chief of the Biomolecular Measurement Division at the Material Measurement Laboratory, NIST. With a distinguished career in analytical chemistry and extensive experience in biochemical sensing and bioprocess measurements, Michael leads critical initiatives to advance biotechnology and healthcare. In this episode, we delve into the pivotal role of NIST as a non-regulatory agency within the Department of Commerce, highlighting its profound impact on measurement science, gene therapy, gene editing,...
Jun 02, 2024•41 min•Ep. 152
Join us in this episode of BioTalk with Rich Bendis as we delve into the Baltimore ecosystem with Kory Bailey, Chief Ecosystem Officer (CEO) of UpSurge Baltimore, a trailblazing organization dedicated to fostering equitable economic growth and innovation. Kory Bailey brings over a decade of leadership experience from both early-stage startups and big tech. He has emerged as a thought leader on equitable economic growth and a champion for Baltimore's tech ecosystem. As the CEO of UpSurge Baltimor...
Mar 24, 2024•43 min•Ep. 151
Discover the Future of Healthcare with John Sackett, Executive Vice President & COO of Adventist Healthcare, on BioTalk with Rich Bendis. In this episode, John Sackett shares his insights into the changing landscape of healthcare delivery. From his early days as an administrative assistant to his current role, John's journey offers invaluable lessons on leadership and innovation in the healthcare industry. Join us as we explore Adventist Healthcare's role in the BioHealth Capital Region (BHC...
Mar 18, 2024•43 min•Ep. 150
Join us for an engaging episode of BioTalk as we sit down with Lance Kawaguchi, Chief Executive Officer of the Cure Brain Cancer Foundation. Lance's career trajectory from global finance to non-profit leadership is as inspiring as it is impactful, driven by a personal mission to combat brain cancer following the loss of his mother. In this episode, we explore Lance's journey from senior investment banker to non-profit leader, propelled by personal loss and a vision for change. We delve into the ...
Feb 25, 2024•28 min•Ep. 149
