Advancing Hope: Solaxa’s Quest to Treat Cerebellar Ataxias
Release Date: 12/31/2023
Transforming Emergency Medicine: Dr. Eric Edwards and MedPhlow’s Life-Saving Innovations
BioTalk with Rich Bendis
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 product focused on improving outcomes during sudden cardiac arrest. Dr. Edwards explains the...
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Cracking the Code of Microbiome Research with Cerillo’s Eric Mayton
BioTalk with Rich Bendis
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—the increasing cost and time in drug development—through affordable and accessible...
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Connecting Innovation to Opportunity: A Conversation with Rachel Rath, Head of JLABS @ Washington, DC
BioTalk with Rich Bendis
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 Tech, and BARDA that strengthen the innovation landscape across the mid-Atlantic. Tune in...
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Revolutionizing Global Drug Manufacturing with Dr. Frank Gupton of Phlow and Medicines for All
BioTalk with Rich Bendis
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 streamlining production. Drawing on his extensive experience in the pharmaceutical industry, Dr. Gupton...
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Global Leadership in Clinical Research: A Conversation with Peter Ronco, CEO of Emmes
BioTalk with Rich Bendis
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 acquisitions and diversified services. He also discusses the formation of the Emmes Group,...
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Navigating Workforce Trends in Biotech and Government: Insights with Brad Sibbald and Sarah Porter of Kelly Services
BioTalk with Rich Bendis
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 connecting talent with opportunities across various industries, including science, engineering,...
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Bringing the BioHealth Capital Region to South Africa: A Conversation with Global Innovators
BioTalk with Rich Bendis
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 borders. Johann de Bruyn opens the conversation by introducing TASK Applied Science and its...
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Exploring ARPA-H Innovations: Insights with Craig Gravitz and Jenica Patterson, Ph.D.
BioTalk with Rich Bendis
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 various initiatives. They provide insights into how ARPA-H differentiates itself from other...
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BioHealth Capital Region Maintains #3 Ranking: Insights with GEN's Alex Philippidis
BioTalk with Rich Bendis
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 biotech, the generation of high-quality science, building networks with partners, and...
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Life Sciences Real Estate and Talent Trends: Insights from Matt Gardner, Head of Life Sciences, Americas, CBRE
BioTalk with Rich Bendis
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 (), offering insights into what the life sciences sector can expect in the coming year. He discusses the national real estate market,...
info_outlineIn this episode of BioTalk with Rich Bendis, we’re joined by three guests from Solaxa: CEO & Founder Christian Walker, Chief Operating Officer Luis T. Gutierrez, Jr., and Chief Commercial Officer Jennifer Butler. Solaxa is a pioneering biotech company with a mission to revolutionize the treatment of cerebellar ataxias and acute nerve injuries caused by trauma and chemotherapy.
Discover the compelling story behind Solaxa’s choice to establish its roots in Montgomery County and how the BioHealth Capital Region has played a crucial role in its growth. Learn how Solaxa’s team was assembled, including the inspiring success stories of Luis and Jennifer, both part of the BioHealth Innovation and Montgomery County Maryland’s Executive in Residence program.
Hear how Solaxa is making a difference in the world of neurology with SLX-001, a drug showing immense promise in treating cerebellar ataxias. Dive into their innovative approach, including the development of their treatment for cerebellar ataxias.
Additionally, discover how Solaxa’s pioneering efforts in this field provide hope for healing. Join us for an enlightening discussion on the future of neurology, innovative treatments, and the remarkable journey of Solaxa.
CEO & Founder Christian Walker has focused his last twenty years pursuing the commercialization of nerve injury solutions. Christian’s fundraising experience spans raising money for start-ups, being a start-up venture capitalist, and securing significant non-dilutive financing through grants. At Christian’s prior start-ups, Christian was directly responsible for securing $11M in venture financing. While at Toucan Capital, he served as Principal of a $140 million venture capital fund focused on early-stage investments in stem cells and regenerative medicine. At Johns Hopkins and Walter Reed, he helped secure $22.5M in non-dilutive grants.
Luis T. Gutierrez, Jr. serves as Chief Operating Officer of Solaxa while also serving as an Executive in Residence with BioHealth Innovation. In both roles, he leverages his 25+ years of expertise in helping novel medical technologies with scientific and clinical promise transition to becoming successful commercial enterprises. He previously served in executive roles with Veranex, Theralink Technologies, Aptiv Solutions, and Covance.
Chief Commercial Officer Jennifer Butler has 25 years of broad biotechnology industry experience. Her commercial roles at MedImmune, AstraZeneca, and Innate have equipped her with a deep understanding of commercial execution at large and emerging biopharma. Notably, Jen launched Innate’s first commercial product in a rare oncology population. Jennifer also is also serving as an Executive in Residence with BioHealth Innovation.