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 Precigen’s broader pipeline in immuno-oncology and autoimmune disease and reflects on how Maryland’s BioHealth Capital Region has supported the company’s innovation and growth.

Listen now on your favorite podcast platform:
Apple: https://apple.co/3IdIAPi
Spotify: https://bit.ly/4eKJIGo
iHeart: https://ihr.fm/4krFxAy
YouTube: https://bit.ly/4lnRUPq
Amazon Music: https://amzn.to/4nG3Tt6 
TuneIn: https://bit.ly/4lqEaTG

Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant.

The Annual BioHealth Capital Region Investment Conference is the premier destination for discovering emerging companies that are redefining what’s possible in life sciences.

Taking place on Thursday, September 25, the final day of BioHealth Capital Region Week 2025, the conference brings together startups, growth-stage companies, VCs, strategics, and innovation scouts for a dynamic day of curated pitches, one-on-one meetings, and strategic networking — all hosted at US Pharmacopeia in Rockville, Maryland.

For Investors:

This is where you’ll find what’s next. The conference showcases a vetted lineup of companies spanning therapeutics, diagnostics, digital health, AI-powered solutions, and other transformative technologies. You’ll hear live pitch presentations and quick-pitches on the main stage from top applicants,  including standout participants from the previous day’s Crab Trap Competition.

Investors will schedule targeted meetings with presenting companies and engage with the region’s leading commercialization partners, accelerators, and research institutions. Whether you're looking to make your next investment or build your pipeline, this is one of the best opportunities of the year to do it.

Investor registration is open now:
https://bit.ly/BHCRIC2025

For Startups and Entrepreneurs:

The Investment Conference is designed for companies ready to raise capital or build relationships with the investors who matter most in the BioHealth space. Whether you’re seeking Seed, Series A, or strategic partnerships, this event puts you directly in front of potential funders and collaborators.

BioHealth Capital Region Week returns for its 11th year, and registration is now officially open. Scheduled for September 23–25, 2025, this annual gathering will once again take place at US Pharmacopeia (USP) in Rockville, Maryland, bringing together leaders from across the biohealth ecosystem for three days of innovation, connection, and forward-thinking dialogue.

This year’s theme—“Where Human and Artificial Intelligence Converge in the BioHealth Industry”—will guide Forum discussions as experts from across industry, government, and academia explore how AI is reshaping drug development, diagnostics, health data, and the future of care delivery.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available at multiple levels, including standard, lunch, networking reception, VIP dinner, and display table options. Sponsors receive prominent visibility throughout the event and exclusive access to the region’s top biohealth leaders.

Applications are now open for the 9th Annual Crab Trap Competition, one of the signature events of BioHealth Capital Region Week 2025, taking place on Wednesday, September 24, during Day 2 of the BioHealth Capital Region Forum at US Pharmacopeia (USP) in Rockville, Maryland.

The Crab Trap showcases emerging startups developing high-impact innovations in therapeutics, diagnostics, medical devices, digital health, and other transformative areas of healthcare. Finalists will pitch live to a panel of expert judges in front of a high-profile audience of industry leaders, investors, and commercialization partners.

The winning company will receive a valuable package of services and recognition to help accelerate its growth.

Click here to apply to compete in the Crab Trap.

Deadline to apply: AUGUST 29, 2025

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Pediatrix Medical Group, Inc. (NYSE: MD), a leading provider of physician services, today announced that its board of directors has appointed Kurt D. Newman, M.D., former President and Chief Executive Officer of Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C. and Professor Emeritus of Surgery and Pediatrics at George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, as an independent director, effective July 1, 2025.

Dr. Newman, a surgeon and nationally recognized leader in pediatric healthcare and a long-term healthcare executive, served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Children's National Hospital for 12 years, after spending over 25 years there as a pediatric surgeon. Dr. Newman fostered a culture of patient-centered care and championed a culture of innovation in research, operations and clinical care. Dr. Newman is a strong advocate for expanding mental health access for children and has led two national forums on this issue. He is the author of a best-selling book, “Healing Children: a Surgeon's Stories from the Frontiers of Pediatric Medicine.” Dr. Newman was recognized as “CEO of the Year” by the Washington Business Journal in 2021 and inducted into the Washington Business Hall of Fame in 2023.

Thanks to a major investment from GO Virginia, Northern Virginia’s first Innovation District is taking shape, laying the groundwork for growth in high-tech industry sectors like life sciences, aerospace, defense, and semiconductors.   

Governor Glenn Youngkin announced last week that the commonwealth will invest $2.6 million into Northern Virginia’s first Innovation District, with an additional $1.3 million coming from local businesses, government, and higher education partners. The funding will help launch the Innovation District and roll out programs aimed at making Northern Virginia a national hub for research-driven industries, while giving residents the chance to pursue strong, lasting careers without leaving their communities.