In this episode of BioTalk with Rich Bendis, Jeffrey N. Hausfeld, M.D., Chairman of the Board and Chief Medical Officer of BioFactura Inc., and Darryl Sampey, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Capitol Biologics, join the conversation to discuss the launch of Capitol Biologics as BioFactura’s CDMO division.
Jeff and Darryl explain how BioFactura’s experience building biologics development and clinical manufacturing capabilities created the foundation for a more personalized CDMO model. The discussion explores the gap Capitol Biologics is designed to fill for emerging biotech companies that need integrated development support, scientific depth, analytical expertise, phase-appropriate quality, and early GMP manufacturing without being pushed into a large commercial-scale CDMO model too soon.
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The conversation also highlights what biotech CEOs and CMC leaders should consider before choosing a CDMO partner, including developability assessment, cell line and process development, analytical characterization, quality systems, cost of goods, regulatory readiness, and timing. Jeff and Darryl also discuss the growing importance of U.S.-based biologics development and manufacturing capacity, especially for emerging biotech and government-aligned programs.
Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant.
Jeffrey N. Hausfeld, M.D., M.B.A., F.A.C.S., is a physician entrepreneur, biotechnology executive, investor, and healthcare innovator whose career spans clinical medicine, life sciences, healthcare real estate development, and entrepreneurial leadership. A graduate of Yale University School of Medicine and recipient of an M.B.A. from Johns Hopkins University, Dr. Hausfeld is an Associate Clinical Professor of Surgery at George Washington University and has been actively involved in national medical societies and healthcare leadership organizations for more than four decades. He currently serves as Chairman of the Board and Chief Medical Officer of BioFactura Inc., Chairman of Capitol Biologics, and Chairman and Co-Founder of the Society of Physician Entrepreneurs. His work focuses on advancing healthcare innovation, biotechnology commercialization, physician entrepreneurship, and the responsible adoption of emerging technologies that improve patient care.
Darryl Sampey, Ph.D., is a biopharmaceutical executive and company builder with more than 30 years of experience advancing biologics from discovery through clinical development and commercial manufacturing. He co-founded BioFactura in 2004 and has guided the company from start-up through incubator stages into a fully integrated biopharmaceutical product development and clinical manufacturing company. At BioFactura, he has raised more than $90 million in non-dilutive and strategic funding, built cGMP manufacturing capabilities, and led development of novel therapeutics, biodefense medical countermeasures, biosimilars, and cell therapies. Dr. Sampey is an inventor of the VeriCyte™ Discovery and StableFast™ Biomanufacturing Platforms and previously held process development and manufacturing leadership roles at Human Genome Sciences and North American Vaccine.
In this episode of BioTalk with Rich Bendis, Neal Piper, Founder and CEO of Luminoah, returns to share a major milestone in the company’s journey: FDA clearance for Luminoah Flow.
Neal Piper has devoted his career to advancing healthcare and expanding access to life-saving innovation across the U.S., Africa, and Asia. He began in Pfizer’s Neuroscience Division before joining the Global Health Fellows Program, later serving as President of its Alumni Business Network, where he united 350 leaders and scientists to strengthen healthcare systems worldwide. He went on to expand healthcare programs in 18 countries with Population Services International and founded multiple ventures, including a home healthcare company. As the founding CEO of the Presidential Precinct, he empowered emerging and world leaders driving change in government, entrepreneurship, and civil society. Guided by a belief in the power of innovation to improve lives, Neal now leads Luminoah with a mission to create meaningful, lasting change in healthcare.
In this episode of BioTalk with Rich Bendis, Sam Gussman-Toh, Portfolio Manager for the Small Business Program at ARPA-H, joins the conversation to discuss how the agency is creating new pathways for small businesses developing ambitious health technologies.
In this episode of BioTalk with Rich Bendis, Jared Smith, MBA, CEcD, President and CEO of the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation, joins the conversation to discuss his new role leading economic development efforts in one of the nation’s most important biohealth markets.
In this episode of BioTalk with Rich Bendis, Ellen D. Harpel, Ph.D., Founder of Smart Incentives, joins the conversation to explore a topic that has shaped the growth of the BioHealth Capital Region but has rarely been discussed directly on the podcast: economic development incentives. Ellen explains why state and local governments use incentives, how they influence business location and expansion decisions, and why effective programs need clear goals, active management, performance measures, and public accountability.
This episode of the BioTalk with Rich Bendis Podcast brings together leaders from industry, academia, and economic development to unpack the vision behind a new life sciences Innovation District anchored in Prince William County. With introductions to NAUGEN, George Mason University’s Institute for Biohealth Innovation, and the Prince William County Department of Economic Development, setting the stage for how each organization contributes to the district’s foundation. The guests discuss the life science assets, research strengths, and translational capabilities that define the district and explain why it is well-positioned to support biotechnology and advanced R&D companies.
Secretary Juan Pablo Segura joins BioTalk for a conversation about Virginia’s growing position in the biohealth economy and the statewide strategy behind it. He outlines the significance of the new partnership with AstraZeneca, Lilly, and Merck, including up to $120 million in private investment to create a workforce development center and expand the Commonwealth’s life sciences capacity. Segura talks through how Virginia approaches company recruitment, what investors are responding to, and why the state is seeing increased interest from biomanufacturing and advanced R&D companies. He also discusses Virginia’s use of public-private partnerships to accelerate industry growth, strengthen the talent pipeline, and support emerging hubs across the Commonwealth. The conversation closes with a look at Virginia’s role in the BioHealth Capital Region and how the regional identity helps amplify the state’s message as it continues building a competitive biohealth ecosystem.
Getting a biotech company off the ground takes more than science; it takes strategy, funding, and the right network.