Bench to Bedside: Bioprinting Innovations brings together an exceptional lineup of pioneers spanning the full translational journey of 3D bioprinting — from novel absorbable biomaterials and clinical-grade bone implants to physiologically relevant in vitro models and next-generation drug discovery platforms. This event arrives at a pivotal moment for the field. The global 3D bioprinting market was valued at $2.3 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 15.1%, reaching an estimated $5.4 billion by 2030 (Ref 1), driven by advances in biomaterials, stem cell research, and rising adoption across pharmaceutical and clinical applications. Bioprinted tissue models alone are projected to drive $1.5 billion in drug testing market value by 2028 (Ref 1), while orthopedic implants are expected to capture 33.9% of bioprinting revenue in 2025 (Ref 2) — precisely the intersecting domains our speakers represent. This panel covers every critical layer of the bioprinting ecosystem: the polymer chemistry that makes implants possible, the printing technology that gives them form, the commercial and regulatory strategy that brings them to patients, and the in vitro models that are reshaping how drugs are developed. Whether you are a researcher, clinician, entrepreneur, or investor, this is a conversation you cannot afford to miss.
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Rao S. Bezwada
An accomplished scientist and entrepreneur, Rao S. Bezwada, Ph.D. established Bezwada Biomedical, an innovation-based and technology-driven research company, in 2003. The company is focused on developing a wide range of novel absorbable polymeric biomaterials to enhance quality of life by producing next generation bioabsorbable medical devices with therapeutic applications. Dr. Bezwada earned a doctorate in chemistry from the Stevens Institute of Technology in New Jersey and has over 40 years of research experience in the medical device industry, including 20 years of service at Ethicon, Inc. (a Johnson & Johnson Company). While at Ethicon, Dr. Bezwada’s research and development efforts led to the launch of a number of products, including Monocryl®, a new ultra-pliable synthetic absorbable monofilament suture. This product has represented worldwide sales of more than two (2) billion dollars since its launch in 1993 and current annual sales of over 100 million dollars. The development of Monocryl, is a testament to Dr Bezwada’s innovative prowess. Not only has this product significantly impacted medical practices worldwide, but its success also earned him the prestigious Johnson medal from Johnson and Johnson in 1996. His prolific inventiveness, as evidenced by over 150 issued US patents on absorbable polyurethanes, absorbable amino acid polymers, absorbable polyester amides, absorbable polyoxaesters, and controlled release polymers, underscores his dedication to pushing the boundaries of biomedical technology. Dr Bezwada’s leadership and guidance has led to the creation of more than 10 FDA-approved products including MONTAGE® Putty, MONTAGE Fast Set Putty, Montage Flowable Putty, and PERMATAGE Putty, marketed by Abyrx for wound healing and bone applications, all based on Bezwada Biomedical’s absorbable polyurethane technology.
Neeti Srivastava
Dr. Neeti Srivastava has been a key member of Bezwada Biomedical since 2009, bringing over 15 years of experience in biomedical research and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry. With deep expertise in absorbable polymers, drug delivery systems, biomaterials, and quality management systems, Dr. Srivastava leads research and development, business development, and quality assurance, always focusing on creating innovative, safe, and effective solutions to improve patient care.
Dr. Srivastava has extensive knowledge of Bezwada’s absorbable polyurethane technology, including bio-based polyurethanes, and holds patents on the technology, solidifying her position as a leader in polymer science. Her contributions were essential in the creation of TissuBond™, a tissue adhesive that secured NSF SBIR Phase I and II grants. She also worked on absorbable polyurethane formulations for a bone hemostat product that received 510(k) approval from the FDA and was commercialized as MONTAGE® by Abyrx, Inc.
Her leadership and dedicated efforts were instrumental in Bezwada Biomedical’s achievement of ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 certifications. Through her guidance in building a robust quality management system, she has ensured the company’s commitment to delivering safe and effective polymers that meet the highest regulatory standards.
Dr. Srivastava is also an established voice in the scientific community, having authored multiple scholarly articles and presented her research at esteemed conferences such as the American Chemical Society and the Society for Biomaterials. Her work continues to drive both academic and industrial advancements in biomedical science and drug delivery technologies.
Monica Wellejus
Monica Wellejus is a technology commercialization strategist who has spent almost seven years working at the intersection of biomaterials and medical 3D printing. With an MA in Business, Language, and Culture, Monica entered the field from a non-technical angle but quickly became involved in all aspects of bringing bone regenerative solutions to market, from product development and quality control to regulatory pathways, evidence generation, and global commercialization strategies. She has been part of Ossiform® since 2019, where she manages the company’s commercial and go-to-market activities as the Chief Commercial Officer.
Ossiform® develops bio-integrative bone substitutes with tailored structural properties to improve bone healing outcomes, simplify complex procedures, and reduce complication rates in orthopedics and spine. Its novel 3D printing technology is further used to provide bone-mimicking 3D cell culture systems for improving the physiological relevance of in vitro models in bone and cancer research.
Carlos Ezio
Carlos Ezio is the CEO and co-founder of Criocore, where his work focuses on developing physiologically relevant in vitro models for more predictive drug development. Previously, he spent six years in the Shrike Zhang Lab at Harvard Medical School, where he contributed to more than 30 scientific publications, several patents, and the development of novel technologies. His research focused on biofabrication technologies, including 3D bioprinting, organ-on-chip platforms, and biomedical devices for engineering complex tissue models. Carlos was recognized as an MIT Innovators 35 Under 35 LATAM honoree, a Founder in Residence at Antler, and part of the inaugural cohort of MassVentures’ Founders School.
Joanna Xylas, PhD
Joanna Xylas, PhD, is a biomedical engineer and entrepreneur working at the intersection of biomaterials, manufacturing, and clinical translation. She is a Cofounder and CEO of Materialize Bio, an NSF-backed, Tufts University spinout developing high-performance implants from natural biopolymers using its proprietary GLEN 3D™ manufacturing platform.
Her career has focused on advancing novel technologies into human use. She has led clinical and commercialization strategy for implantable and bio-integrative platforms at companies including Brixton Biosciences and TISSIUM, contributing to the translation of first-in-class, 3D-printed and biosynthetic implants into first-in-human studies.
Through this work, Dr. Xylas has built deep experience bridging engineering, biology, and surgery by partnering with surgeons, shaping clinical strategy, and driving adoption of emerging technologies. She holds a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from Tufts University and is committed to bringing forward technologies that meaningfully improve patient care.
Moderator:
Dr. Jenny Chen
Dr. Jenny Chen is trained as a neuroradiologist, and founder/CEO of 3DHEALS. Her main interests include next-generation education, 3D printing in the healthcare sector, automated biology, and artificial intelligence. She is an angel investor who invests in Pitch3D companies.
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