Rao S. Bezwada

Dr. Bezwada joined the Abyrx® team in 2013 from ORTHOCON®, Inc. where he led polymer and chemistry development. An accomplished scientist and entrepreneur, Rao S. Bezwada, Ph.D. established Bezwada Biomedical, LLC, an innovation based and technology driven research company with operations in the United States and India. The company is focused on developing a wide range of novel absorbable polymeric biomaterials that represent platform technologies capable of enhancing the 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 been regarded as a leading expert in the field of bioabsorbable polymers. He has over 25 years of research experience in the medical device industry, including 20 years of service at Ethicon, Inc. (a Johnson & Johnson Company) prior to establishing Bezwada Biomedical, LLC in 2003.

Dr. Bezwada's commitment toward medical research is attested to by his original research contributions with critical applications in health care. Specifically, while at Ethicon his 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 600 million dollars since its launch in 1993 and current annual sales of approximately 60 million dollars. In recognition of this invention, along with its development, Johnson & Johnson, Inc. awarded Dr. Bezwada the prestigious Johnson Medal in 1996. Furthermore, Dr. Bezwada has been a prolific inventor and has been issued more than 72 U.S. patents. Moreover, he has authored several scholarly articles and has been published in international scientific journals, along with numerous presentations at both national and international meetings including the American Chemical Society and the Society for Biomaterials.

In addition to his passion for science and technical accomplishments, Dr. Bezwada also possesses a deep commitment for his community and has established a non-profit organization named the "Society for Basic Needs" in India. This organization has a mission aimed at improving the quality of life for those less fortunate by providing them with essential amenities and opportunities for education.