Rockville, MD – September 24, 2025 – The 9th Annual Crab Trap Competition, held during the BioHealth Capital Region Forum at US Pharmacopeia, showcased some of the most innovative start-ups from across the region and around the world. This year, Perfusion Medical of Reston, VA, was named the winner of the competition, taking home the $10,000 cash prize from BHI along with $25,000 in IT and cybersecurity services provided by InfoPathways.
Perfusion Medical’s CEO, Gerard Eldering, delivered the winning pitch, highlighting the company’s therapy PM-208, which is designed to restore capillary blood flow and oxygen delivery following trauma or ischemic injury.
In addition, Chariot Biosciences, based in Baltimore, MD, was selected to receive $10,000 in CRO services sponsored by Accelevir Diagnostics and Noble Life Sciences. Their presentation was delivered by Greg Merril, Executive Director, showcasing the company’s novel biologic delivery platform that enables engineered microbes to continuously produce therapeutic proteins in vivo.
The competition also recognized a special international finalist. MYoroface AB, led by Co-Founder and CEO Ylvali Gerling and based in Hudiksvall, Sweden, received a symbolic “suitcase” award for traveling the farthest to participate. MYoroface developed IQoro®, a patented neuromuscular medical device that treats reflux disease, swallowing difficulties, snoring, and sleep apnea through just 90 seconds of daily training.
“Each year, the Crab Trap demonstrates the strength of the entrepreneurial talent in our region and beyond,” said Rich Bendis, President & CEO of BioHealth Innovation. “This year’s finalists represent the very best in biohealth innovation, from life-saving therapies to groundbreaking medical devices. We congratulate Perfusion Medical, Chariot Biosciences, and MYoroface, and we thank all of the companies who applied and competed.”
The 2025 Crab Trap Competition was moderated by Richard Bendis, President & CEO of BioHealth Innovation, and evaluated by an esteemed panel of judges:
- Teddy Gresser, Senior Director, TEDCO
- Conley Jones, Vice President, Alexandria Venture Investments at Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.
- John Newby, Chief Executive Officer, Virginia Biotechnology Association
- Anthony Obi Jr, Senior Investment Associate, Virginia Venture Partners
- Esther Park, Associate Director, Blackbird Laboratories
- Joseph Siletto, Co-Managing Partner, Life Sciences at J.P. Morgan
BioHealth Innovation extends gratitude to the judges for their time and expertise, and to the sponsors who made this year’s Crab Trap possible, helping to provide critical resources for emerging biohealth companies.