MedBetterHealth CEO moderates BioFlorida innovation panel in Orlando

Dr. Erik Ilyayev, founder and CEO of MedBetterHealth, led BioFlorida’s Innovation Spotlight panel on Oct. 15 in Orlando, putting a spotlight on Florida biotech founders working on Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and real-time diagnostics. The session highlighted the state’s growing life sciences pipeline and the practical challenges of turning early science into patient-facing companies.

Why it matters: - The panel showcased Florida life sciences companies working on dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and diagnostics with potential patient impact. - The discussion put founders in front of close to 1,000 leaders from Florida’s life sciences community. - The session highlighted how Florida startups are trying to move from early science to commercialization.

What happened: - Dr. Erik Ilyayev, founder and CEO of MedBetterHealth, moderated BioFlorida’s Innovation Spotlight panel at BioFlorida’s 29th Annual Florida Innovation Conference. - The session took place on Oct. 15, 2026, at the JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes in Orlando. - BioFlorida President Mark Glickman invited Dr. Ilyayev to lead the session. - The panel focused on Florida founders building companies that statewide audiences may not yet know.

The details: - Dan Salain, president and CEO of Recall Therapeutics in Naples, discussed the company’s gene therapy program for Alzheimer’s disease. - Jackie von Salm, PhD, cofounder and chief science officer of Psilera in Tampa, discussed non-hallucinogenic molecules derived from psychedelics, including a program for frontotemporal dementia. - Tom Christensen of KIFFIK Biomedical in Miami discussed needle-free access to interstitial fluid for real-time diagnostics. - The conversation focused on each founder’s journey rather than a technical deep dive. - Panelists discussed the healthcare problem that led them to start their companies. - Panelists also discussed what makes each approach different. - The session covered what it took to move each concept from idea to reality. - The discussion included Florida’s funding environment. - The panel also offered practical advice for founders in the room. - MedBetterHealth is a physician-led dementia care organization based in Davie, Florida. - MedBetterHealth provides dementia care, care navigation and caregiver support for patients and families across South Florida. - MedBetterHealth participates through the CMS GUIDE Model. - More information is available on MedBetterHealth.org.

Between the lines: - The panel served as a signal that Florida’s innovation ecosystem is producing companies beyond the best-known biotech names. - Dr. Ilyayev framed the session as a response to the daily questions families ask about what comes next in dementia care. - BioFlorida used the platform to connect startup science with the broader investor, clinical and industry audience in the room.

What's next: - The panel’s founders will continue building their respective companies and programs. - BioFlorida is likely to keep using its conference platform to elevate emerging life sciences companies across the state. - MedBetterHealth will continue serving dementia patients and caregivers in South Florida while operating within the CMS GUIDE Model.

The bottom line: - The Orlando panel positioned Florida as a place where early biotech ideas are being shaped into therapies and diagnostics with real-world patient potential.