David C. Bupp, former C.E.O of Neoprobe, discusses the big picture with students

On March 17, the recently retired C.E.O of Neoprobe Corporation, David C. Bupp ’71, visited three economics classes to share his expertise in entrepreneurship and corporate strategy. Neoprobe Corporation produces radiopharmaceuticals that allow surgeons to identify the development and growth of cancer cells during surgery. Bupp’s visit provided insight not only into the specific challenges of the pharmaceutical industry, but also into the broader challenges of corporate leadership that many students aspire to meet.

While his emphasis depended on his audience—he spoke to the Entrepreneurship class, the Economics Management Fellows Seminar and Corporate Strategy course. Bupp focused on his role at Neoprobe and on the company’s progress. One of the distinct features of the pharmaceutical industry is the extended research and development phase and the importance of FDA approval.

To help finance the development of two new drugs, Lymphoseek and RIGScan, Neoprobe relies on the revenues from their portable Gamma Detection System, which helps identify tumors marked by a specific antigen. The necessary balance between long-term development and immediate survival resonated with many students. Amber Callen-Ward, a freshman from Holley, New York, commented on Mr. Bupp’s “perseverance and faith in his company. Despite the pressures of being president and C.E.O., he was not intimidated to take risks and to commit to the substantive growth of his company instead of quick profits.”

Neoprobe’s exclusive partnership with Cardinal Health illustrates this commitment. Although Lymphoseek has not reached the market yet, Cardinal Health has already agreed to distribute, market, and promote the product. In light of all his accomplishments at Neoprobe, including re-registering Neoprobe on the public exchange, his path to his current position at the company was of particular interest to some students.

Bupp joined the company as C.F.O., coming from a background in investment banking, and eventually became president. Stephanie Martineau, a freshman from Woonsocket, Rhode Island, said that she was impressed by how he was “prepared to seize an opportunity in a new field in which he had limited experience.”

His indirect path to leading a corporation gave a refreshing reminder of the versatility of all the degrees in this department and the many possibilities they can create.