In this episode of "PEMBA On Demand," Dr. Joseph Nounou, a 2020 PEMBA graduate, shares his transition from anesthesia to founding Auros Pharma, a biotech startup tackling the opioid crisis with a novel medication. He discusses his motivations for pursuing an MBA, the challenges of launching a pharmaceutical company during COVID-19, and the personal and financial sacrifices involved. Dr. Nounou emphasizes the importance of physician leadership in drug development and his commitment to affordable, life-saving treatments, highlighting how business education empowered him to drive innovation and broader impact in healthcare.

• Transition from clinical practice in anesthesia to entrepreneurship in biotech.
• Founding of Auros Pharma to address the opioid crisis with a novel medication.
• Motivations for pursuing an MBA to gain business knowledge.
• Challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and their impact on business management.
• Personal transformation driven by burnout and a desire for a more fulfilling career.
• The process of bootstrapping a pharmaceutical startup and financial realities involved.
• Importance of physician involvement in the pharmaceutical industry and drug development.
• Regulatory complexities and the FDA approval process for new medications.
• The role of physicians in promoting effective and cost-efficient prescribing practices.
• Future aspirations for Auros Pharma's medication and the impact of mentorship from the PEMBA program.

• Dr. Norman A. Chapin on LinkedIn

• PEMBA On Demand Podcast on Apple

• Dr. Joseph Nounou on LinkedIn