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Mario DiPaola, Co-Founder and CEO at Therebene, Inc grace the cover of the renowned Worldu2019s Leaders Magazine as one of World's Influential Leaders Making A Footprint in Pharma and Biotech, 2023
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Vol. 11 | Issue 12 | November 2023 www.worldsleaders.com WORLD’S IN FLU EN TIAL LEAD ERS Making A Footprint in Pharma and Biotech, 2023 Founder/ CEO | Therabene Creating Legacy in Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals
World's Inuential Leaders Making A Footprint in Pharma and Biotech, 2023 Achieving New Feats in Pharma and Biotech Hundreds of businesses make up the biotechnology sector, which combines biology and technology to create medications and associated goods for the treatment of illnesses and ailments. The biotechnology sector of the economy today include businesses that produce biofuels, biomaterials, environmental controls, medical equipment and diagnostics, and more. Mario's journey through the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries is a testament to his dedication and expertise. With a focus on basic research, development, quality, manufacturing, and regulatory functions in support of protein and small molecule drug development, he has navigated the complex world of therapeutic advancement with remarkable success. His extensive experience includes involvement in the development and regulatory filings (BLA/eCTD) of several approved therapeutics, such as Alferon-N, Amevive, and Sucraid, which have brought hope and healing to countless individuals. Pharmaceutical businesses like Novo Nordisk and Moderna are among the biggest in the market. These businesses must go through drawn-out trial and approval procedures for their goods, and they often concentrate on developing and testing novel medicinal molecules for medical applications. This implies that before learning if a possible medication therapy is practical or lucrative, investors sometimes have to wait months or even years. In spite of the numerous obstacles that biotechnology companies face, a number of businesses and their executives have achieved success in the sector. World's Leaders latest edition “World's Influential Leaders Making a Footprint in Pharma and Biotech, 2023” has featured success stories of renowned influential Pharma and Biotech leaderswhose expertise in leadership is echoing globally. The cover has Mario DiPaola, Co- Founder and CEO at Therebene, Inc, is an industry veteran with a remarkable 25-year track record and has left an indelible mark in the realm of life sciences. Also, while you flip through the pages, don't forget to read the articles created by our in-house editorial staff and industry experts. Have a lovely read!
CREDIT PAGE Editor-in-Chief Steve Sanchez Managing Editor Jagdish Chincholikar Executive Editor Nicole Williams Assistant Editor Gayatri Bhujbal Art & Design Director Jack Anderson Business Development Manager Mia Oliver Business Development Executive Natalie, Jerrey Associate Designer Kevin Rust Digital Marketing Manager Victor Clarke Sales Manager Casey Simpson, Irfan Shekh Marketing Manager Tom Swann Technical Specialist Barry Jones Circulation Manager Danny Parker November 2023 3296 Westerville Rd #250, Columbus, OH 43224, USA Copyright 2023 WORLD’S LEADERS Media Tech LLC, All rights reserved. The content and images used in this magazine should not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission from WORLD’S LEADERS Reprint rights remain solely with WORLD’S LEADERS. Follow us on :
Cover Story 08 Mario DiPaola Creating Legacy in Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals
Dr. Gabriel Serrano 14 18 Dr. Rupert Ecker 24 Heidi Lindner Jahanara Miotto 28 Kevin MacRitchie 32 Mitch Gould 36 Oriol Segarra 42 46 Paul Edalat Raman Singh 50
COVER STORY 08 | November 2023
In the ever- evolving landscape of biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, one name stands out as a beacon of The initial target is CDK9, which plays a direct role in multiple malignancies, including breast, ovarian, pancreatic, and other solid tumors. The company's immediate goal is to obtain approval for one of its leading products in the United States. Following this, expansion into international markets is planned, with a focus on Europe, Asia, Australia, Canada, and eventually South America. Therabene also intends to extend its technology to target proteins beyond CDK9, including Myc and H/KRas proteins, among others. Mario's entrepreneurial spirit is another defining facet of his journey. He has founded or co-founded several companies, each with a unique mission and vision. Blue Stream Laboratories Inc., a company he co-founded, achieved such success that it was acquired by Charles River Laboratories in 2016. Higher-Order Technologies LLC, which focuses on developing novel analytical equipment, is yet another example of his commitment to pushing the envelope of technology and discovery. In experience and innovation. Mario DiPaola, Co-Founder and CEO at Therebene, Inc, is an industry veteran with a remarkable 25-year track record and has left an indelible mark in the realm of life sciences. Mario's journey through the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries is a testament to his dedication and expertise. With a focus on basic research, development, quality, manufacturing, and regulatory functions in support of protein and small molecule drug development, he has navigated the complex world of therapeutic advancement with remarkable success. His extensive experience includes involvement in the development and regulatory filings (BLA/eCTD) of several approved therapeutics, such as Alferon-N, Amevive, and Sucraid, which have brought hope and healing to countless individuals. Approaching Targeted Disease Treatment Principles for Growth and Development Therabene, a biotechnology startup founded in 2020, is pioneering the development of high-potency, low- toxicity targeted chemotherapeutic agents known as "degraders”, also referred to as PROTACs. These degraders have the potential to treat cancers, autoimmune diseases, specific viral infections, and other challenging conditions. This novel approach to drug discovery extends beyond traditional methods, which focus on directly controlling protein activity. To date, Therabene has designed and synthesized around a dozen degraders, with TB-003 and TB-008 undergoing extensive in- vitro evaluations. TB-003 has also shown promising efficacy against triple negative breast cancer in in- vivo studies, highlighting the innovative potential of degraders in medical research and treatment. Mario's perspective on continuous growth and development as a business leader underscores several key principles. Staying updated on the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in the biotech/pharma industry is paramount. This involves attending conferences, enrolling in online courses when needed, and actively seeking out mentoring opportunities. Networking is also emphasized as a critical step in building strong professional connections, achieved through participation in industry events, association memberships, and interactions with fellow business leaders. Networking can yield valuable insights, collaboration opportunities, and exposure to fresh ideas. Beyond the confines of laboratories and regulatory processes, Mario's impact extends to the world of academia and research. With over 60 publications to his name and several patents as a co-inventor, he has played a pivotal role in advancing the frontiers of science and innovation. His work reflects a commitment to exploring new horizons and pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the quest to improve human health. Mario suggests that effective leadership includes actively seeking feedback from team members, peers, and mentors. Constructive feedback plays a vital role in identifying areas The primary objective of the company is to create degraders targeting disease-associated proteins. 10 | November 2023
for improvement and refining leadership styles. Furthermore, embracing challenges and viewing them as growth and learning opportunities is encouraged, as overcoming challenges can enhance resilience and problem-solving skills. Seeking mentorship from established leaders can provide invaluable guidance, support, and insights. Mario acknowledges that the business landscape is ever- evolving, and a successful leader must be adaptable and open to change. Continually evaluating strategies and being prepared to pivot when necessary is a critical aspect of effective leadership. In Mario's view, one challenge faced by emerging leaders may be a lack of resilience to persevere, particularly in adverse conditions. Additionally, some emerging leaders may prioritize quick financial rewards and swift exits over long-term growth and sustainability. Pursuing Societal Equality and Health Equity From a societal standpoint, Mario emphasizes the importance of achieving greater social equality. This involves promoting equal rights, diversity, and inclusion to create a more harmonious and inclusive society. In the field of Pharma and Biotech, Mario's aspiration is for the development of better and more effective drugs that are accessible to the entire population, rather than limited to a select subset. This reflects a desire for more equitable healthcare and medication access. worldsleaders.com | 11
Regarding people's lives, Mario envisions several improvements, including healthier lives driven by enhanced nutrition, reduced prevalence of diseases, and the availability of better and safer drugs to combat various illnesses. This vision aligns with the pursuit of overall well-being and health for individuals. have provided companies with the means to revamp their business processes, resulting in the more efficient and faster production of drugs. Artificial intelligence has played a crucial role in enhancing patient responsiveness to medications. Consequently, pharmaceutical companies have transitioned toward a more patient-centric approach, offering applications that empower the public to take charge of their health and interact more effectively with pharmaceutical companies through patient platforms. Leading with Vision When it comes to building a team, Mario values qualities such as ambition, commitment, and integrity as top priorities. Strong work ethics, leadership skills, and creativity in problem-solving are also highly sought after, along with a genuine desire to make a positive impact in the workplace and society as a whole. Mario's role encompasses various significant responsibilities within the organization: Ÿ Overseeing the strategic direction of the organization and formulating long-term plans. Ÿ Creating, communicating, and implementing the organization's vision and mission. Ÿ Leading the development and implementation of the overall organization's strategy. Ÿ Seeking advice and guidance, when appropriate, from a board of directors. Ÿ Evaluating the organization's success in achieving its goals. Ÿ Exploring opportunities for fresh funding or the sale of the company under circumstances that enhance shareholders' value. Ÿ Additionally, one of Mario's more enjoyable tasks is reviewing data and assisting the team in designing new studies and strategies as needed. Another noteworthy change in the industry, as highlighted by Mario, is the globalization of pharmaceuticals. Raw materials, excipients, and other drug components are now sourced and manufactured on an international scale, making them available on a global market platform. This represents a significant shift in the pharmaceutical sector. Additionally, over the past decade, there has been a growing trend toward global outsourcing of research capabilities and mass drug manufacturing, catering to both developed and developing markets. Aspiring for Milestones One of the most significant risks that Mario has undertaken was the transition from being a company employee to becoming an entrepreneur. This journey involved starting various companies during economically challenging times when funding opportunities were scarce. Looking ahead to the next five years, Mario anticipates that Therabene will achieve regulatory approval for at least one drug for the treatment of triple negative breast cancer. There is also the possibility of gaining approval for the treatment of ovarian cancer, marking a substantial milestone in the company's trajectory. Evolution of the Pharmaceutical Industry According to Mario, the pharmaceutical industry has experienced a significant transformation due to the integration of digital technologies. Innovations like predictive analytics, big data analysis, and AI-based tools 12 | November 2023
Dr.Gabriel Serrano Pioneering Skin Care Innovation worldsleaders.com | 15
For over four decades, Dr. Gabriel Serrano has been at the forefront of dermatology, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. As the esteemed owner of the renowned Dermatology Clinics in Valencia, Madrid, Dubai, Bogotá and Bayahibe, bearing his name, Dr. Serrano has built a legacy of exceptional patient care and groundbreaking innovation. In fact, the Valencia clinic is th celebrating its 50 anniversary in 2023. With a commitment to personalized care and attentive listening, he embarked on a journey to develop specialized products that address a myriad of skin concerns. At the heart of Sesderma's success lies a relentless pursuit of research, development, and innovation (R+D+I), driving the creation of groundbreaking solutions. The Sesderma Group encompasses several notable brands, including Sesderma, Mediderma, Sophieskin, Dr. Serrano, and Dermopartners, specializing in third-party manufacturing. Sesderma, a leading Spanish dermatological laboratory with a remarkable 34-year history, has emerged as a dominant force in over 90 global markets. The company is dedicated to intensive research, development, formulation, and manufacturing of advanced dermocosmetic products, nanonutraceuticals, and medical-aesthetic cosmetics. In 2008, Sesderma made history with the introduction of complete product lines utilizing the power of nanotechnology. This groundbreaking achievement revolutionized the industry, allowing ingredients to effectively penetrate the skin's protective layer, ensuring their utmost efficacy. Unlike superficial offerings from other cosmetic lines, Sesderma's liposomal products go beyond mere hydration and comfort, providing comprehensive repair and protection throughout all layers of the skin. Driven by his deep understanding of patients' skin needs, gained through direct contact in his daily practice, Dr. Serrano founded Sesderma Laboratories in 1989. The ethos of “Listening to your skin” encapsulates the essence of Sesderma, a laboratory devoted to nurturing skin health and beauty. Through dermatological innovation and an unwavering dedication to the well-being of the skin, Sesderma continues to redefine the boundaries of the industry, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals. 16 | November 2023
Inspiring Success Through Human Values and Positive Attitude Dr. Serrano consistently emphasizes that, above all else, he is a person who values human qualities. He takes pride in being a man of simple and generous values, and he genuinely cares about the society in which he lives. These are the core values that he seeks in the individuals he works with, placing them above mere aptitude or skill. As he often says, "It is easier to train aptitude than attitude.” When individuals possess the right attitude, they exhibit motivation and adaptability, making them open to learning new skills. Dr. Serrano believes that with the right attitude and sufficient effort, most new skills can be mastered swiftly. He understands that a positive attitude is a crucial factor in personal and professional growth, and he values individuals who embrace this mindset. worldsleaders.com | 17
Dr. Rupert Ecker 18 | November 2023
Prioritizing Diversity, Collaboration, and Ethical Conduct in Advancing Scientific Progress worldsleaders.com | 19
Journey of Founding TG GLOBAL Originally aspiring to become an astronomer, Dr. Ecker eventually turned his attention to the microcosmos and pursued a degree in cell biology. He is a co-inventor of the TissueFAXS technology and played a pivotal role in the establishment of TG and its international offices and subsidiaries, serving as CEO and CSO of TG GLOBAL. During his post- doctoral research position at the Kplus Competence Centre for BioMolecular Therapeutics, which was a joint venture between University of Vienna and the Novartis Research Centre, he co-founded the company. As a student, Dr. Ecker's goal was to contribute to scientific progress, and he found his personal way of achieving this goal through TG. Over the past 20 years, the company has not only built a strong product portfolio but also made a significant scientific impact, with over 2,500 scientific studies published in approximately 800 peer-reviewed journals that utilized TG's technology in various ways. The scientific applications of TG's technology range from basic research to clinical implementation studies, from bone marrow to brain, from cell cultures to solid tissue sections, covering the entire spectrum of biomedical research from A (like Atopic dermatitis) to Z (like Zika virus infection). Dr. Ecker is proud to have played a part in this success story. Collaboration and Multidisciplinary Expertise TissueGnostics was established by researchers out of a need for automation and quantification of microscopic images. Throughout its history of 20 years, collaborative research has been integral to the company's success. TissueGnostics has participated in more than 20 Austrian national collaborative research projects and has been an industry partner to seven major EU-funded Marie Skłodowska- Curie Innovative Training Networks (ITN) as well as other EU programs such as COST Actions, Framework 6/7, HORIZON 2020, and HORIZON EUROPE programs. 20 | November 2023
From Academia to Entrepreneurship Dr. Ecker's personal biggest risk was leaving academia and venturing into entrepreneurship by founding TissueGnostics. It was like taking a leap of faith into unknown waters to test not only the temperature of the water but also his ability to swim. However, his company has become a leading provider of tissue image cytometry, offering automated analysis of tissue samples using computer assistance and AI-driven technology for medical research and histopathology. TissueGnostics serves as a one- stop-shop for their customers' needs in this field. worldsleaders.com | 21
Heidi Lindner Supporting Entities in the Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Sectors “The possibility of designing solid and innovative legal strategies to face the challenges of my clients has always been a source of professional inspiration.” 24 | November 2023
The Heidi Staircase its innovative and customer-focused mindset. It opened an office in Spain in 2011, and as a direct result of its success, they are still expanding both domestically and internationally today. Offering high-profile legal counsel in the fields of intellectual property, life sciences, marketing and advertising, civil and commercial litigation, corporate and regulatory, and personal data security, the company has more than 27 years of experience. It helps clients overcome the legal challenges they face by providing clear and accurate advice that recognizes and minimizes risks, foresees and resolves issues, and secures the highest potential profit for the clients within each business opportunity, market, or industry. As a young child, Heidi Lindner enjoyed arguing, debating, expressing her opinions, and taking the lead. Her decision to seek a career in law may have been influenced by her feeling of powerlessness in the face of injustices as much as her rage. Since her first year of high school, she has known that she wants to follow this area of study. She earned a master's degree from Panamerican University, a specialization in constitutional litigation (Amparo) from the Supreme Court of Justice of Mexico's Institute of Judicial Specialization, and a master's degree from George Washington University. As her career progressed, Heidi eventually concentrated on the topic of Life Sciences within Intellectual Property Law, paying particular attention to the most recent developments in science and technology. She worked for Baker & McKenzie's Intellectual Property Department for about eight years. During that time, she also rose to the position of local partner. She joined the current company, which was formerly known as Arochi, Marroquin & Lindner, in 1994. She is a Senior Partner and the head of the Patent Litigation section of Arochi & Lindner, and she has more than 35 years of experience in intellectual property and life sciences litigation and advising, achieving favorable rulings in several landmark cases for clients in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device industries. Due to its unwavering commitment to each project, it is famous for its client- focused service delivery method that generates results quickly and effectively. This is made possible by the firm's commitment to each project; its thorough approach based on years of experience across a range of practice areas; the assertiveness and competence of its associates; and its excellent understanding of clients' business objectives. Arochi & Lindner Arochi & Lindner is a well-known and respected name in Latin American intellectual property protection. It was established in 1994 and has become a prominent firm in large part because of worldsleaders.com | 27
Jahanara Jahanara Miotto 28 | November 2023
P If you can use the lessons you learn from these experiences to change the world for the better, then your business will succeed. Jahanara Miotto, President of Metrendalytics Consultants, has worked in the life science sector for over 25 years, spanning a wide range of functions in laboratory R&D and clinical development. Throughout her career, she has repeatedly been frustrated by the lack of timely access to project, operational, and financial information needed to make better and more rapid business decisions. eople frequently claim that the best business ideas come from their own personal experiences. one system, import it into another, and confirm the transfer, then apply quality control procedures to the data at the other end. Without the drive and perseverance to see it through, such a task can feel overwhelming. operational processes, including visually rich analytics and dashboards, because we understand the business, according to Jahanara. If you can help customers realize that adapting and changing is actually in their best interest, Jahanara believes that obstacles can become opportunities. One issue Jahanara encountered early on was some opposition to using cloud-based systems rather than customary on- premise ones. Conventional wisdom held that on-premise systems were more secure and, consequently, more controllable. For these reasons, some businesses were against cloud-based systems. "However, as we have all observed over the years, it turns out that cloud-based systems have greater security because the businesses that host these systems absolutely depend on this feature. The web services companies would not be able to operate without this level of security. Metrendalytics Metrendalytics has the specialized knowledge and comprehension of how different types of data interact with one another and with other types of data. The team at Metrendalytics is passionate and skilled in application development, automation, security and compliance, as well as cloud-based solutions, which enables customers to meet their business needs. Metrendalytics also possesses the ideal combination of practical industry experience and knowledge. We can build end-to-end workflow solutions that provide key intelligence, present timely status updates across your studies, and insights to streamline She would try to find all the information she required by scouring through various disjointed systems, spreadsheets, and talking to team members. Then, in order to have all the information she required in one location, she would have to spend even more time entering it again into her own central tracker. In order to keep the information current, Jahanara had to perform this time-consuming task frequently. She also frequently pondered why, given the state of modern technology, there isn't a more effective tool that automatically combines all of this data into one location, allowing for greater understanding of the company, its operations, products, services, finances, and personnel. This is what inspired her to found Metrendalytics and develop the tools to aid in resolving the problem. But the tool doesn't solve the entire issue on its own. It also requires commitment and expertise in the field. Anyone who has dealt with clinical trial data knows how time-consuming and labor-intensive it is to create database structures and specifications, validate programs, export data from worldsleaders.com | 29
Kevin MacRitchie Serving the Protectors of the Country “Of course, my team is amazing, and it is both my honor to serve the US military and be of service to my staff, and every member, of Tac?cal Rehabilita?on.” worldsleaders.com | 33
I In today's business environment, the role of a CEO has evolved into that of a transformational agent. As the world around us changes rapidly, CEOs must lead their organizations in adapting to new challenges and opportunities. They must be visionary leaders who can inspire their teams to embrace change and drive innovation. 34 | November 2023
CEOs must also be adept at identifying and implementing new technologies and business models that can drive growth and competitiveness. They must have a deep understanding of their industry, as well as the broader economic and societal trends that impact it. Kevin MacRitchie is a magnetic executive leader who possesses vast knowledge of leading sales and operations. He acts as a catalyst for business growth and transformation, talent nurturing, and exploration of new markets. He has an outstanding record of steering cross- functional teams, creating innovative business solutions and services, enhancing productivity, fostering responsibility, engaging employees, and achieving substantial revenue growth. He is also a pioneer in developing service ecosystems. Collaboration with the Team Kevin emphasizes that leaders should never stop learning. He makes it a point to work together with members of the team at all levels, getting their perspectives on various aspects of the business, taking feedback into account, and comprehending the current climate or culture within the organization, as well as with partners and vendors. He makes an effort to recognize each team member's potential and uses that potential to strengthen the team in tandem with the health of the company. Way to Joining Executive League Kevin MacRitchie joined the project as a pioneering early adopter and concentrated on how technology would help improve a company's operational efficiencies at the University of Toledo. Together with improving the organization from within and changing market dynamics, he also focused on how the marriage of IT and ISOM would foster new understanding. Through computer programming and technologically operational problem- solving, this program includes advanced courses in arithmetic, statistics, economics, and logical reasoning. Kevin was given assistance from Professor Joe Sass at the university to begin as an intern in a program where he applied his education and managed the introduction of new technologies and hardware and software systems. Kevin spent eight years working for a large mainframe corporation that started embracing distributed computing. Eventually, Cisco Systems hired him to architect transformations for client networks. He served in a variety of capacities and industries at Cisco, where he was the youngest employee ever promoted to vice president. Kevin joined Tactical Rehabilitation as COO in 2020 after working at Cisco for a while. After then, because to his considerable knowledge of operational excellence in the healthcare and IT industries, he was appointed CEO in 2022. Tactical Rehabilitation Tactical Rehabilitation is a full-service DME provider whose aim is to help those who serve the country. It offers active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their families the best products and services available. worldsleaders.com | 35
A Legacy of Excellence in Retail Distribution and Manufacturing Mitch Gould, the accomplished Founder and CEO of NPI, brings a legacy of excellence in retail distribution and manufacturing as a third-generation professional. With an impressive career spanning over 25 years, Mitch has honed his expertise across diverse consumer product categories, including lawn and garden, hardware, sports nutrition, dietary supplements, skincare, nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals, and beverages. 36 | November 2023
GNC, Tree of Life, Albertson's, Amazon.com, Walgreens, CVS, 7-Eleven, Target, USA Sports, Vitamin World, Home Depot, Lowe's, and Menards. Collaboration lies at the heart of Mitch's success, as evident in his partnerships with industry luminaries. Noteworthy collaborations include his alliance with the legendary eight-time Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman to establish RonnieColemanNutrition.com, his joint venture with Hulk Hogan for HoganNutrition.com, his partnership with Roberto Clemente Jr. for PowerIce.com, and most recently, his involvement with Tapout Nutrition. These ventures reflect Mitch's commitment to driving innovation and growth within the industry. M 2007. The driving force behind the company was a clear vision: to offer affordable guidance and support to small and medium-sized brands, both domestic and international. With his deep understanding of the industry, Mitch recognized the common challenges faced by numerous businesses, even those boasting exceptional brands on a global scale. "I watch the latest retail and economic trends, which benefit our clients as they plan to enter the US market or expand sales here," says Mitch. itch leveraged his entrepreneurial spirit and extensive retail expertise to establish Nutritional Products International, Inc. in Unmatched Expertise and All-In-One Solutions NPI stands out from its competitors primarily due to its expertise. Mitch began his career as a marketing and sales agent for renowned companies such as Igloo, Rubbermaid, Sunbeam, Remington, Chapin, Paramount, Miracle-Gro, Native Remedies, and Flora Health. Throughout his career, Mitch secured significant purchase orders with major retail stores like Target, Walmart, Lowe's, Costco, Walgreens, 7-Eleven, GNC, and CVS at their national headquarters. Throughout his journey, Mitch has been a trusted representative for esteemed organizations such as Igloo, Rubbermaid, Sunbeam, Remington, Chapin, Paramount, Miracle-Gro, Native Remedies, Flora Health, Steven Seagal's Lightning Bolt, Body Basix, and Hulk Hogan's extreme energy granules. His proven track record includes successfully guiding a wide range of products from concept to store shelves, with many earning prominent features in renowned publications such as Time, Newsweek, Sports Illustrated, People, US, U.S. News & World Report, Men's Health, and Maxim. In addition to his product expertise, Mitch has consistently demonstrated his leadership acumen by building and managing high- performing national sales teams throughout his career. Mitch developed the "Evolution of Distribution" system for NPI, a comprehensive solution that combines expert services to enhance sales and introduce new brands in the USA. NPI boasts a highly experienced team capable of handling all aspects of sales and marketing. Mitch's focus on pricing and speed to market has streamlined the sales expansion and product launch processes. NPI provides a complete, all-in-one solution for product launches in the United States. With its proprietary "Evolution of Distribution" system, NPI has the capacity to import, distribute, and promote products in various sectors, including food, drug, mass, convenience stores, warehouse clubs, and military channels. Effectively acting as the overseas clients' US headquarters, NPI allows clients to take advantage of its services at a reasonable price. Mitch's remarkable industry insights have paved the way for the successful entry of new entrepreneurs, major corporations, and celebrity-branded products into coveted markets and accounts across the country. Notable achievements include securing placements for iconic products like Steven Seagal's Lightning Bolt, Hulk Hogan's "Hogan Energy" supplement, and Chuck Liddell's Iceman RX in highly sought-after retailers such as Walmart USA, Walmart International, Sam's Club, Costco, 38 | November 2023
Mitch emphasizes how NPI can help clients achieve their goal of entering the US market, offering a range of services that eliminate the need for recruiting sales representatives, administrative assistants, warehouse space, marketing expertise, logistical knowledge, and FDA compliance. The "Evolution of Distribution" platform proves invaluable in reducing costs for NPI clients and facilitating their successful entry into the US market. For brand manufacturers, especially those who primarily operated online, these changes presented new challenges. Managing the supply chain became increasingly difficult as they needed to meet the demand if a retail store decided to carry their brands. As an example, one customer shared with Gould that the bottle cap they had been using faced a backorder of nine months, forcing them to switch suppliers. The importance of having an online presence, which was already significant before the pandemic, became even more critical during the health emergency. Navigating the Changing Retail Landscape The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on the retail industry, accelerating the growth of e-commerce. While online shopping had been steadily increasing, the pandemic compelled customers to make in-person purchases of brands they had previously only bought online. To adapt to these changing consumer behaviors, retailers introduced new services such as curbside pickup, next- and same-day delivery, and more. Many businesses, particularly startups, excel at developing innovative products but lack the necessary personnel to effectively market and sell them. These companies require a team of talented and qualified employees to navigate the complexities of the retail industry. At NPI, a skilled sales team is in constant contact with retail customers throughout the year. worldsleaders.com | 39
Leading the Transformation of The Family Firm from a Traditional Pharmaceutical Company to a Successful Transnational Corporation Focused on Natural Consumer Healthcare It's a transformation that we are very proud of, by the way. It's been an extraordinary journey in which I've had the best years of my professional life, like many others who are part of this great family. And we still have a lot of challenges ahead of us!" 42 | November 2023
CEO | Uriach worldsleaders.com | 43
P industry, in addition to other more operational aspects such as omnichannel, the growth of e- commerce, personalization, distribution, regulatory issues, sustainability, direct consumer relationships, and so on. Oriol Segarra is a leadership and change management expert with over 20 years of business experience in multinational pharmaceutical firms. As Uriach's Chief Executive Officer, he oversaw the pharmaceutical company's development from a traditional pharmaceutical company to a successful transnational corporation focus on natural consumer healthcare. People want to live longer, but they also want to live better, with improved health, well-being, and quality of life. And they understand that achieving this requires a multifaceted approach that includes diet, physical activity, sport, rest, sleep, body care, emotions, mind, and spirit. beneficial influence on people's health and lives while also striving to improve the earth as a whole. It provides the greatest natural goods to consumers, based on sound research and creativity. Uriach is a corporation that thinks that harnessing the power of nature is the best (and most sustainable) approach to caring for human health and well-being. This is why Uriach is solely dedicated to natural consumer healthcare. Its purpose is to have a This humanization and integration of many disciplines around well-being is undoubtedly the most significant challenge confronting the healthcare With a history of over 182 years, Uriach's notable worldwide trademarks include Aquilea, Fisiocrem, Laborest, Aerored, Fave de Fuca, Utabon, Biodramina, and Halibut, with a presence in the major European markets. The company's headquarters are presently located in Spain, Portugal, Italy, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Romania. Life Outside of the Workplace Oriol was born in Barcelona in 1971 and is the father of two children. Oriol defines himself as an inquisitive, restless, and ambitious individual who is always looking for new reasons, challenges, and learning opportunities in order to improve professionally and personally. He attended ESADE, Harvard, Stanford, Singularity University, and IMD, among other business institutions. 44 | November 2023
PAUL EDALAT Revolutionizing Medication Management for Patient Safety and Well-Being W nutraceutical industries, Paul Edalat is a true visionary driven by his passion for transforming the healthcare industry to better serve patients and providers. As the Chairman, Founder, and CEO of Vivera, Mr. Edalat is on a mission to improve the lives and well-being of patients worldwide, concentrating on future-focused medicine and drug delivery to ensure equitable health opportunities for all. ith a distinguished career spanning over 30 years in the pharmaceutical and worldsleaders.com | 47
The Journey from Fitness Entrepreneur to Healthcare Innovator From a young age, Mr. Edalat was keenly interested in tennis, weightlifting, and overall health and wellness. Using his entrepreneurial skills and experiences, he significantly impacted the rapidly growing fitness and wellness industries. However, when his brother Peter was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2004, Mr. Edalat's priorities shifted. He witnessed firsthand the challenges and limitations of the healthcare system, particularly in terms of patient- centric care and access to safe treatment options. better options for healthcare professionals. Vivera Advanced Diagnostics uses its Lab Information Management System (LIMS), LabPort, to deliver patients quick and reliable diagnostic and wellness test results. The groundbreaking technology, ZICOH, aims to provide patients with the right medication dose at the right time to ensure compliance and deter the consequences of potentially becoming addicted. Because medications are locked in ZICOH devices and only accessible by the patient, the system helps curb the potential for the diversion of prescription drugs. Peter's doctor prescribed him high doses of opioids to manage his chemotherapy-induced pain. He quickly built up a tolerance to his medication and, due to the lack of safety measures, began to exceed his prescribed dosage, ultimately developing an addiction. The Company has become a multi- faceted business dedicated to improving patient care and meeting various medical demands. Vivera's Growing Portfolio Mr. Edalat cofounded Vivera to develop non-addictive pain management solutions through its pharmaceuticals and medical device divisions. Over time, the Company has diversified into several divisions geared toward improving patient care. Vivera Technologies and Vivera Medical Devices are dedicated to creating cutting-edge technology to revolutionize patient care. The core product line of Vivera Technologies is ZICOH. Global Leadership in Patient- Centric Healthcare Solutions Mr. Edalat envisions Vivera as a worldwide leader in delivering innovative, patient-centric healthcare solutions that are non-addictive. It was heartbreaking for Mr. Edalat to witness his brother struggle with cancer and addiction. This experience led him to recognize the need for a more controlled approach to prescribing and dispensing medications, which motivated him to establish Vivera. By focusing on advanced diagnostics, cutting-edge research and development, and the latest technologies, the Company strives to expand its product portfolio continually and enhance patient outcomes. With Dr. Mehdi Hatamian, one of Mr. Edalat's brilliant, long-time friends, he developed ZICOH, a patented smart drug delivery system for prescription medications. Vivera BioSciences focuses on developing medications for various conditions using its patented TABMELT technology for sublingual drug delivery. Establishing strategic partnerships with global partners is crucial to Vivera's approach. Through these partnerships, the Company aims to collaborate on research, development, and distribution of its products and services. This will enable Vivera to expand its market reach and leverage its partners' strengths to enhance its global presence. ZICOH is designed to dispense precise medication doses while minimizing the risk of misuse. It works in conjunction with ZICOH Connect™, a cloud-based software system with robust data organization and AI capabilities that provide real-time prescribing data and actionable insights for medication adherence and compliance. Vivera Neurosciences is dedicated to investigating and developing therapies for disorders of the central nervous system, such as psychiatric, neurological, and fluency disorders, to enhance the lives of patients and offer worldsleaders.com | 49
Raman Raman Singh Singh Delivering Novel Therapies to Improve the Health and Quality of Life of patients everywhere 50 | November 2023