Every groundbreaking innovation begins with a moment of inspiration. For Joseph Nounou, founder of Auros Pharma, it was a journey fueled by curiosity, compassion, and a persistent determination to save lives. His story begins with an early interest in the heart and transforms into a mission shaped by the opioid crisis, showing how purpose-driven innovation can make a difference.
A Career Rooted in Care
Joe’s journey to anesthesiology started in fifth grade with a school project about the heart, which ignited his passion for medicine. When he entered medical school, he was initially drawn to cardiothoracic surgery. However, during his residency, he discovered that life as a cardiothoracic surgeon was not going to be fulfilling in the way he wished to live.
This realization prompted a leap of faith that led him to apply to a program in Texas, where he was accepted. From his first case as an anesthesia resident, he knew he had found his calling. His passion for physiology and patient care became the foundation of a career dedicated to improving lives.
The Spark Behind Auros Pharma
The idea for Auros Pharma emerged in 2017 amidst the rapidly growing opioid epidemic. Overdose deaths had reached staggering levels, and Joe felt a calling to make a difference. “With my knowledge of respiratory physiology, anesthesiology, and pharmacology, I realized I was in a position to influence change that could save lives,” he shares.
Initially, he knew little about developing life-saving medication or the complexities of the pharmaceutical industry. But with determination and a network of mentors, he began turning his idea into reality. Earning an MBA in 2020 gave him the tools to navigate the business side of innovation. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the urgency of his mission, and he was ready to leave full-time clinical practice as an anesthesiologist and devote himself entirely to this mission.
Overcoming Challenges
The road to innovation is rarely smooth, and Joe’s journey was no exception. Identifying the right molecule was only the beginning. Early on, it became clear that the original formulation of the molecule he selected wasn’t viable as a marketable product—it took too long to start working and didn’t work long enough to allow medical teams to provide definitive care. Faced with this significant setback, Joe sought advice from a mentor who reframed these obstacles as opportunities. He was told challenges were not roadblocks but stepping stones to create a better product.
Armed with this perspective, Joe dove into problem-solving. He acquired lab equipment and meticulously studied the molecule’s physical properties, exploring how other compounds might enhance its effectiveness. Through countless experiments, he developed a promising candidate for proof-of-concept (POC) studies. Yet, new hurdles emerged. Finding an organization capable of conducting the highly specialized POC studies proved challenging. This setback cost nearly a year—and 100,000 lives lost to overdoses in the meantime.
Undeterred, Joe partnered with Labcorp, where another set of challenges awaited. Protocols required extensive revisions to meet government regulatory standards, stretching the timeline by another year and delaying progress. Despite these frustrations, persistence paid off. The resulting formulation exceeded expectations in time of onset and duration, opening the door to applying for an NIH grant and taking critical next steps.
Throughout the journey, Joe adhered to one guiding principle: “Work the problem; don’t let the problem work you.” His persistence and determination transformed setbacks into milestones, paving the way to bring this life-saving medication closer to those who need it most.
ResPen: A New Approach to Respiratory Rescue
Auros Pharma’s ResPen represents a revolutionary approach to overdose treatment. Unlike naloxone, which works solely on opioid overdoses, ResPen addresses the root issue: respiratory failure. Designed for ease of use, ResPen will allow anyone to restore breathing regardless of the substance involved, filling a critical gap in overdose care. Its potential extends beyond opioids, offering a solution for respiratory emergencies caused by substances like sedatives, alcohol, or accidental poisoning. Extensive clinical studies have shown the active medication in ResPen to be highly effective in restoring respiration within critical timeframes, making it a groundbreaking alternative to traditional treatments.
Joe’s unique perspective as an anesthesiologist shaped the product’s development. “We view drug overdose as a breathing problem, not an opioid problem,” he explains. This paradigm shift could save thousands of lives annually, offering hope to families affected by the epidemic.
A Mission with a Moral Compass
From the beginning, Auros Pharma’s mission has been clear: to morally and responsibly save and improve lives. This commitment extends to making medications accessible and affordable. As a privately held company, Auros Pharma focuses on sustainable solutions and prioritizing patients.
Joe’s faith also plays a central role in the company’s vision. “I believe the vision and goals were God-given and are as much a part of me as my own heart; integral and inextricable,” he says. This sense of purpose drives his dedication to creating a lasting impact.
Looking Ahead
Auros Pharma has a promising future ahead. After a successful launch of ResPen, Joe will expand Auros beyond ResPen and address other critical medical challenges, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. While these are solely ideas for now, the profound impact these conditions have on families highlights the urgent need for effective solutions. Joe remains hopeful, believing that discovering treatments for these neurological diseases could transform countless lives.
The most rewarding part of this journey for Joe has been connecting with those affected by the opioid epidemic. He reflects, “knowing that our work could prevent a family from losing a loved one makes it all worthwhile.”
Auros Pharma envisions partnering with a mid-to-large-cap pharmaceutical company that shares its mission and values. Such a collaboration could enable the company to bring ResPen to those in need within two to three years. The next significant milestone is securing Fast-Track designation from the FDA, which Auros hopes to achieve by the end of 2024. This designation and funding for a grant application will provide the essential resources for initial toxicology studies and the first human trials, confirming ResPen’s capacity to enhance respiration for up to 30 minutes.
As Auros Pharma moves forward with its mission, one thing is clear: this endeavor is more than just a business—it’s a movement dedicated to restoring hope, one breath at a time.
