An Interview with Alex Zwyer, NLS Pharmaceutics Ltd. Co-founder and CEO: ‘We connect Brains’

“We design affordable, safe and effective drugs to safeguard and empower the brain throughout all stages of Life.”

The number of patients with neurodegenerative disorders is growing rapidly as humans’ life expectancy is increasing. Although many companies are devoted to researching the pathogenesis and the advancement of neurodegenerative brain disorders, not much has been identified yet. However, a few of the companies are making their mark.

In view of the above-mentioned scenario, we’re thrilled to present NLS Pharmaceutics Ltd.

NLS operates as a clinical-stage drug development company. Its R&D focus is based on a strong scientific understanding of neurobehavioral and neurocognitive disorders and their pharmacognosia. NLS’s patient-centred approach increases the rate for success and the company’s successful collaboration with experts across industry/academia allows for a target-specific and customized approach.

NLS was incorporated in 2015 and is headquartered in Stans, Switzerland.

Alex Zwyer, NLS Pharmaceutics Ltd. Co-founder/CEO, spoke exclusively to The Silicon Review. Below is an excerpt.

What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful business leader?

Communication: As a leader, you need to be able to clearly and succinctly explain to your employees everything from organizational goals to specific tasks. A large part of communication involves listening, therefore; leaders should establish a steady flow of communication between themselves and their staff or team members, either through an open-door policy or regular conversations with workers. Leaders should make themselves regularly available to discuss issues and concerns with employees.

Motivation & Positivity: Leaders need to inspire their workers to go the extra mile for their organizations; just paying a fair salary to employees is typically not enough inspiration (although it is important too). A positive attitude can go a long way in an office. You should be able to laugh at yourself when something doesn’t go quite as planned; this helps create a happy and healthy work environment, even during busy, stressful periods.

Delegation: Leaders who try to take on too many tasks by themselves will struggle to get anything done. These leaders often fear that delegating is a sign of weakness, when in fact it is a sign of a strong leader.

What were the biggest initial hurdles to building your business and how did you overcome them?

The biggest initial challenge was undoubtedly finding/securing the funds necessary to continue developing our compounds, but then this is valid for any start-up company.

There is nothing more important for a successful small business than a well-defined mission and vision values statements. Can you explain your M&V statements in brief?

Mission: We design affordable, safe and effective therapeutics to safeguard and empower the brain throughout all stages of life.

Values: We value partnership and integrity; we are ethical and responsible and show respect and compassion for our patients.

What do you hope to accomplish in the long run?

Professionally: to change the way ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) is being treated nowadays, or in other words to give patients access to better therapeutics.

Personally: spending more time with my kids and family.

What other leaders do you look up to, and why?

Bill Gates and Warren Buffet! Mr. Gates founded Microsoft, the world’s largest PC software company. Over the years, he has slowly transitioned away from Microsoft and into philanthropic ventures. His foundation, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, is working to provide clean water and sanitation (among other things) to third-world countries. Mr. Gates and his wife Melinda must have literally helped save over 100 millions of lives. Ten years ago, Warren Buffet, chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, the world’s most successful investor and the then world’s second richest man (now third), pledged to give most of his fortune to the only man in the world richer than him – Bill Gates; the gift was worth around $30bn at the time. These men are amazing leaders but most importantly amazing human beings.

What do you think is the most memorable moment in your career?

There are so many memorable moments I have in my life but seeing the results from our phase 2 clinical trial in the US would be amongst the most memorable ones. Because in that precise moment I know we were dealing with a game changer.

What are your future focus areas?

We will stay loyal and dedicated to CNS – Central Nervous System – as neurodegenerative disorders put a heavy burden on society. People increasingly understand that if they don’t die of heart disease or cancer then brain failure is going to get them. Therefore, we will continue to work in this area to prevent the burden of illness caused by neurodegenerative illness.

Alex Zwyer: A Brief Background

Alex Zwyer is CEO, co-founder and member of the board of directors of NLS. He has singlehandedly secured the funding of the company; built it and oversaw the execution of what experts believe the most successful phase 2 clinical trial in the ADHD space.

Mr. Zwyer has worked internationally over 20 years in the pharmaceutical industry and is described as a repurposing expert. He has a deep level of understanding in clinical development, regulatory affairs and success proven expertise in sales, marketing and business development.

“We are creating new approaches to treat mental and behavioral disorders, and to enhance cognitive function in healthy people.”