NNIT Inc. is the US branch of NNIT A/S, a global consulting company for the Life Sciences industry. NNIT, Inc acquired Excellis Health Solutions, a consultancy specializing in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in Supply Chain & Serialization. Excellis Health was started by industry veterans with experience at top pharmaceutical companies like Johnson & Johnson, Genentech, Sanofi, and Teva. The company's goal was to address supply chain challenges in the pharmaceutical sector. From 2010 to 2023, the company grew from 4 founders to around 100 employees worldwide. While now part of NNIT Inc., Excellis serves clients globally, beyond the US and Europe, and continues to focus on optimizing supply chain management for efficient pharmaceutical product delivery worldwide.

Greg Cathcart, co-founder and CEO of Excellis Health Solutions and Senior Vice President, Head of Region US of NNIT Inc., was contacted by The Business Fortune. This is his response.

Highlights from the Interview

What are the main areas of concentration for NNIT Inc. as a global provider of end-to-end supply chain consulting services?  

For the last eight years, our main focus in the supply chain has been meeting a global requirement called serialization. This means assigning unique serial numbers to each pharmaceutical bottle or vial to track and trace them from manufacturing to dispensing, similar to a VIN on a car. This is necessary because counterfeit drugs are a serious problem, leading to health risks and even fatalities. The global pharmaceutical industry loses an estimated $200-$300 billion due to this issue. In regions like sub-Saharan Africa and Asia, the problem is even more severe due to insufficient control measures, which undermines public health.

Would you please introduce your services to us? What distinguishing qualities do they have?

We work with clients to create strategies that meet their unique needs. Our strategy services group collaborates with clients to understand their profiles, including factors such as the products they offer and the global markets they serve. For example, some companies have a single product in the United States, while others have a diverse product portfolio that they distribute in almost 200 countries.

First, we create a strategy that aligns with their profile, and then we help them implement it. This involves acquiring and using specialized software and making changes to their operational procedures. The implementation process can take several years because it requires significant transformations to meet regulatory requirements. These regulations have specific timelines that companies must follow to continue selling their products. Our goal is to help our clients meet these regulatory demands smoothly while effectively selling their products.

Could you share one or two success stories with us that highlight particular client challenges and how they have helped the business succeed?

A well-known pharmaceutical company faced challenges meeting serialization regulations in nearly 200 countries, especially during the COVID vaccine rollout. Our team worked closely with them to develop new policies, procedures, and software to address these challenges, ensuring ongoing compliance.

Our successful collaboration has contributed to our revenue and profitability, demonstrating our commitment to continuous support. We are currently assisting the company in countries like Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan, as well as across Europe, the United States, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates.

Eight years ago, we helped another major pharmaceutical company headquartered in Boston with global operations navigate regulatory requirements by devising a tailored strategy and guiding them in acquiring necessary technologies for compliance. This project highlights our dedication to supporting pharmaceutical companies worldwide with regulatory compliance.

What novel pursuits are you presently engaged in?       

Excellis was sold three years ago and will complete its earnout period in December 2023. It has been acquired by NNIT, a subsidiary of Novo Holdings Company. I will now be overseeing the Americas regions for NNIT, managing three organizations with around 300 employees in the US. This move expands the services offered to customers, with NNIT focusing on regulatory, clinical, and quality areas. Efforts are currently focused on planning and implementing the new organization and establishing a unified culture. The aim is to ensure a smooth transition during this transformative phase.

Prior to our conclusion, is there anything more you would like to say?

Excellis, now NNIT, has experienced impressive growth both in the United States and globally. We offer an exciting work environment that attracts individuals seeking new opportunities. While we may not hire everyone who contacts us, we are always open to conversations because that's how we discover the potential of opportunities. We are proud to have received two Pact awards from the Philadelphia Alliance of Capital and Technology. These awards, "Company of the Year" and "CEO of the Year," are displayed in our workspace and signify our significant contributions to the tech and life sciences sectors, especially in the Philadelphia market. It is rewarding to be recognized by our peers in the local community for the positive impact we have made.

Greg Cathcart | Senior Vice President, Head of Region US

Greg Cathcart had a long career at Johnson & Johnson before transitioning to a tech company in 1991. Despite planning to retire after the company went public in 1999, he later joined SAP and eventually founded Excellis Health Solutions, which has been successful for almost 15 years. The company has a strong team, including long-time members like Lindsay Babe. Excellis focuses on team longevity and growth, with many employees starting their careers there and evolving into experienced professionals. This demonstrates the company's commitment to developing its team.

“Excellis, now NNIT, has experienced impressive growth both in the United States and globally. We offer an exciting work environment that attracts individuals seeking new opportunities.”