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22 HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | NOVEMBER 21, 2022 HEALTHCARE HEROES AWARDS 2022 B ioXcel Therapeutics' mission is to develop transformative medicines utilizing artificial intelligence approaches in neuroscience and immuno-oncology. What have been the organization's most significant achievements in the past year? In 2022, we secured our first Food and Drug Administration approval in an indication that has not seen new innovation in nearly a decade, while also advancing our clinical pipeline. On April 5, 2022, the FDA approved IGALMI (dexmedetomidine) sublingual film for the acute treatment of agitation associated with schizo- phrenia or bipolar I or II disorder in adults. IGALMI (developed as BXCL501) is the first and only FDA-approved sublingual film for adults in this indication and addresses a difficult-to-treat neuropsychiatric symptom that represents a significant burden for patients, caregivers and the healthcare system. The safety and effec- tiveness of IGALMI has not been established beyond 24 hours from the first dose. What are some major challenges the organi- zation had to overcome? Pharmaceutical companies often face the challenge of bringing new therapies to market as quickly as possible. Using our unique AI platform, we progressed from Investigational New Drug (IND) acceptance to IGALMI launch in four years. What's the organization's next major goal? Moving forward, we will execute our 'land and expand' strategy to explore expanding the medical settings, indications, and geogra- phies for our lead neuroscience candidate (BXCL501). We will also leverage our inno- vative AI ecosystem to further develop our clinical pipeline. R yan Cook, founder of The Hope Corner, is a leading voice in mental health. Founded in 2017, The Hope Corner consists of volunteers whose mission is to discuss the importance of mental health. He's responsible for education, profes- sional resources, peer support, group discussion, volunteer recruitment and all business-related operations. What have been your significant contributions to your organization in the past year? Tapping into peer support can be hugely bene- ficial in mental health care. As we address the national mental health crisis, we would be remiss not to invest in peers as part of the solution. Thus, I conduct person-to-person/group discus- sions, mindfulness techniques and reaffirm there is a community of support dedicated to helping navigate one's mental health. When we give our time to another, we give them hope. We are that light that shines at the darkest of times. It's our responsibility to make the world better not for us, but for others. Tell us about a challenge in your job that you were able to overcome. There has always been a stigma associated with mental illness. As one who has battled the illness for more than half my life, I'm trying to encourage others to look past the words crazy or weak and try to understand our illness does not define who we are. How has COVID-19 changed your job? Often the term, "volunteering" is assumed to be a physical activity. As a result of COVID-19 and its impact on the world, help is needed everywhere. In doing so, we have embraced technology and sought out newer tools (remote volunteer, apps, websites and video conferencing) to reach our communities. F or more than 25 years, First Choice Health Centers Inc. has been offering compassionate health care to individ- uals throughout Connecticut regardless of their ability to pay. Offering a broad range of integrated services has allowed First Choice to become a "one-stop" health center, meeting all of its patients' medical needs. Why is the organization a Health Care Hero? We understood there was work to be done to get the message out to our patients that the COVID-19 vaccine is safe, effective, and easily available at our on-site pharmacy without an appointment. Utilizing grant funds, we developed a marketing campaign that included sophisticated digital advertising, a traditional mailing campaign, and Spanish and English radio streaming ads. Decisions regarding when and where vaccines would be available focused on ways that at-risk communities could best take advantage of our vaccine program. To date, we have administered more than 11,735 vaccines. What was a major challenge the organization had to overcome? We were concerned by the small percentage of our usual patients among those receiving COVID shots. It became clear to us that we needed to develop a robust vaccination outreach plan if we hoped to protect our existing patients and other underserved members of our local communities against the virus. What's the organization's next major goal? The pediatric population is the least vacci- nated due, in part, to later approval of vaccines for children. Our next steps include educating parents regarding vaccines available for their children and combatting the general inertia related to boosters. www.cocommunications.com CONGRATULATIONS FIRST CHOICE HEALTH CENTERS! Thank you for keeping our communities healthy and safe. Winner Category: Advocacy/Policy EMPLOYER: The Hope Corner • TITLE: Founder & Director Winner Category: Advocacy/Policy TEAM LEADER: Sabrina Griswold, PharmD-Director of Pharmacy Winner Category: Corporate Achievement - Innovation TOP EXECUTIVE: Founder and Chief Executive Officer Vimal Mehta BioXcel Therapeutics Inc. Ryan L. Cook First Choice Health Centers Inc.