A.J. Kazimi founded Cumberland Pharmaceuticals Inc., a specialty pharmaceutical company dedicated to developing and commercializing niche products that address unmet medical needs, particularly in hospital acute care, gastroenterology, and oncology, over 25 years ago. He has since served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer. Kazimi also created and serves as Chairman and Chief Executive of Cumberland Emerging Technologies, a joint initiative with Vanderbilt University and the state of Tennessee, designed to support the development of early-stage life sciences programs and companies.

Nearly 30 life science companies exist today because of CET. Cumberland’s portfolio includes FDA-approved products such as Acetadote® injection for acetaminophen poisoning, Caldolor®, injection for pain and fever, Kristalose® for constipation, Sancuso® for chemotherapy-induced nausea, and Vibativ® injection for serious bacterial infections. At Cumberland, Kazimi has overseen the development and FDA approval of the company’s Acetadote and Caldolor brands, while also leading the acquisition of the company’s other products. Caldolor, a non- opioid pain medication, is a particularly important development, as it holds the potential to play a key role in combatting the nation's opioid epidemic. It is approved to be used for adults and pediatric patients.

In its pipeline, Cumberland is evaluating ifetroban for conditions like systemic sclerosis, Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, and Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD)-associated cardiomyopathy. Recently, the company announced positive Phase II study data evaluating ifetroban in patients with cardiomyopathy associated with Duchenne muscular dystrophy – the leading cause of death in DMD patients. It marks a breakthrough for these patients, as it is the first successful Phase II study specifically targeting the cardiac complications of their condition.

Additionally, a new dosing regimen for the company’s Acetadote product was approved to prevent and lessen liver injury after ingesting toxic quantities of acetaminophen. These developments underscore Kazimi’s commitment to addressing critical gaps in patient care. As an industry leader, Kazimi exemplifies visionary leadership, entrepreneurial innovation, and an unwavering commitment to advancing the biopharmaceutical industry. He has dedicated over 30 years to shaping the landscape of patient care.

His exceptional leadership has propelled Cumberland to remarkable achievements, including being named twice to the prestigious Inc. 500 list of the fastest-growing private companies in the U.S. and becoming one of the largest biopharmaceutical companies headquartered in the mid-south region of the country. Kazimi’s foresight and strategic acumen were instrumental in leading Cumberland through its initial public offering and successful listing on the Nasdaq stock exchange, positioning the company for long-term growth and success. Beyond his professional achievements, Kazimi’s contributions extend to civic and historical preservation efforts. He serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Gettysburg Foundation, collaborating with the National Park Service to preserve the historic Civil War Military Park. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Tennessee Historical Society.

His dedication to education is reflected in his former roles as a member of the Board of Visitors at Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management and the Visiting Committee at Loyola University New Orleans College of Business. He previously served on the Board of Directors for the Nashville Health Care Council, an association of the largest concentration of health care companies in the U.S. Earlier in his career, Kazimi held management roles at Brown-Forman Corporation, where he contributed to the success of renowned brands like Jack Daniel’s, and was a founding board member of Aegis Sciences Corporation, playing a pivotal role in its eventual acquisition by a private equity firm.

Kazimi holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Notre Dame and an M.B.A. from the Vanderbilt University Owen Graduate School of Management. Kazimi’s transformative impact on the biopharmaceutical industry and his commitment to community service make him a standout candidate for this esteemed recognition.