Driven by Purpose: The Journey of Cosmos Pharmaceuticals

Alex Cosmos ’19, and Launchpad Member, is the co-founder of Cosmos Pharmaceuticals Inc., a company revolutionizing medication adherence with its innovative smart devices. He and his co-founder, Joseph White ’19, started their journey during their second year at William & Mary, driven by a shared desire to prevent tragedies like the prescription drug overdoses that took the lives of two of their closest friends.

Cosmos Pharmaceuticals developed a cutting-edge adherence device that monitors patients’ prescription habits and provides real-time insights to doctors. This technology has already saved lives, such as a 12-year-old leukemia patient avoiding relapse due to better medication monitoring. “Moments like these remind us why we do what we do,” Alex shared, reflecting on the real-world impact of their innovation.

Alex’s inspiration for Cosmos Pharmaceuticals stems from a deeply personal place. Witnessing the devastating consequences of prescription misuse, he felt compelled to create a solution that could save lives and improve the quality of care for countless patients. “Our mission started with a simple idea, using technology to reduce preventable tragedies. From there, it’s grown into something so much bigger,” he said.

The Hub played a huge role in Alex’s journey, providing the support, guidance, and resources needed to bring his vision to life. “The Hub has been a home base for us,” Alex explained. “It’s not just about the expertise and connections; they give you a community that believes in you and challenges you to solve problems quickly and effectively.” He credits the faculty and the Hub’s network of mentors for helping him and his team navigate challenges, particularly in building a team that shares their mission and values.

One of Alex’s biggest lessons has been the importance of grit. Early on, his team faced setbacks in securing funding for prototype development, but their persistence led to a breakthrough partnership with a leading health tech company. “Grit is the foundation of entrepreneurship. It’s what gives you the confidence to share your ideas and the determination to see them through,” he said. “There’s no book that tells you how to start a company, you just have to go out and do it.” Which is why it has grown on to become one of our eight pillars of entrepreneurship.

As Cosmos Pharmaceuticals continues to grow, Alex envisions the company becoming a leader in medication adherence for specialty pharma and behavioral health patients. “We have a unique ability to monitor and forecast patient outcomes, and we’re excited to expand our reach and impact even more lives,” he shared.

Alex’s journey is a powerful testament to the importance of determination, innovation, and community. His work at Cosmos Pharmaceuticals demonstrates the transformative potential of combining personal passion with entrepreneurial drive, and the William & Mary Entrepreneurship Hub is proud to support him every step of the way.

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Alex’s story exemplifies the transformative power of combining personal passion with entrepreneurial action. Whether you’re a curious student or a founder with a big idea, the Hub offers countless opportunities to learn, grow, and make an impact.

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