The pharmaceutical and wellness industry contains many professionals and leaders dedicated to discovering solutions to help others lead healthier lives, but few can match the passion and ambition of Tracy Trang Nguyen.
Since founding her pharmaceutical company, Nguyen has traveled the globe searching for new treatment methods and natural health products. Her exceptional leadership and influence in her field have earned her and her business various awards. She has since been included in the Marquis Who’s Who listing of noteworthy professionals, an achievement that further demonstrates the impact of her passionate work and storied career.
Discovering a Passion for Pharmaceuticals
Nguyen first traveled to the United States as a young woman in 1979, seeking new opportunities and adventures. She dedicated herself to her studies and obtained a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Minnesota, a public university located in the twin cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, in 1985.
When Nguyen entered the workforce, she developed an interest in working in the pharmaceutical and wellness industry. Pursuing that goal, she relocated to California. In 2000, she made the pivotal career decision to establish her own pharmaceutical company, AQ Pharmaceuticals Inc., where she currently serves as the president and chief executive officer.
Exploring New Pharmaceutical Methods
Throughout her career, Nguyen has developed extensive expertise in prescription and over-the-counter medications and vitamin supplements. She has traveled extensively worldwide to explore diverse health practices and treatments across cultures. During her travels in Europe, she became fascinated with traditional medicine and has since gained approval from the European Medicines Agency.
Nguyen has led her team at AQ Pharmaceuticals in developing promising products. One aims to help individuals better manage diabetes by lowering blood sugar levels. Her company is also researching a drug derived from traditional Japanese medicine that is designed to promote arterial health by helping cleanse and strengthen blood vessels. Both products have been registered with the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) through DailyMed and are available for purchase via JBA Brands.
These products are now part of the broader health management ecosystem being developed by JBA Brands, which aims to help people better manage their health. By integrating AI-driven insights and clinically proven products, JBA Brands offers personalized health solutions in Vietnam and globally. This expansion reflects Nguyen’s commitment to bringing innovative, evidence-based treatments to market.
Helping Others Live Healthier Lives
Three years ago, Nguyen’s work in pharmaceuticals took a personal turn when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her connections in the industry led her to seek specialized medication in Japan. Although it proved effective, it was expensive, costing her about $600 per month. This experience led her to conduct research that would make the drug more affordable, and she now plans to launch the product for only $45 per month’s supply.
“My dream is to make it affordable for people to buy,” Nguyen states. “In order for you to be happy, you have to be healthy to enjoy your life.” Her company remains committed to researching further pharmaceutical innovations, such as a natural alternative to Ozempic.
Achieving Success in Business
Nguyen’s success in leading her pharmaceutical business has earned her various awards. In 2006, she received the Top Woman Business in California Award, the Top Asian Pacific American Owned Business in America Award, and the Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award. In 2007, DiversityBusiness recognized her company, AQ Pharmaceuticals, as one of the top 500 woman-owned businesses in the U.S.
In addition to these accolades, Nguyen’s professional journey includes other significant recognitions. She was listed among the Women Making a Difference by the Los Angeles Business Journal in 2007. Furthermore, her company, AQ Pharmaceuticals, was named one of the 100 Fast-Growing Private Companies by the Orange County Business Journal in 2008. AQ Pharmaceuticals also earned a spot on the Top 500 Asia-Owned Businesses in America by DiversityBusiness in both 2010 and 2011 and later ranked among the Top 500 Asian Pacific American-Owned Businesses in America by Omnikal in 2017.
Lessons Learned from a Leader
As a professional woman and native of Vietnam, Nguyen’s history and background are significantly different from those of many of her peers in the pharmaceutical industry. She believes this has caused her professional path to take many unique turns. Today, she strives to promote other women in business, as she believes they remain underrepresented in many sectors.
Although she is grateful to her mentors for helping guide her, Nguyen believes that her background in the sciences and innate business acumen have largely shaped her path to success. She also credits lessons taught to her by her grandfather while growing up in Vietnam, who emphasized the importance of living for others.
For other aspiring business and pharmaceutical professionals, Nguyen advises pursuing a career driven by your passions, just as she has. “I work very hard and passionately. I am very passionate about the pharmaceutical industry,” she states. “When you work with passion, you can overcome a lot of different hurdles in your life.”
As Nguyen continues her work in the wellness and pharmaceutical industry, her passion and leadership will help her achieve new milestones and health treatments for her clientele.
