Our Mission
Alessa Therapeutics is focused on development, clinical validation, and commercialization of localized, sustained drug delivery for solid organ disease.
Our Story
Alessa was founded by Dr. Pamela Munster, a leading oncologist at UCSF. Dr. Munster has advised thousands of women on how to cope with the realities of breast cancer, from diagnosis through treatment and recovery.
Suddenly, Dr. Munster realized that being a true “expert” in a disease was far beyond the scope of her medical training. She had a lot to learn—and do— if she wanted to hold onto her precious life.
But Dr. Munster’s world turned upside down when, at age 48 and in otherwise perfect health, she got a call saying that her own mammogram showed “irregularities.” Worse, not only did she have cancer, she carried the feared BRCA gene mutation.
Dr. Munster decided to found Alessa to build on her dual experiences as a practicing doctor and as an active patient. With an appropriate sense of urgency, she and her team gathered the resources, experience, and thinking of UCSF and other leading healthcare organizations. Their goal: to uncover new choices for prevention and treatment of breast cancer and other devastating diseases.
Our Leadership
Pam Munster
MD, Founder, Director
Dr. Munster is a Professor in the Department of Medicine (Hematology/Oncology), at UCSF. She has served as the Director of the Early Phase Clinical Trials Unit, as well as the Co-leader of the Center for BRCA Research. Pamela also led the Experimental Therapeutics Program at UCSF’s Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center.
John F. Maroney
CEO, Director
Mr. Maroney is the Founder and Principal Consultant of Medical Technology Consulting Services (MTCS). He currently serves as a Director for Innovein, Inc., Radiant Oximetry, GraftWorks, Inc. and as an advisor to Enso Relief, Inc. John was formerly CEO of ForSight Vision5, a General Partner of Delphi Ventures, and CEO/Chairman of Endotex Interventional Systems, Inc.
Peggy McLaughlin
Vice President, Clinical Affairs
Ms. McLaughlin is a Consulting Clinical and Regulatory lead for Biotech and Health-Tech companies. Formerly VP Clinical & Regulatory Affairs at companies including Autonomic Technologies, Cierra, Inc, and acting VP for ForSight Vision5, Gauss Surgical and Symic Bio.