Anchored in technology developed at the UCSF, Alessa Therapeutics is structured around development of selective and sustained localized drug delivery for early interception of cancer. A clinical-stage drug development company, the firm is developing implantable drug delivery systems focused on sustained delivery of drugs to solid organ tumors. Recently the firmannounced their status as an affiliate of Janssen Research & Development, LLC. (facilitated by J&J Innovation). The firm's first clinical product - designated Biolen® technology - consists of multiple implants containing a hormonal therapy agent such as bicalutamide. Clinicians insert the implants into the prostate through a minimally invasive approach similar to prostate biopsy. The company has conducted a First-in-Patient study in Australia and New Zealand.
