ALZA Corporation

ALZA: Challenges and Rewards in Drug Delivery

Since its inception in 1968, ALZA Corporation has been the leading developer and manufacturer of drug delivery technology-based pharmaceutical products for the healthcare industry.  ALZA partners with the world’s leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to develop products with enhanced therapeutic value, improving healthcare for millions of patients worldwide. 

Today, ALZA offers the broadest array of technology platforms, including oral, transdermal, implantable and liposomal technologies, and is unmatched in its success in bringing drug delivery-based products to market.  In 2001, ALZA merged with New Brunswick, NJ-based Johnson & Johnson, the world’s most comprehensive and broadly based manufacturer of healthcare products, as well as provider of related services, for the consumer, pharmaceutical and medical devices and diagnostics markets.  As a result of the merger, ALZA continues as an independent operating company, focusing on the development and manufacture of pharmaceutical products based on novel drug delivery technology solutions for Johnson & Johnson and other companies in the global pharmaceutical industry. 

Streamlining Efforts with Johnson & Johnson

Drug makers covet delivery technologies that companies such as ALZA develop because they can often significantly enhance medications and potentially provide an extension on the patent life of a drug.  However, success at ALZA is not measured simply by gaining regulatory approval of a Phase III product.  Rather, the main objective has always been launching high-quality product into the market, where patients will benefit from its therapeutic advantages.  

ALZA alone is expected to add $700 million in sales to J&J’s annual pharmaceutical sales of roughly $14.5 billion in 2002.  Additionally, in joining the Johnson & Johnson family of companies, ALZA has access to one of the world’s largest R&D networks, which is advantageous to both ALZA and its partners, presenting a greater opportunity for technological advances.  

What Sets ALZA Apart

Many of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies have worked with ALZA in the application of its delivery technologies for the development of drugs with enhanced therapeutic value for patients.  ALZA’s technologies are now incorporated in more than 30 products marketed by its pharmaceutical partners in over 80 countries around the world. 

ALZA learned years ago that success requires both innovation and speed. With breakthrough drug delivery

technologies as their base, ALZA pioneered pharmacologic discovery by seeking the best ways to delivery compounds – the ideal pattern and site of delivery – thereby optimizing the pharmacology to add significant value to a chemical.  By optimizing the pharmacology of a drug, ALZA can optimize the effectiveness of a compound and create a successful product that benefits patients at the end of the day. 

Small-company Environment, Big-company Impact

ALZA’s supportive, small-company environment is driven by leaders who play an integral role in all phases of the product development process, including analytical sciences, toxicology, pre-clinical and clinical research, and regulatory affairs. The community of professionals at ALZA appreciates the sense of personal impact they have on the bottom line. 

ALZA professionals enjoy a collaborative atmosphere where people share their passion for excellence.  Yet, as a member of the Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies, they also enjoy the stature and resources of being connected to the world’s most broadly based manufacturer of health care products. 

For those who desire a team-based environment that offers opportunities for employee growth and development, ALZA’s world-class Learning and Development Department provides a variety of on-site training courses.  ALZA is dedicated to enhancing and recognizing individual and organizational performance. 

Delivering Powerful Solutions

From nonprofit service providers to educational institutions and civic organizations, ALZA fulfills community needs as a team.  With the company’s headquarters in Mountain View, CA, and its manufacturing facilities in Vacaville, CA and Cashel, Ireland, ALZA continues to contribute to numerous community improvement efforts in the areas of culture, education, and health.  ALZA’s organization is based on solution-driven performers who are focused on improving lives in our community around the world. 

Explore a team-oriented environment that is leading drug delivery solutions to improve the lives of people worldwide.  Visit www.alza.com/careers to learn about specific opportunities at ALZA and working within the Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies.