Alejandro Zaffaroni

Alejandro Zaffaroni 2006 BIO Award

Alejandro Zaffaroni (February 27, 1923 – March 1, 2014) was a Uruguayan-born biotechnology entrepreneur who played a significant role in the development of several biopharmaceutical companies. He is known for his contributions to the field of drug delivery systems and controlled release technology.

Early Life and Education

Alejandro Zaffaroni was born in Montevideo, Uruguay. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Montevideo before moving to the United States to pursue further education. Zaffaroni earned his Ph.D. in biochemistry from the University of Rochester in New York.

Career

Zaffaroni began his career at Syntex, a pharmaceutical company, where he worked on the development of oral contraceptives. His work at Syntex led to the establishment of Alza Corporation in 1968, a company focused on developing advanced drug delivery systems. Alza Corporation was instrumental in creating transdermal patches and other controlled release technologies.

Founding of Companies

Throughout his career, Zaffaroni founded or co-founded several notable biotechnology companies, including:

• Alza Corporation
• DNAX
• Affymax
• Affymetrix
• Symyx Technologies
• Maxygen
• Alexza Pharmaceuticals

These companies have made significant contributions to the fields of genomics, proteomics, and combinatorial chemistry.

Contributions to Biotechnology

Zaffaroni's work in drug delivery systems has had a lasting impact on the biotechnology industry. His innovations in controlled release technology have improved the efficacy and safety of various medications. The development of transdermal patches, for example, has provided a non-invasive method for administering drugs, improving patient compliance and outcomes.

Awards and Honors

Alejandro Zaffaroni received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including:

• The National Medal of Technology and Innovation
• Induction into the National Inventors Hall of Fame
• The Lemelson-MIT Prize

Personal Life

Zaffaroni was married and had children. He passed away on March 1, 2014, in Atherton, California.

Legacy

Alejandro Zaffaroni is remembered as a pioneer in the biotechnology industry. His contributions have paved the way for advancements in drug delivery and the development of new therapeutic technologies. His legacy continues through the companies he founded and the innovations he introduced.

See Also

• Biotechnology
• Drug delivery
• Controlled release technology
• Transdermal patch
• Pharmaceutical industry