The PALA Story

PALA Pharmaceuticals is a biotechnology company pioneering a new chapter in cancer treatment—a treatment that taps into the power of the immune system to fight disease.

Our work is grounded in decades of research and scientific collaboration. PALA (N-phosphonacetyl-L-aspartate) first demonstrated anti-cancer activity in the 1970s under the leadership of Dr. George Stark. Initially developed to starve cancer cells by disrupting their metabolism, PALA showed promise, but the doses needed to starve cancer cells in patients were too high to be tolerated.

Years later, PALA gained exciting new momentum when Dr. Christine McDonald discovered that PALA activates the immune system without interfering with the metabolism of healthy cells or DNA synthesis. This breakthrough repositioned PALA as an immune modulator with broad anti-tumor potential, opening the door to transformative cancer therapies.

Today, PALA Pharmaceuticals is ready to take the next step and develop the full potential of immune-activating treatments for a wide range of cancers. From lung and breast cancer to melanoma and pancreatic cancer, our preclinical data reveal a powerful and consistent immune response without compromising healthy tissue.

“Seeing PALA evolve into a treatment with such potential is deeply rewarding. We’re ready to take the next steps toward realizing PALA's full impact. The journey ahead is exciting — not just for us in the lab, but for everyone who believes in the promise of science to transform care.” 

— Dr. George Stark

Articles