“Lead by example, get things done.”
Dr. Maria Alba is a distinguished biopharmaceutical executive and clinical development leader with more than two decades of experience advancing innovative therapies across global markets. With a career rooted in scientific rigor and strategic execution, she has built a reputation for guiding complex drug development programs from early-stage discovery through late-stage clinical trials and regulatory approval. Her work spans both rare and common diseases, with particular depth in endocrinology, metabolism, and autoimmune conditions, positioning her as a trusted leader within the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.
Throughout her career, Dr. Alba has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to improving patient outcomes by translating cutting-edge science into viable therapeutic solutions. Her ability to bridge clinical insight with operational execution has enabled her to lead high-impact programs that address significant unmet medical needs. She has consistently operated at the intersection of innovation and practicality, ensuring that clinical strategies are both scientifically sound and commercially viable.
Most recently, Dr. Alba served as Vice President of Clinical Development at Immunovant Corporation, where she led multiple clinical programs focused on autoimmune diseases utilizing FcRn inhibitors. In this role, she oversaw the full lifecycle of clinical development, from study conceptualization and protocol design to early data delivery and strategic decision-making. Her leadership was instrumental in advancing proof-of-concept studies and enabling the progression of next-generation therapeutic candidates.
Prior to Immunovant, Dr. Alba held a senior leadership position at Vertex Pharmaceuticals as Senior Medical Director, where she led groundbreaking work in stem cell therapy for Type 1 diabetes. She was responsible for the clinical development of a first-in-human program, navigating the complexities of early-phase trials while contributing to regulatory submissions and cross-functional collaboration. Her contributions helped shape the strategic direction of one of the most innovative therapeutic approaches in the field.
Dr. Alba’s experience also includes her tenure at Amicus Therapeutics, where she served as Executive Director of Clinical Research and led global Phase 2 and Phase 3 programs in Pompe disease, a rare genetic disorder. In this capacity, she coordinated cross-functional teams across clinical operations, regulatory affairs, and biostatistics, ensuring alignment and execution of complex global trials. Her leadership supported the advancement of therapies targeting both pediatric and adult patient populations.
Earlier in her career, Dr. Alba spent over eight years at Janssen Research & Development, part of Johnson & Johnson, where she served as Senior Director and Clinical Leader in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. She led large-scale Phase 2 and Phase 3 programs, contributed to regulatory filings, and played a key role in shaping development strategies for novel therapeutics. Her work included managing clinical trial design, overseeing safety monitoring, and engaging with regulatory authorities to ensure compliance and progress.
Dr. Alba began her industry career at Merck & Co., where she directed multiple Phase II and III clinical trials in the metabolic disease space and was the clinical lead for several clinical trials in Emerging Markets, including China. Her early contributions included involvement in drug discovery and licensing evaluations, providing her with a comprehensive understanding of the pharmaceutical development lifecycle. This foundational experience laid the groundwork for her subsequent leadership roles and strategic influence within the industry.
In addition to her industry accomplishments, Dr. Alba’s academic and research background further underscores her expertise. She completed her postdoctoral fellowship in endocrinology at Johns Hopkins University, where she conducted pioneering research and contributed to the scientific understanding of growth hormone deficiencies. Her extensive publication record in peer-reviewed journals reflects her commitment to advancing medical knowledge and contributing to the broader scientific community.
Dr. Alba’s leadership style is defined by her ability to operate effectively within matrixed organizations, fostering collaboration across diverse teams and disciplines. She is recognized for her strong analytical capabilities, attention to detail, and capacity to synthesize complex data into actionable insights. Her experience presenting to executive leadership and boards of directors has provided her with a deep understanding of governance dynamics and strategic decision-making processes.
Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Alba brings a global perspective shaped by her international experience in countries such as Italy and China, as well as her multilingual capabilities. Fluent in English and Italian, she is adept at navigating cross-cultural environments and building relationships across global stakeholders. Her personal values emphasize accountability, integrity, and results-driven leadership. She also has extensive experience with IDMCs (Independent Data Monitoring Committees) and adjudication processes
Now seeking to transition into a board director role, Dr. Alba is motivated to leverage her extensive experience and strategic insight to contribute at the governance level. Having spent years presenting to boards and supporting executive decision-making, she is uniquely positioned to provide thoughtful oversight and guidance. Her goal is to bring a balanced perspective that integrates scientific expertise with business strategy, ultimately supporting organizations in achieving sustainable growth and innovation.
Dr. Alba’s career reflects a consistent trajectory of leadership, impact, and dedication to advancing healthcare. Her ability to lead complex initiatives, mentor teams, and drive results has established her as a respected figure in the biopharmaceutical industry. As she continues to evolve her professional journey, she remains committed to making meaningful contributions that improve patient lives and shape the future of medicine.
Character:
Dr. Alba exemplifies integrity through her consistent commitment to ethical decision-making and patient-centered outcomes. She approaches leadership with humility and accountability, ensuring that her actions align with both organizational goals and broader societal impact. Her dedication to excellence and perseverance has earned the trust and respect of colleagues and stakeholders across the industry.
Knowledge:
With deep expertise in clinical development and endocrinology, Dr. Alba possesses a comprehensive understanding of the drug development lifecycle. She continuously builds on her scientific foundation through research, publications, and hands-on leadership in complex clinical programs. Her ability to integrate scientific, regulatory, and commercial perspectives enables her to make well-informed, high-impact decisions.
Strategic:
Dr. Alba demonstrates strong strategic acumen by aligning clinical development initiatives with long-term organizational objectives. She has successfully guided programs through critical milestones, balancing innovation with risk management and operational efficiency. Her forward-thinking approach allows her to anticipate challenges and position organizations for sustained success.
Communication:
An accomplished communicator, Dr. Alba effectively translates complex scientific data into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences. She has extensive experience presenting to executive leadership and boards, ensuring alignment and informed decision-making. Her collaborative communication style fosters trust, engagement, and cross-functional synergy.
