Mamoun Alhamadsheh
At Pacific Since: 2011
Mamoun M. Alhamadsheh, PhD is a professor of pharmaceutical chemistry at University of the Pacific and the scientific co-founder of Eidos Therapeutics. An expert in developing novel therapeutic agents for diseases related to transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis, Dr. Alhamadsheh’s group discovered the transthyretin stabilizer Acoramidis (formerly AG10, named for “Alhamadsheh-Graef molecule 10”). This drug is the lead therapeutic for Eidos Therapeutics, where Dr. Alhamadsheh continues to advise on the company’s scientific direction.
Another key focus of his research is the development of innovative technologies to extend the in vivo half-life of therapeutics, improving drug targeting and delivery. Dr. Alhamadsheh has received the New Investigator Award from the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy and holds multiple publications and patents. His research is funded by grants from the National Institutes of Health.
Dr. Alhamadsheh earned his bachelor of pharmacy from Jordan University of Science and Technology and his doctor of philosophy in medicinal chemistry from the University of Toledo. He completed postdoctoral research in chemical biology at Stanford University.
BS in Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, 1999
PhD in Medicinal Chemistry, University of Toledo, 2004
Postdoctoral Fellowship, Stanford University
Teaching Philosophy
“Since joining Pacific in 2011, teaching has been my top priority. I believe that excellent teaching requires expertise, careful planning and preparation. My goal is to provide students with the foundational knowledge needed to solve real-life problems.
"I co-teach two courses in the professional program. In PHAR 116 (Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry), I teach protein structure and an additional section on protein therapeutics (biologic drugs). This topic helps pharmacy students understand the importance of protein structure in health, disease and drug design. My research in protein misfolding enriches this subject.
"I also teach the Medicinal Chemistry component of PHAR 441 (Neuropsychiatric Disorders I Foundations), which covers CNS drug mechanisms. As the course coordinator, I ensure that students grasp the multidisciplinary aspects of this course, combining organic chemistry, biochemistry and pharmacology, with a focus on clinical relevance. Additionally, I contribute to the graduate course Pharmaceutical Analysis (PCSP 208). I offer extensive office hours and one-on-one appointments to support students. My teaching evaluations consistently rate above 4.4 in areas like content organization, presentation and accessibility. I remain committed to continually improving my teaching methods.”
Courses
PHRM 135 — Pharmacology & Medicinal Chemistry I
PHRM 113 — Molecular & Cellular Biochemistry
PMED143 — TA for Molecular & Cellular Biochemistry
PCSP 208 — Pharmaceutical Analysis
PMED 193A — PharmD Independent Study
PCSP 397 — Graduate Research
PCSP 299 — Graduate Thesis
Research Summary
Dr. Mamoun Alhamadsheh’s research focuses on developing innovative therapeutic strategies for treating protein misfolding diseases, particularly transthyretin amyloidosis. His lab is known for discovering Acoramidis, a small molecule that stabilizes transthyretin and is currently in Phase 3 clinical trials for transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy.
Dr. Alhamadsheh’s work also explores advanced drug delivery systems aimed at improving the efficacy and safety of therapeutics, particularly by targeting cancer cells while minimizing harm to normal cells. His research has been recognized for its potential in improving patient outcomes and his contributions have led to numerous high-impact publications and patents.
Research Interests
- Protein-protein interactions
- Amyloid beta aggregation in Alzheimer's disease
- Transthyretin amyloidosis
