#35 – Samantha Dale Strasser, CEO & Co-Founder at Pepper Bio

Samantha Dale Strasser’s Background and Vision for Pepper Bio

Samantha Dale Strasser’s journey into founding Pepper Bio started with her academic endeavors in biomedical engineering and applied mathematics at Northwestern University, followed by a master’s degree at the University of Cambridge and a PhD at MIT. Her father’s diagnosis with frontal temporal dementia deeply impacted her career trajectory, steering her towards a goal of developing treatments that could change the course of untreatable diseases.

The Genesis and Growth of Pepper Bio

Pepper Bio, born out of a combination of Strasser’s scientific research and her partnership with co-founder John, is built on a foundation of transomics. The company’s focus is on integrating various data sets like genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and modified proteins, aiming to develop more effective treatments. Pepper Bio has seen early successes, particularly in oncology and inflammatory diseases, thanks to its unique technology.

Challenges in Drug Discovery and PepperBio’s Innovative Approach

Strasser reflects on the challenges of transforming scientific research into a viable company, highlighting the balance between developing their own pipeline and forming partnerships with pharmaceutical companies. These collaborations have been crucial in generating early revenue and gaining traction in the field. Pepper Bio’s computational platform, Compass, aids in prioritizing targets for drug development based on transomic signatures.

Pepper Bio’s Future and Clinical Impact

Looking ahead, Strasser is particularly excited about Pepper Bio’s advancements towards clinical applications. The company is nearing the stage where insights gained from their research could start impacting patients’ lives. Strasser’s vision is to see treatments developed by Pepper Bio successfully alleviate conditions in patients, thereby fulfilling her mission of changing healthcare outcomes for untreatable diseases.