Jeffrey Pepe – Capstan Therapeutics

Capstan Therapeutics, a dynamic and rapidly growing biotech company, has emerged as a frontrunner in in vivo cell reprogramming, attracting significant attention from potential partners and investors. Their innovative approach promises to revolutionize how diseases like cancer and autoimmune disorders are treated, leveraging cutting-edge technology to deliver transformative therapies.

Jeffrey Pepe | Capstan Therapeutics | General Counsel

Jeffrey Pepe, the company’s first general counsel, is at the heart of Capstan’s strategic advancement. In this role, Pepe navigates the intricate legal complexities of biotech and is crucial in realizing Capstan’s strategic vision. His leadership ensures that legal frameworks are compliant and strategically aligned, fostering an environment where innovation thrives.

As Capstan continues to expand its reach and forge new partnerships, Pepe’s strategic legal counsel remains essential. His commitment to excellence and his ability to foster collaboration ensure that Capstan remains at the forefront of biomedical innovation, poised to make significant strides in improving patient outcomes.

Securing competitive edge

One of Pepe’s key projects at Capstan involves streamlining the legal processes essential for producing cell therapeutics, which are inherently complex and people-intensive. Pepe has enabled smoother operations and quicker advancements in Capstan’s projects by creating efficient systems for working with outside vendors and solidifying transactions. His efforts have been critical in ensuring that all legal aspects are in order, which is vital for a company at the forefront of biotech innovation.

Pepe’s expertise in intellectual property has been particularly valuable to Capstan. By aligning the company’s IP strategy with its business objectives, he has ensured that Capstan’s innovations are well-protected. This strategic alignment has provided a strong framework for continued growth and innovation, safeguarding the company’s competitive edge in a rapidly evolving industry.

Capstan’s mission, inspired by the nautical term capstan, reflects the company’s goal of developing drugs that multiply patient possibilities. Similar to how a capstan multiplies the pulling force on a boat, Capstan aims to revolutionize treatment options through its innovative technology. By delivering RNA to produce therapeutic proteins in vivo, Capstan’s approach holds the potential to significantly impact the treatment of diseases like cancer and autoimmune disorders.

One of the standout projects under Pepe’s guidance involves using Capstan’s tLNP platform, composed of three key components: the LNP delivery vehicle, cell type-specific targeting binders, and disease-specific payloads. This platform enables Capstan to pursue two distinct approaches to treating disease: engineering immune cells and targeting pathogenic cells.

The technology’s potential applications span various disease areas, including oncology, autoimmune disorders, fibrosis, and monogenic blood disorders. The ability to reprogram specific cell types in vivo could lead to groundbreaking therapies that transform patient outcomes.

Fostering a culture of collaboration

Leadership at Capstan is about fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation. Pepe embodies this leadership style, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and a positive attitude. Inspired by the late Coach John Wooden’s philosophy, Pepe understands that every team member has a unique role and contribution. He strives to ensure that everyone at Capstan is positioned to succeed, recognizing that collective effort drives the company forward.

As Capstan continues to grow and seek new partnerships, Pepe’s legal expertise and leadership will be instrumental in guiding the company toward its goals. His commitment to fostering interdepartmental communication and collaboration ensures that Capstan can navigate the complexities of the biotech industry and continue to innovate in the field of in vivo cell reprogramming. By building trust internally and creating a strong legal framework, Pepe has laid the groundwork for Capstan’s ongoing success and its mission to develop transformative therapies for patients.

Looking to the future, Pepe is focused on expanding Capstan’s team and securing additional funding to support the company’s ambitious goals. Engaging with investors and potential partners, he is working to ensure that Capstan remains well-positioned for continued growth. His strategic vision and dedication to the company’s mission are driving forces behind Capstan’s progress, helping to pave the way for new advancements in biotech and patient care.

“At Capstan, leadership means fostering teamwork and innovation to advance pioneering cell reprogramming. Trust and a strong foundation drive our mission to transform patient care through cutting-edge therapies,” Pepe says.

Merging science and law

Pepe’s academic journey began at UCLA, earning a BS in Biochemistry and a PhD in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics. He then pursued a JD in Law at Seattle University School of Law, bridging his scientific expertise with legal acumen.

Pepe started his legal career as a law clerk and associate at Seed IP Law Group, where he worked for over six years, honing his skills in intellectual property law. His subsequent roles included positions at Darby & Darby P.C., Nastech Pharmaceutical Company Inc., and Trubion Pharmaceuticals, Inc., where he managed intellectual property portfolios and navigated complex legal challenges.

As a Partner at Seed IP Law Group, Pepe demonstrated his leadership qualities. As an adjunct professor at Seattle University School of Law, he mentored future legal professionals. His community service is evident in his role as a trustee for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Washington/Alaska Chapter.

In 2019, Pepe joined Silverback Therapeutics as senior vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary and later served as interim CEO, guiding the company through a critical reverse merger. In January 2023, he followed Silverback’s CEO to Capstan Therapeutics, becoming general counsel.

“Life is about embracing diverse paths and leveraging every experience to innovate, inspire, and make a meaningful impact,” Pepe says.