From 0 to 100: How Editpep’s CRISPR Technology and Business Took Off at Bakar Bio Labs
By Chrissa Olson.
As a postdoc, the first time Dana Foss got the peptides to work, the CRISPR was editing only at 1% efficiency.
To her colleague, the number was a bust. To her, it was the beginning. With further optimization, the peptides now approach 100% editing efficiency and, thus these peptides have become the basis for her company Editpep.
“We have a really bold vision for a new technology and I’m appreciating more and more that it’s rare to truly invent something new, such as a new type of delivery modality for CRISPR,” Dana says. “Not a lot of people do that, so I’m very proud of our efforts paving the way for this new tech.”
Editpep, which she founded in 2022 alongside co-founder Dr. Ross Wilson, is developing targeted gene therapies for brain diseases. The Editpep team at Bakar Bio Labs performs biochemistry experiments to build their genome editing therapeutics, and uses the wet lab to assemble the CRISPR components to test on tissue cultures.
Dana says the biggest challenge so far has been the need to wear many hats. She’s guiding the science, running the business, strategizing, and going from meetings about proteins to meetings about intellectual property.
“There are technical challenges because we invented a new delivery modality,” Dana says. “If it was easy, it would have already been done. We have to be very innovative.”
But what makes the work really possible is the people, both those on her own team, and the companies around her.
Beyond the lab work, community is central to the Bakar Bio Labs ecosystem. Like one might go to a neighbor to ask for extra sugar or an egg, Dana says the neighboring company and hers trade tips and favors as they’ve grown alongside each other.
“It’s a delight to work with everyone on the Editpep team – everyone is so smart and dedicated,” Dana says. “Working with a small team on an ambitious and shared goal with interesting technical challenges to solve together is really fun.”
They started with just two cubicles and a bench – they’ve grown to four cubicles and two benches. The flexibility to grow month by month without paying for a large space before necessary has meant they don’t have to adapt to the space – the space adapts to them.
“Editpep is a great example of what can happen when UC Berkeley’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem comes together,” says Darren Cooke, Interim Chief Innovation & Entrepreneurship Officer at UC Berkeley. “Through LSEC’s Venture Grant Program, we were able to connect Editpep with funding, mentorship, and key resources like Berkeley SkyDeck, I-Corps and Bakar Bio Labs, paving a path from lab discovery to long-term societal benefit. Helping Ross Wilson and Dana Foss build a business around extraordinary technology has been very rewarding.”
Dana’s advice to first-time tenants? Take advantage by connecting with fellow companies, and attending advice workshops.
The Bakar Bio Labs network has been invaluable for making new connections – two of her full time hires have come from recommendations within the Bakar Bio Labs network. In addition, Bakar Bio Labs often holds networking, advice, and training sessions that allow her to make “amazing” connections in the biotech field on a “random Tuesday.”
“Even though we are working in a similar space, I don’t consider anyone a competitor,” Dana says. “I consider us on this journey together, trying to mutually support each other on a pretty hard road to be successful. The odds are against all of us – the more we can do to help each other, the better.”
