Susanne Steggerda, Ph.D.
Head of Discovery Portfolio Strategy and Program Leadership | San Francisco, California
Professional Overview
Susanne Steggerda, Ph.D., is an accomplished leader in the biopharmaceutical industry, bringing over 20 years of expertise in discovery portfolio strategy, program management, and cross-functional team leadership. As the Head of Discovery Portfolio Strategy and Program Leadership at Initial Therapeutics, she is responsible for driving the strategic development and execution of the company's drug discovery pipeline.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Head of Discovery Portfolio Strategy and Program Leadership at Initial Therapeutics, Dr. Steggerda is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction and oversight of the company's discovery portfolio. She leads a team of cross-functional experts to ensure effective program management, resource allocation, and the timely progression of drug candidates from discovery through clinical development. Under her leadership, Initial Therapeutics has optimized its discovery efforts, resulting in the advancement of multiple promising therapeutic candidates into the pipeline.
Career Progression
Prior to her current role, Dr. Steggerda held several senior-level positions in the biopharmaceutical industry. She served as the Executive Director of Biology at ESSA Pharma, where she led the team responsible for the discovery and development of novel cancer therapeutics. Before that, she held Director-level roles in Toxicology and Pharmacology & Toxicology at Erasca, Inc. and Calithera Biosciences, respectively. Earlier in her career, Dr. Steggerda worked as a Scientist at Pharmacyclics, an AbbVie Company, and as a Post-Doctoral Fellow at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF).
Academic Background
Dr. Steggerda holds a Ph.D. in Pharmacology from the University of Iowa, where she specialized in drug discovery and development. Her extensive academic training and research experience have provided her with a deep understanding of the scientific principles and technical aspects of the drug discovery process.
Areas of Expertise
- Discovery portfolio strategy and program management
- Cross-functional team leadership and collaboration
- Preclinical drug development, including toxicology and pharmacology
- Translational research and the identification of novel therapeutic targets
- Regulatory affairs and the implementation of clinical development plans
Professional Impact
Throughout her career, Dr. Steggerda has made significant contributions to the advancement of novel therapeutics in the biopharmaceutical industry. She has successfully led the development and progression of multiple drug candidates, including the completion of key preclinical studies and the submission of Investigational New Drug (IND) applications. Her strategic leadership and technical expertise have been instrumental in driving the growth and success of the organizations she has been a part of.
Conclusion
With her extensive experience, proven track record of success, and deep understanding of the drug discovery and development landscape, Dr. Susanne Steggerda is poised to continue her impactful contributions as the Head of Discovery Portfolio Strategy and Program Leadership at Initial Therapeutics. Her commitment to advancing innovative therapies and her ability to effectively lead cross-functional teams make her a valuable asset to the organization and the broader biopharmaceutical industry.
