Topadur Appoints Matthias Schäfer as Chief Executive Officer to Lead Next Phase of Company Growth
Zurich, Switzerland – Topadur Pharma AG, a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing innovative therapies for vascular regeneration, today announced the appointment of PD Dr. Matthias Schäfer as Chief Executive Officer.
Dr. Schäfer joined Topadur in 2024 as Chief Innovation Officer and Deputy CEO and now assumes executive leadership as the company advances its pipeline into the next stages of clinical development toward commercialization.
Founder Dr. Reto Naef remains on the leadership team as Senior Scientific Advisor and continues to guide the company’s strategy as President of the Board, ensuring continuity in Topadur’s long-term growth.
Matthias Schäfer brings more than 20 years of experience across the life sciences and healthcare sectors. He has directed research and clinical development programs, driven global portfolio expansion, and established strategic partnerships across diverse therapeutic areas. Dr. Schäfer has held senior leadership roles including at Geistlich Pharma AG and pfm medical GmbH, where he translated scientific innovation into sustainable commercial growth and strengthened global market presence. He received a PhD in Biology from the University of Würzburg and completed his habilitation at ETH Zurich.
“Topadur is entering an important phase as we advance toward meaningful clinical milestones,” said Dr. Schäfer. “Our priorities are progressing our lead programs in the clinical phases, increasing liquidity, and strengthening the organizational capabilities and partnerships needed to support continued growth. I look forward to working closely with our outstanding team to build on this momentum and advance our programs through their upcoming inflection points.”
“As a scientist and entrepreneur, I founded Topadur with the conviction that vascular regeneration has the power to treat a variety of aging-related diseases,” said Dr. Naef. “Today, the company stands on a strong scientific and clinical foundation. With Matthias stepping into the CEO role, we are ready to accelerate momentum and advance our programs into the next stage. I look forward to continuing to help shape Topadur’s strategic and scientific direction as President of the Board and in my new role as Senior Scientific Advisor.”
Advancing the Technology Platform and Clinical Pipeline
Topadur’s DualTOP® platform is designed to restore healthy microcirculation and support tissue regeneration across multiple therapeutic areas.
The company’s lead asset, TOP-N53, is in Phase 2a clinical development for treatment of digital ulcers in patients with systemic sclerosis and has received Orphan Drug Designation from both the FDA and EMA. Supported by positive clinical Phase 1 data, TOP-N53 is also being advanced for development in diabetic foot ulcers, a major global health challenge and area of significant unmet clinical need, with one diabetes-related amputation occurring every 20 seconds[i].
Topadur’s second lead asset, TOP-M119, targeting androgenetic and chemotherapy-induced alopecia, is completing toxicology studies ahead of planned clinical entry. Building on the regenerative potential of the DualTOP® platform, Topadur is also prioritizing innovative applications in skin rejuvenation and longevity, areas with rapidly growing scientific and commercial relevance. Complementary exploratory investigations are underway in oncology and other indications.