Melodia Therapeutics Welcomes New CEO and Chairman to Accelerate MLD-151 Development

Melodia Therapeutics Welcomes New Leadership

Basel, Switzerland — Sept 2, 2025
In a significant strategic move, Melodia Therapeutics, a venture by Forty51 Ventures, has appointed Dr. Jonathan Talbot as its new Chief Executive Officer and Dr. Sven Zimmermann as the Chairman of the Board. This leadership shift comes at a pivotal time as the company prepares for the clinical advancement of its lead product candidate, MLD-151, a next-generation DPP1 inhibitor with potential best-in-class properties designed to treat inflammatory ailments.

Dr. Talbot joins Melodia with an impressive history of over 15 years in the biotech and pharmaceutical sectors. His previous roles include serving as co-founding CEO of Mosanna Therapeutics, where he played a crucial role in securing over $85 million in financing and advancing a novel therapy aimed at obstructive sleep apnea. Speaking on his new role, Dr. Talbot expressed excitement about leading Melodia through this crucial phase of growth and clinic readiness: "Inhibiting DPP1 is a clinically validated approach, and MLD-151 showcases a highly differentiated pharmacological profile that can offer significant benefits compared to existing therapies. I am eager to work with the talented team at Melodia to accelerate our progress into clinical trials."

The newly appointed Chairman, Dr. Zimmermann, brings a wealth of experience, having previously held key positions at MetrioPharm and Novimmune, among others. His successful track record includes multiple company exits and public financing ventures. He stated, "It is an honor to guide Melodia as Chairman. This company has unique opportunities at the forefront of DPP1 inhibition, which can profoundly impact therapies for neutrophil-driven inflammatory diseases."

Both leaders will focus on finalizing the upcoming Series A financing round, enhancing operational capacities, and steering MLD-151 towards its Investigational New Drug (IND) submission and the initiation of first-in-human studies.

Additionally, Melodia Therapeutics is advised by several esteemed scientists, including Professor Clive Page, a pharmacology expert at King's College London, who highlighted the urgency and importance of addressing neutrophil-driven inflammation in conditions like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Professor Page remarked, "The need for effective and well-tolerated treatments for diseases such as COPD is critical. MLD-151 represents a promising advancement in the treatment landscape that could set new standards in terms of safety and efficacy."

Another key advisor, Professor Dave Singh, noted the impressive clinical data surrounding DPP1 inhibitors and their potential to significantly alter disease progression in COPD patients. "The slowing of lung function decline observed in trials provides much-needed hope. I am excited to collaborate with Melodia in moving toward innovative solutions for patients."

Melodia Therapeutics is also preparing to participate in the upcoming European Respiratory Society (ERS) Congress in Amsterdam this September, where they will showcase their innovative approach and advancements in targeting neutrophilic inflammation.

About Melodia Therapeutics

Melodia Therapeutics, based in Switzerland, is committed to developing innovative oral therapies that specifically target neutrophilic inflammation. Their lead candidate, MLD-151, focuses on suppressing pathological neutrophil protease activity. The goal is to leverage compelling preclinical data to translate into effective human therapies that enhance patient outcomes.

About Forty51 Ventures

Forty51 Ventures is a Basel-based venture capital firm specializing in biotech startups, fostering the next wave of innovations in healthcare through strategic investment and guidance.

For further information, visit Forty51 Ventures.