Bildnachweis: Topadur Pharma AG.
The mission of the Swiss biopharmaceutical Topadur is not only to dilate blood vessels, but also to cause them to regenerate. Its innovative drugs, partly already in clinical development, have the potential to delay or prevent debilitating diseases and extend healthy lifespan in the broader context of longevity.
Microcirculation – the flow of blood through capillaries, arterioles, and venules – represents the terminal network of the cardiovascular system. It ensures the delivery of oxygen and essential nutrients even to the smallest and most remote body cells while facilitating the removal of metabolic waste products. With advancing age, the microcirculatory function declines, however; a process that not only accelerates tissue and hair degeneration, but also impairs repair processes and contributes to the progression of age-related diseases. ‘Spanning indications from chronic wounds to hair loss, our portfolio leverages our unique approach to improve local blood flow, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue repair,’ explains Dr Matthias Schaefer, CEO of Topadur since the end of 2025. ‘Our first-in-class pipeline is anchored in three core programmes: TOP-N53 for chronic wound treatment, currently in Phase 2a for digital ulcers of systemic sclerosis with orphan drug status in the USA and Europe, as well as skin rejuvenation; and TOP-M119 for the treatment of alopecia. Together, they are indications with clearly defined, previously unmet needs and scalable market opportunity.’ Leveraging the regenerative potential of its proprietary DualTOP® platform, Topadur also pursues other innovative applications, e.g. in the field of longevity.
Financing and strategic partnerships
The start-up is headquartered in Schlieren, in the canton of Zurich. Founded in 2015 by former Novartis Head of Research Dr Reto Naef and other experts from the Swiss pharmaceutical industry, it has developed significantly ever since. Naef now supports the eighteen-member Topadur team as scientific advisor. He also serves as President of the Board of Directors. The Vice President is former Novartis CEO, Dr Daniel Vasella. Cornelia Gehrig, an experienced finance and auditing professional with a background in large industrial corporations, adds to the management team as interim CFO. Looking ahead, the company is preparing for its next phase of growth. ‘Our priority is to advance our core programmes through the next clinical stages, securing CHF 20 million to 30 million in series C2 financing and establishing the organisational structures and partnerships necessary for sustainable growth,’ reports CEO Dr Schaefer, a seasoned expert in the life sciences and healthcare sector. In the medium term, the company is exploring further strategic options, including access to the public markets. To date, it has secured financial support from private investors, including Dr Vasella, as well as from funding organisations such as Innosuisse. In addition, Oshen Holdings SA finances individual development programmes.
Investors confide in high market potential
‘We are particularly attractive to investors as we target large, high-value markets. Indications such as alopecia and skin rejuvenation alone represent an annual sales potential of over USD 2 billion,’ says Dr Schaefer. This strong market opportunity is complemented by the company’s strategic clarity and scientific depth. Entrepreneur Silvia Scherer, who is also a member of the Board of Directors and an investor in the company, emphasises this: ‘My commitment is based on the management team’s high level of expertise and its clear focus. Topadur’s platform is scientifically sound and highly differentiated, addressing a key cause of age-related diseases through a unique mechanism of action for vascular regeneration. This creates a substantial competitive edge, particularly in the highly attractive fields of wound healing, hair loss, and skin ageing. Looking ahead, I expect to see significant clinical milestones and substantial progress in partnering activities, which will further validate the platform and deliver sustainable value creation.’
