Melio Bio, a biotech dedicated to the discovery and development of novel inhibitors targeting a receptor implicated in obesity and associated co-morbidities, has been revealed as the winner of Pioneer Group and Novo Nordisk’s 2025 Golden Ticket Programme.
The 2025 Golden Ticket Programme was open to early-stage biotech companies focused on novel drug targets and transformational medicines in cardiometabolic diseases, rare blood and rare endocrine disorders, with robust research plans and potential for successful research development.
Following a competitive pitch process reviewed by the Pioneer and Novo Nordisk selection committee, successful applicants were invited to a celebration event held at Pioneer’s Victoria House in London on 30 January 2025, where Melio Bio was crowned winner of the Golden Ticket.
Co-created with Molecule to Medicine (MTM), Melio Bio is dedicated to the discovery and development of novel inhibitors targeting GPR75, a genetically validated G protein-coupled receptor implicated in obesity and associated co-morbidities. Established in 2024, Melio Bio is currently advancing hits from a proprietary screen into lead optimisation, with a Series A fundraise underway to support the ongoing development of these molecules.
As winner of the Golden Ticket, Melio Bio will receive:
- 12-month rent-free incubation space at Pioneer’s Victoria House in London
- Access to Pioneer’s Venture Programmes, as well as its ecosystem and annual Investment Showcase event
- Mentoring and support from Pioneer’s Expert Network and specialist business coaches
- Mentoring and support from Novo Nordisk’s drug discovery and development experts
Zoe Johnson, Co-founder and Executive Chair of Melio Bio, said:
“We are thrilled and honoured to have been selected as a winner of the Pioneer and Novo Nordisk Golden Ticket Programme. This recognition is not only a testament to the innovative work we are doing at Melio Bio but also a transformative opportunity to accelerate our vision of advancing next generation molecules for the treatment of cardiometabolic disease.
“The early support and guidance we will receive from Novo Nordisk’s world-class pharma team, who are leaders in the field, represents a unique opportunity to refine and strengthen our approach. We are excited to leverage this collaboration to drive meaningful impact and bring new solutions to patients globally.”
Ayokunmi Ajetunmobi, Head of Ventures at Pioneer, said:
“We are delighted to see Melio Bio win the Golden Ticket prize for its innovative approach to targeting a receptor implicated in obesity – a significant health issue affecting one in eight people globally.
“Through this year’s Programme, it has been fantastic to hear from new start-ups and founders as well as innovators from established businesses who are pioneering new approaches to tackling and treating cardiometabolic diseases. As winner of the Golden Ticket, Melio Bio will benefit from Pioneer’s state-of-the-art facilities, support networks and resources, as well as Novo Nordisk’s expertise in cardiometabolic disease drug discovery and development. We are looking forward to supporting Melio Bio’s ambition to develop much-needed therapeutic options for patients living with cardiometabolic diseases.”
Itai Kela, Director of Innovation Outreach at Novo Nordisk, added:
“We are thrilled to partner with Pioneer Group in the Golden Ticket competition to support early-stage companies in the cardiometabolic space. At Novo Nordisk, we are committed to fostering innovation and collaboration to advance groundbreaking science and bring transformative therapies to patients. This partnership exemplifies our dedication to nurturing promising startups and accelerating their growth to address critical unmet needs in cardiometabolic health. Pioneer’s extensive expertise and network in the UK make them an ideal partner for this initiative, enabling us to identify highly innovative companies within the UK ecosystem.”
Article provided by Medilink Midlands Patron Pioneer Group.