Appointments reflect strategic focus on infectious disease and medical affairs expansion as antibiotics pipeline advances

Meitheal Pharmaceuticals has appointed Dr Keith Robinson as chief medical officer and announced the addition of Dr Lonnie Brent as senior vice president of medical affairs. The leadership changes come as the company expands its footprint in infectious disease and prepares for potential milestones in its antibiotics portfolio.

Both appointments are part of Meitheal’s broader effort to evolve into a more innovation-focused, diversified biopharmaceutical company. In addition to overseeing the company’s clinical strategy, Dr Robinson will work closely with Dr Brent to develop a newly formed medical affairs operation that will support Meitheal’s expanding regulatory and commercial activity.

“With a combined 38 years of experience in clinical research and development and medical affairs, Keith and Lonnie join Meitheal at a critical point in our evolution to become a more diversified and innovation-driven biopharmaceutical organization,” said Tom Shea, chief executive officer of Meitheal.

“These strategic appointments reflect not only our confidence in Meitheal’s long-term growth but also the important steps we are taking to expand our capabilities as our pipeline advances – particularly with two medicines in the antibiotics space.”

Dr Robinson is a critical care and pulmonary physician with 18 years of clinical experience. He most recently served as executive medical director at Syneos Health and previously held roles at IQVIA focused on pulmonary and critical care programs. He holds a medical degree from Indiana University School of Medicine, as well as advanced degrees in exercise physiology and science.

“As a former practicing physician, providing innovative and impactful medicines that meet patients’ unmet needs has always been my top priority,” said Dr Robinson. “In my new role, I am thrilled to use this passion to lead an experienced and disciplined team that is advancing critical medicines in high-impact therapeutic areas. I look forward to educating physicians on the latest scientific advancements and best practices in our core disease areas and, ultimately, ensuring patients have access to the safe and effective therapies they need.”

Dr Brent brings more than 20 years of experience in medical affairs, research, and clinical practice, with a background in oncology, rare disease, and supportive care. He most recently served as senior vice president of medical affairs at TerSera Therapeutics, where he led the function and served as interim chief medical officer during a leadership transition.

The new medical affairs operation will support Meitheal’s portfolio of 70 on-market products and further development in the anti-infective space. Infectious disease has been identified as a strategic growth area for the company, following its 2024 acquisition of exclusive commercial rights to fosfomycin for injection and lefamulin (formerly branded as XENLETA). Both antibiotics are intended to help address rising antimicrobial resistance and, pending regulatory approval, will support patient care across inpatient and outpatient settings.