Rivus Pharmaceuticals announced on February 25, 2026, the appointment of Jorge Bartolome as Chief Executive Officer and Board member, succeeding co-founder Allen Cunningham who transitions to Chief Operating Officer.12
Jorge Bartolome brings over 25 years of experience, including CEO of AreteiaTx, President of Janssen Canada, and senior roles at GSK generating $8 billion in sales.12
Rivus focuses on oral therapies for MASH, obesity, and cardiometabolic diseases, with lead candidate HU6 (oral mitochondrial uncoupler) succeeding in three Phase 2 trials.12
2026 plans include advancing HU6 in the AMPLIFY Phase 2 trial for MASH and initiating first clinical trial for RV-8451, an oral muscle-preserving GLP-1 for obesity.12
Ian F. Smith, Co-Chair of the Board, highlighted Bartolome's expertise in late-stage development and commercialization as ideal for Rivus' growth.12
Sources:
1. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/02/25/3244576/0/en/Rivus-Pharmaceuticals-Appoints-Jorge-Bartolome-as-Chief-Executive-Officer.html
2. https://www.biospace.com/press-releases/rivus-pharmaceuticals-appoints-jorge-bartolome-as-chief-executive-officer