Rivus Pharmaceuticals Names Industry Veteran Jorge Bartolome As New CEO, Promotes Co-Founder Allen Cunningham To COO As Company Advances MASH And Obesity Pipeline

Rivus Pharmaceuticals Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing treatments for MASH, obesity, and associated cardiometabolic conditions, announced the appointment of Jorge Bartolome as its Chief Executive Officer and a member of its Board of Directors. He takes over the position from co-founder Allen Cunningham, who will transition into the role of Chief Operating Officer as the company moves into its next phase of growth.

Jorge Bartolome joins Rivus with more than 25 years of leadership experience in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors. Over the course of his career, he has built and managed high-performing global teams and has led organizations through late-stage clinical development, commercial launches, and large-scale sales and marketing operations. His background spans key therapeutic areas and multiple international markets, giving him a well-rounded perspective on advancing innovative medicines from development to commercialization. 

Before joining Rivus, he served as CEO and Director at AreteiaTx, where he guided the company through successful Phase 3 trial results for a first-in-class oral therapy for asthma and COPD. Prior to that, he was President of Janssen Canada (Johnson & Johnson) and previously held senior leadership roles at GSK for more than two decades across North America, Asia, and Latin America.

Speaking about the leadership transition, Ian F. Smith, Co-Chair of the Rivus Board of Directors, shared that the company is entering a pivotal stage as it advances two important oral medicines intended for MASH, obesity, and related metabolic diseases. He noted that Mr. Bartolome’s deep experience in late-stage development and global commercialization makes him the right leader to guide Rivus as it moves closer to delivering new treatment options. He also emphasized the company’s focus on next-generation obesity therapies that support energy expenditure and help preserve muscle, which are emerging as key pillars for long-term metabolic health.

In his first remarks as CEO, Mr. Bartolome expressed his enthusiasm about leading Rivus at a time when patient needs in MASH and obesity are increasing rapidly. He highlighted the company’s progress with HU6, an oral mitochondrial uncoupler that has completed three Phase 2 studies with positive outcomes, meeting primary endpoints and demonstrating a favorable safety and tolerability profile. He added that 2026 will be especially significant for Rivus, as HU6 advances within the AMPLIFY Phase 2 trial for MASH and the company readies its first clinical study for RV-8451, a differentiated oral GLP-1 candidate designed to support weight loss while helping preserve muscle mass.

Mr. Bartolome’s earlier career includes more than 20 years at GSK, where he held roles of increasing responsibility across several regions. He ultimately served as Senior Vice President and Business Unit Leader in the United States, overseeing multiple therapeutic areas and generating annual sales of $8 billion. His extensive experience across commercial strategy, product development, and organizational leadership positions him to guide Rivus through its next chapter. He holds a B.A. in Economics from Duke University.