Craig Gibbs

Vivace Therapeutics, Inc. has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Craig Gibbs, Ph.D., as President and Chief Executive Officer as the company prepares to advance VT3989 into a pivotal Phase 3 trial for mesothelioma. 

Ellen Lubman has joined as Chief Business and Strategy Officer, while Tim Clackson, Ph.D., has been appointed to Vivace’s Board of Directors.

Gibbs brings more than 30 years of experience spanning research, corporate development, and commercial strategy. He most recently served as CEO of Asher Biotherapeutics and previously was Chief Business Officer of Forty Seven, Inc., which was acquired by Gilead Sciences. Earlier, he spent more than 20 years at Gilead in leadership roles across biology research, corporate development, and commercial planning and operations. He holds a Ph.D. in molecular biology from the University of Glasgow and an M.B.A. from Golden Gate University.

Lubman brings extensive experience in biopharmaceutical business development and strategy, particularly across oncology and immunology. She previously served as Chief Business Officer of Werewolf Therapeutics and has held senior roles in partnerships, financing, and corporate strategy.

Clackson joins the Board with significant oncology drug development experience. He most recently served as CEO of IDRx, leading the company through its acquisition by GSK for up to $1.15 billion. He previously held leadership roles at Theseus Pharmaceuticals, Xilio Therapeutics, and ARIAD Pharmaceuticals.

The appointments come as Vivace prepares to initiate the Phase 3 sTEADfast registrational study of VT3989 in second- and third-line mesothelioma patients later this year.