Inventiva has appointed Chris Benecchi as Chief Operating Officer. A proven biopharmaceutical leader with extensive experience in building organisations, preparing medicines for launch and integrating cross-functional operations, Benecchi will lead Inventiva’s operational readiness as the Company approaches its pivotal NATiV3 phase 3 topline study results of lanifibranor, in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), expected in Q4 2026, and prepares for potential commercialisation.
With a potential US launch of lanifibranor, subject to regulatory approval, anticipated in 2028, Inventiva is strategically building the organisation, infrastructure, and commercial capabilities needed to support a successful launch and long-term market adoption.
Andrew Obenshain, CEO of Inventiva, said: “We believe lanifibranor, if approved, has the potential to offer a differentiated approach for the treatment of MASH. Chris brings a valuable combination of commercial, operational and launch experience, with a proven track record of helping organisations bring promising medicines to patients. His experience is particularly relevant to the opportunity in the dynamic MASH market.”
Benecchi commented: “Leveraging the strong scientific foundation and the opportunity to address unmet patient needs, I am joining Inventiva with a clear mandate to build the organisation and capabilities needed to prepare for the potential launch of lanifibranor and to position the Company for sustainable long-term success. We believe lanifibranor is poised to meaningfully impact the current treatment paradigm in MASH.”
Benecchi brings 30 years of biopharmaceutical leadership across commercial, operational and enterprise roles, with a track record of building organisations, preparing innovative investigational medicines for launch and leading cross-functional execution in competitive and access-challenged markets. Most recently, he served as CEO of Motric Bio (an Aditum Bio company). Prior to that, at Sage Therapeutics, he held Chief Operating Officer, Chief Business Officer and Chief Commercial Officer roles. Earlier in his career, he held roles at UCB, Alexion, Acorda Therapeutics, Takeda Pharmaceuticals and Johnson & Johnson.