Enliven Therapeutics Bolsters Board to Prepare for Next Phase of Development

Rhea-AI Summary

Enliven Therapeutics (Nasdaq: ELVN) announced board and leadership changes as it prepares to advance ELVN-001 into a pivotal Phase 3 trial in 2026 following positive clinical data in 2025. Effective January 7, 2026, Scott Garland, a commercial biopharma executive with more than 30 years of experience, joins the Board and Andrew Phillips, Ph.D., will resign from the Board. The company also noted the December appointment of Rick Fair as CEO.

Management and board changes are presented as alignment for late-stage development and potential commercialization of ELVN-001 for chronic myeloid leukemia.

Positive

• Positive ELVN-001 clinical data reported in 2025
• Phase 3 pivotal trial planned for initiation in 2026
• Board adds Scott Garland with 30+ years of commercial leadership

Negative

• Effective Jan 7, 2026, Andrew Phillips resigns from the Board
• Loss of Andrew Phillips' early-stage development expertise on the Board

News Market Reaction

+2.18% 1.8x vol

56 alerts

+2.18% News Effect

+55.3% Peak in 40 min

+$32M Valuation Impact

$1.51B Market Cap

1.8x Rel. Volume

On the day this news was published, ELVN gained 2.18%, reflecting a moderate positive market reaction. Argus tracked a peak move of +55.3% during that session. Our momentum scanner triggered 56 alerts that day, indicating high trading interest and price volatility. This price movement added approximately $32M to the company's valuation, bringing the market cap to $1.51B at that time. Trading volume was above average at 1.8x the daily average, suggesting increased trading activity.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Key Figures

Phase 3 timing: Phase 3 trial in 2026 Positive data year: 2025 Experience: More than 30 years +5 more

8 metrics

Phase 3 timing Phase 3 trial in 2026 Planned pivotal ELVN-001 trial initiation in CML

Positive data year 2025 Year of positive ELVN-001 clinical data referenced in release

Experience More than 30 years Scott Garland’s commercial leadership experience

Current price $15.14 Pre-news share price vs 52-week range

52-week high $25.37 Stock trading 40.32% below this level pre-release

52-week low $13.30 Shares 13.83% above low prior to the news

Market cap $902,672,692 Equity value before board appointment announcement

Trading volume 505,441 shares Day’s volume vs 20-day average of 804,243

Market Reality Check

Price: $25.67 Vol: Volume 505,441 is below t...

low vol

$25.67 Last Close

Volume Volume 505,441 is below the 20-day average 804,243 (relative volume 0.63x) ahead of this governance update. low

Technical Shares at $15.14 are trading below the 200-day MA $19.66 and 40.32% under the 52-week high.

Peers on Argus

Peers in Biotechnology show mixed moves: DNTH -0.85%, NUVB -1.85%, NTLA +3.84%, ...

Peers in Biotechnology show mixed moves: DNTH -0.85%, NUVB -1.85%, NTLA +3.84%, RCUS +0.05%, ZYME -4.5%, suggesting stock-specific factors around ELVN’s board changes.

Common Catalyst One peer, NTLA, had a J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference presentation headline, but no broad, shared catalyst is evident across peers.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Dec 11 (Neutral)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Dec 11	Inducement grant	Neutral	-6.9%	CEO-related stock option inducement grant and new equity plan disclosure.
Dec 11	Leadership change	Positive	-6.9%	Appointment of new CEO to guide ELVN-001 Phase 3 and commercialization.
Nov 12	Earnings update	Positive	+3.4%	Q3 2025 results, strong cash of $477.6M and runway into 2029.
Nov 12	Earnings correction	Neutral	+3.4%	Corrected Q3 2025 release on ELVN-001 CML program and finances.
Nov 03	Clinical data	Positive	-14.6%	ENABLE Phase 1a/1b data in atypical CML transcripts for ELVN-001 at ASH.

Pattern Detected

Recent news has produced mixed reactions, with earnings and business updates sometimes lifting shares while clinical and governance-related items have also coincided with notable declines.

Recent Company History

Over the last few months, Enliven reported Q3 2025 results with $477.6M in cash and a runway into 1H 2029, alongside progress toward a global Phase 3 trial of ELVN-001 in CML. Clinical ENABLE data at ASH 2025 highlighted efficacy and tolerability in atypical transcript patients. Governance and leadership evolved with Rick Fair’s CEO appointment and associated inducement grants on December 11, 2025. Today’s board strengthening continues this transition toward late-stage development and commercialization.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement reinforces Enliven’s transition from early development toward late-stage execution...

Analysis

This announcement reinforces Enliven’s transition from early development toward late-stage execution, adding an experienced commercial leader as ELVN-001 approaches a pivotal Phase 3 trial in 2026. It follows positive 2025 data and prior leadership changes aimed at commercialization readiness. Investors may track upcoming clinical milestones for ELVN-001, capital deployment versus the reported $477.6M cash position in late 2025, and further governance moves that support the company’s CML strategy.

Key Terms

clinical-stage, biopharmaceutical, small molecule therapeutics, phase 3 trial, +4 more

8 terms

clinical-stage medical

"a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development"

Clinical-stage describes a drug, therapy, or company whose product is being tested in human trials but has not yet received regulatory approval. For investors, it signals that the project has moved beyond lab work into real-world testing—meaning higher potential reward if trials succeed but also clear risks from trial setbacks, costs, and regulatory delay; think of it like a prototype car on public road tests that could either prove its value or reveal problems that stop it from reaching production.

biopharmaceutical medical

"a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery"

A biopharmaceutical is a medicine made from living organisms or their components—such as proteins, cells or genetic material—rather than chemically synthesized compounds. For investors, these products can command high prices and long patent protection but also carry bigger development, manufacturing and regulatory risks; think of them like handcrafted, high-tech products that can generate strong returns if they work, but are costly and complex to produce.

small molecule therapeutics medical

"focused on the discovery and development of small molecule therapeutics"

Small molecule therapeutics are low‑weight chemical drugs that act like tiny keys, entering cells and fitting into specific biological “locks” to change how proteins or pathways work. Investors care because these drugs can often be made, tested and scaled more quickly and cheaply than larger biological drugs, but they still face clinical and regulatory risk; successful candidates can generate steady sales and clear patent value if proven effective and safe.

phase 3 trial medical

"prepare for Phase 3 trial initiation in 2026 and the commercialization"

A Phase 3 trial is a large, late-stage test of a new drug or medical treatment done on many people to make sure it really works and is safe. For investors, it matters because a successful Phase 3 usually means the company can ask regulators to sell the product and could earn lots of money, while failure can sharply reduce the company’s value.

oncology medical

"experience spanning oncology and hematology commercialization at both big pharma"

Oncology is the branch of medicine focused on understanding, diagnosing, and treating cancer, including the development and testing of drugs, therapies, and screening methods. It matters to investors because advances, trial results, regulatory approvals, or setbacks in cancer research can dramatically change the value of companies and the size of potential markets—think of oncology news as weather reports that help investors steer financial decisions in a high-stakes field.

hematology medical

"experience spanning oncology and hematology commercialization at both big pharma"

Hematology is the branch of medicine that studies blood, its components (like red and white cells and platelets), and disorders that affect them. For investors, it matters because treatments, diagnostics, and devices that diagnose or fix blood problems can drive sales, regulatory risk, and patent value—think of it as investments in the maintenance and repair of the body's delivery system, where breakthroughs or setbacks can quickly change a company's prospects.

atp-competitive inhibitor medical

"ELVN-001 has the potential to be the best-in-class ATP-competitive inhibitor"

An ATP-competitive inhibitor is a drug that blocks an enzyme by occupying the same spot where the cell’s energy molecule, ATP, normally binds, preventing the enzyme from working. For investors, this mechanism matters because it influences how potent and selective the drug is, how easily resistance or side effects might arise, and how the therapy will be dosed and positioned commercially—similar to putting the right-shaped key in a lock to stop it from turning.

chronic myeloid leukemia medical

"advance ELVN-001 into a pivotal Phase 3 trial in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia"

A cancer of the blood-forming cells in the bone marrow that causes too many abnormal white blood cells to be produced because of a specific genetic change; left untreated it can disrupt normal blood function and the immune system. Investors watch it because the disease has clear biological targets and well-defined treatment pathways, so advances, clinical trial results, regulatory approvals, or pricing shifts for therapies can quickly change the commercial outlook for drug makers — like a new, precision brake applied to an over-revving engine.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

Scott Garland, a seasoned biopharma executive with a strong track record of leading successful companies and drug launches, joins Enliven's Board of Directors

Building on positive data reported in 2025, Enliven continues to prepare for Phase 3 trial initiation in 2026 and the commercialization of ELVN-001

BOULDER, Colo., Jan. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Enliven Therapeutics, Inc. (Enliven or the Company) (Nasdaq: ELVN), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of small molecule therapeutics, today announced the appointment of Scott Garland to its Board of Directors and the planned resignation of Andrew Phillips, Ph.D., who has decided to step down, effective January 7, 2026, as the Company transitions its focus to late-stage development and commercialization.

"We are pleased to welcome Scott Garland to our Board at this next stage of Enliven's development. Scott brings vast experience spanning oncology and hematology commercialization at both big pharma and early commercial-stage biopharmaceutical companies," said Rick Fair, Chief Executive Officer of Enliven. "Scott's skills and proven experience in scaling organizations and leading commercial teams within the biopharmaceutical industry will be invaluable to us as we advance ELVN-001 into a pivotal Phase 3 trial in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia later this year."

"I am very excited to join Enliven's Board," said Mr. Garland. "I believe ELVN-001 has the potential to be the best-in-class ATP-competitive inhibitor, and I look forward to partnering with the Enliven leadership team to advance its development in pursuit of a more effective, tolerable and convenient therapy for individuals living with CML."

Mr. Garland has more than 30 years of commercial leadership experience across the pharmaceutical industry. He currently serves as a Venture Advisor at Vida Ventures and as an Advisor to Google Ventures. Prior to this, he was the Chief Executive Officer at PACT Pharma, Inc., a clinical-stage privately held biopharmaceutical company. Mr. Garland also served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Portola Pharmaceuticals Inc., where he successfully led the company through development, commercialization and ultimately through its acquisition by Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Earlier in his career, Mr. Garland served as Chief Commercial Officer at Relypsa, Inc. and Exelixis, Inc. He has also held numerous commercial leadership and sales and marketing positions at Genentech, Inc., Amgen Inc., and Merck & Co., Inc. Mr. Garland was responsible for the launch or marketing of many important therapeutics, including Avastin and Rituxan. He currently sits on the boards of directors of LB Pharmaceuticals Inc., Day One Biopharmaceuticals, Inc., Olema Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and ALX Oncology Holdings Inc. Mr. Garland holds an M.B.A. from Duke University's Fuqua School of Business and a B.A. from California Polytechnic University (San Luis Obispo).

"On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Andy for his many contributions to Enliven during a critical period of the Company's early growth," said Rich Heyman, Chairman of the Board of Directors. "Andy's scientific insight and early-stage development experience have been instrumental as we advanced ELVN-001 into the clinic. We are grateful for his service and are pleased to welcome Scott Garland to the Board as we enter our next phase focused on late-stage development and commercialization."

"Serving on Enliven's Board during its preclinical and early clinical development has been incredibly rewarding," said Andrew Phillips, Ph.D. "As the Company transitions toward late-stage development, the timing is right for me to step aside to allow the Board's evolution in support of this next phase. I am proud of the progress the team has made and look forward to watching Enliven's continued success."

Following the positive clinical data reported for ELVN-001 in 2025, Enliven enters the new year focused on the initiation of its planned Phase 3 pivotal trial in 2026 and advancing toward potential commercialization. The strength of the ELVN-001 dataset and the Company's clear path forward have driven recent leadership and Board enhancements, including the appointment of Rick Fair as Chief Executive Officer in December and the addition of Scott Garland to the Board. These changes underscore Enliven's commitment to aligning experienced leadership and governance with its transition into late-stage development and future commercialization.

About Enliven Therapeutics

Enliven is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of small molecule therapeutics to help people not only live longer, but live better. Enliven aims to address existing and emerging unmet needs with a precision oncology approach that improves survival and enhances overall well-being. Enliven's discovery process combines deep insights in clinically validated biological targets and differentiated chemistry to design potentially first-in-class or best-in-class therapies. Enliven is based in Boulder, Colorado.

Forward-Looking Statements 

This press release contains forward-looking statements (including within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended) concerning Enliven and other matters that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. These statements may discuss goals, intentions and expectations as to future plans, trends, events, results of operations and financial condition, or otherwise, based on current beliefs of the management of Enliven, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, management of Enliven. Forward-looking statements generally include statements that are predictive in nature and depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, and include words such as "may," "will," "should," "would," "expect," "anticipate," "plan," "likely," "believe," "estimate," "project," "intend," and other similar expressions or the negative or plural of these words, or other similar expressions that are predictions or indicate future events or prospects, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the potential of, and plans regarding, market opportunities, and expectations regarding Enliven's ELVN-001 program, including Enliven's ability to  transition to late-stage development and commercialize ELVN-001; expected milestones for ELVN-001, including the expected timing for the potential initiation of a Phase 3 pivotal trial for ELVN-001; and statements by Enliven's Chief Executive Officer and incoming and outgoing board members, Scott Garland and Andrew Phillips. Forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results could differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement as a result of various risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation: the potential for the results of the ongoing or any future clinical trial of ELVN-001 to differ from the results from earlier trials of ELVN-001; the risk of delays in the initiation of a Phase 3 trial of ELVN-001; risks associated with unexpected events during the remainder of the ongoing Phase 3 trial, including serious adverse events, toxicities or other undesirable side effects; the risk of difficulties in enrolling or maintaining patients in clinical trials of ELVN-001; the limited operating history of Enliven; the ability to advance product candidates through clinical development; the ability to obtain regulatory approval for, and ultimately commercialize or license, product candidates; the outcome of preclinical testing and early clinical trials for product candidates and the potential that the outcome of preclinical testing and early clinical trials may not be predictive of the success of later clinical trials; Enliven's limited resources; the risk of failing to demonstrate safety and efficacy of product candidates; Enliven's limited experience as a company in designing and conducting clinical trials; the potential for interim, topline, and preliminary data from Enliven's preclinical studies and clinical trials to materially change from the final data; potential delays or difficulties in the enrollment or maintenance of patients in clinical trials; developments relating to Enliven's competitors and its industry, including competing product candidates and therapies; the decision to develop or seek strategic collaborations to develop Enliven's current or future product candidates in combination with other therapies and the cost of combination therapies; the ability to attract, hire, and retain highly skilled executive officers and employees; changes in any individual's plans in the future; the ability of Enliven to protect its intellectual property and proprietary technologies; the scope of any patent protection Enliven obtains or the loss of any of Enliven's patent protection; reliance on third parties, including medical institutions, contract manufacturing organizations, contract research organizations and strategic partners; geo-political developments, general market or macroeconomic conditions; Enliven's ability to obtain additional capital to fund Enliven's general corporate activities and to fund Enliven's research and development; and other risks and uncertainties, including those more fully described in Enliven's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which may be found in the section titled "Risk Factors" in Enliven's Annual and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-K and 10-Q filed with the SEC and in Enliven's future reports to be filed with the SEC. Except as required by applicable law, Enliven undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statement, or to make any other forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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SOURCE Enliven Therapeutics, Inc.

FAQ

What did Enliven announce about its board on January 7, 2026 (ELVN)?

Enliven appointed Scott Garland to its Board and announced the resignation of Andrew Phillips, effective January 7, 2026.

When is Enliven planning to start the Phase 3 trial for ELVN-001 (ELVN)?

Enliven plans to initiate a pivotal Phase 3 trial in 2026 for ELVN-001.

What clinical progress did Enliven report for ELVN-001 in 2025 (ELVN)?

The company reported positive clinical data for ELVN-001 in 2025.

Who is Scott Garland and what experience does he bring to Enliven's Board (ELVN)?

Scott Garland brings more than 30 years of commercial leadership, including CEO roles and launches at multiple biopharma companies.

How do the leadership changes affect Enliven's strategic focus (ELVN)?

Leadership and Board changes are presented as alignment for the company's transition to late-stage development and commercialization of ELVN-001.