Achieve Life Sciences names Mark Rubinstein interim CMO

Achieve Life Sciences (ACHV) announced Mark Rubinstein, M.D., will assume the role of Interim Chief Medical Officer. Rubinstein will succeed Cindy Jacobs, Ph.D., M.D., who we anticipate will provide advisory services to support the company’s ongoing efforts to advance cytisinicline as a potential treatment option for nicotine dependence. Rubinstein is a seasoned medical executive with deep experience in clinical development and medical affairs. Prior to joining Achieve Life Sciences as Head of Medical Affairs in October 2024, Dr. Rubinstein served as the Head of Medical Affairs at Blip, where he spearheaded the company’s strategy to help smokers and vapers quit through FDA-approved medications and digital support tools. He was also Vice President of Global Scientific Affairs at Juul Labs, where he led efforts to prevent youth usage of nicotine products. Dr. Rubinstein is Professor Emeritus of Pediatrics at the University of California, San Francisco, where he served on the faculty for nearly 20 years. Dr. Rubinstein earned his M.D. from Yale University and completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Yale-New Haven Hospital. “We thank Cindy for her many contributions to Achieve Life Sciences. We are pleased to appoint Mark to this critical role and know that his leadership will ensure long-term success as we work to solve the public health crisis of nicotine dependence,” said Rick Stewart, CEO of Achieve Life Sciences. “We recently received FDA acceptance of our cytisinicline New Drug Application, and we are on track with our clinical, regulatory and commercialization objectives. We remain confident in the potential for cytisinicline as a smoking cessation treatment for the estimated 15 million American adults who attempt to quit each year.”