Viracta Therapeutics Inc. is focused on developing innovative therapies for virus-associated cancers, particularly those linked to the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Their lead product candidate, Nana-val, is an all-oral combination therapy that pairs the investigational drug nanatinostat with the antiviral agent valganciclovir. This therapy is currently undergoing multiple clinical trials, including a pivotal Phase 2 trial aimed at treating various subtypes of relapsed or refractory EBV-positive lymphoma, as well as a Phase 1b/2 trial for EBV-positive recurrent or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma and other solid tumors. The company is also exploring the application of its "Kick and Kill" approach, which targets latent EBV in cancer cells, to other virus-related malignancies.

The "Kick and Kill" mechanism of action involves two key components: the "Kick" and the "Kill." Nanatinostat selectively induces the expression of the EBV protein kinase, which is crucial for activating valganciclovir into its cytotoxic form. Once activated, the drug inhibits DNA replication in EBV-positive cancer cells, leading to apoptosis. This approach leverages the concept of synthetic lethality, where the combination of the two agents effectively targets cancer cells harboring latent EBV. Viracta's research highlights the significant role of EBV in various malignancies, underscoring the need for targeted therapies in treating these virus-associated cancers.

United States

We are a clinical-stage, biomarker-directed precision oncology company focused on advancing new medicines for the treatment of virus-associated malignancies. Our proprietary investigational drug, nantinostat, is currently being evaluated in combination with the antiviral agent valganciclovir as an oral combination therapy in a Phase 2 clinical trial for EBV-positive lymphomas. Viracta is pursuing application of this inducible synthetic lethality approach in other EBV-associated malignancies, such as nasopharyngeal carcinoma, gastric carcinoma, and other virus-related cancers.

Cancer

Infectious Diseases

Lymphatic Diseases

Viracta Therapeutics Inc

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Solid tumor/s

The use of nanatinostat in combination with valganciclovir is a novel therapeutic approach to target EBV+&nbsp;malignancies, using a&nbsp;low-dose&nbsp;of Viracta’s oral proprietary epigenetic drug, nanatinostat, to target the EBV genome and induce the expression of certain viral kinase genes. These viral genes then activate the antiviral prodrug, valganciclovir, which is converted to ganciclovir in the gut, and disrupts the DNA replication cycle. This disruption then leads to chain termination and killing of the tumor cells by inducing apoptosis.

Nana-val (Nanatinostat (VRx-3996) (histone deacetylase  (HDAC) inhibitor) + valganciclovir)

Lymphoma

Nanatinostat (VRx-3996) is an orally available histone deacetylase &nbsp;(HDAC) inhibitor being developed by Viracta. Nanatinostat is selective &nbsp;for specific isoforms of Class I HDACs, which is key to inducing latent &nbsp;viral genes which are epigenetically silenced in EBV-associated &nbsp;malignancies. The nanatinostat and valganciclovir combination is being &nbsp;investigated in EBV+&nbsp;lymphomas in an ongoing Phase 2 clinical trial&nbsp;<a href="https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03397706">[NCT03397706]</a>.
<a href="https://viracta.investorroom.com/2020-12-07-Viracta-Therapeutics-Announces-Presentation-of-Updated-Phase-2-Data-at-ASH-2020-and-Productive-Outcome-of-its-Recent-End-of-Phase-2-Meeting-with-the-FDA">Source</a>

Viracta Therapeutics Inc

Company Details