false0001061027Viracta Therapeutics, Inc.00010610272024-08-142024-08-14

 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 8-K

 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): August 14, 2024

 

 

VIRACTA THERAPEUTICS, INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

 

Delaware

000-51531

94-3295878

(State or Other Jurisdiction
of Incorporation)

(Commission File Number)

(IRS Employer
Identification No.)

 

 

 

 

 

2533 S. Coast Hwy. 101, Suite 210

 

Cardiff, California

 

92007

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (858) 400-8470

 

 

(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:


Title of each class

 

Trading
Symbol(s)

 


Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share

 

VIRX

 

The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§ 230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§ 240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.

 


Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

On August 14, 2024, Viracta Therapeutics, Inc. issued a press release announcing its financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2024. A copy of the press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.

All of the information furnished in this Item 2.02 and the press release attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 shall not be deemed to be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such a filing.

 

Item 7.01. Regulation FD Disclosure.

Also on August 14, 2024, the Company issued a press release announcing certain business updates, including trial results, regulatory progress and plans, and an update to the clinical development plan. A copy of the press release is furnished herewith as Exhibit 99.2.

 

All of the information furnished in this Item 7.01 and the press release attached hereto as Exhibit 99.2 shall not be deemed to be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such a filing.

 

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits

 

 

 

Exhibit

Number

Description

 

 

99.1

 

Press Release, dated August 14, 2024

99.2

 

Press Release, dated August 14, 2024

104

Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)

 


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

 

 

Viracta Therapeutics, Inc

 

 

 

 

Date:

August 14, 2024

By:

/s/ Michael Faerm

 

 

 

Michael Faerm
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 


Exhibit 99.1

 

Viracta Therapeutics Reports Second Quarter 2024 Financial Results and Provides Business Update

 

- Reported combined Stage 1 and Stage 2 results from the relapsed or refractory EBV-positive peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) cohort of the Phase 2 NAVAL-1 trial demonstrating Nana-val’s substantial antitumor activity and generally well-tolerated safety profile -

 

- New positive data and productive feedback from the FDA support updated Nana-val clinical development plan in EBV-positive PTCL patients; randomized controlled trial planned to begin in the second half of 2025 to support potential registration -

 

- Appointed Michael Faerm as Chief Financial Officer -

 

SAN DIEGO, August 14, 2024 – Viracta Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: VIRX), a clinical-stage precision oncology company focused on the treatment and prevention of virus-associated cancers that impact patients worldwide, today reported financial results for the second quarter of 2024 and provided a business update.

 

“In the second quarter, we took several important steps to drive forward our clinical development program for Nana-val, our first-in-class, all-oral combination treatment regimen for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) associated cancers,” said Mark Rothera, President and Chief Executive Officer of Viracta. “We received productive feedback from our meeting with the FDA and are encouraged by additional positive data from the ongoing NAVAL-1 trial, particularly in the second-line EBV-positive PTCL subgroup. To optimize the clinical benefit of Nana-val, we plan to focus on the second-line EBV-positive PTCL subpopulation in the NAVAL-1 trial’s expansion phase and initiate a randomized controlled trial in 2025 to potentially support registration. We believe our sharpened focus on the EBV-positive lymphoma program will propel us forward to key milestones and support our speed to market strategy. We look forward to providing more updates on our progress.”

 

Clinical Trial Updates and Anticipated Milestones

 

Phase 2 NAVAL-1 trial of Nana-val (nanatinostat in combination with valganciclovir) in patients with relapsed or refractory (R/R) Epstein-Barr virus-positive (EBV+) lymphoma

 

Clinical Trial Updates:

Announced positive combined Stage 1 and Stage 2 data (n=21) in the R/R EBV+ PTCL cohort of patients treated with nanatinostat (20 mg orally once daily, 4 days/week) in combination with valganciclovir (900 mg orally once daily, 7 days/week) across the first two stages of the study.
o
As of the June 28, 2024 data cutoff, combined Stages 1 and 2 data demonstrated Nana-val’s substantial antitumor activity and generally well-tolerated safety profile with a median duration of response (DOR) that has not yet been reached.
In the R/R EBV+ PTCL population, the overall response rate (ORR) was 33% and the complete response rate (CRR) was 19% in the intent-to-treat (ITT) population (N=21); the ORR was 41% and the CRR was 24% in the efficacy-evaluable (EE) population (N=17).
Notably, there was a particularly robust clinical response observed in the second-line EBV+ PTCL subpopulation, as the ORR was 60% and the CRR was 30%

 


Exhibit 99.1

in the intent-to-treat population (n=10), and the ORR was 67% and the CRR was 33% in the efficacy-evaluable population (n=9).
Held a productive FDA meeting to align on a potential regulatory path forward for Nana-val in patients with R/R EBV+ PTCL. Based on feedback from the FDA and the particularly robust response rates observed in the second-line treatment setting, Viracta will focus the primary analysis on the second-line EBV+ PTCL subpopulation in the ongoing NAVAL-1 trial’s expansion phase. The Company plans to begin a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of Nana-val in the second-line treatment of EBV+ PTCL patients in 2025.
o
Viracta believes this strategy will best position Nana-val for a potential NDA filing in 2026 for accelerated approval based on an interim analysis of second-line EBV+ PTCL patient data from the NAVAL-1 trial, provided that the ORR and DOR are compelling and the RCT is well underway; for accelerated approval based on final analysis of NAVAL-1 trial data; or for accelerated or full approval based on the outcomes of the RCT at interim or final analysis, respectively.

 

Anticipated Milestones

Viracta plans to deliver on the following milestones:

The recommended Phase 2 dose in patients with advanced EBV+ solid tumors is expected to be determined in the second half of 2024.
Report additional data from the expansion phase of the NAVAL-1 trial in second-line EBV+ PTCL patients in the fourth quarter of 2024.
Report Stage 1 data from patients with R/R EBV+ diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in the first half of 2025.
Meet with the FDA to finalize the proposed RCT design in the second-line treatment of patients with EBV+ PTCL in the first half of 2025.
o
Initiate the RCT in the second half of 2025.
Present interim analysis outcomes from the NAVAL-1 trial in second-line EBV+ PTCL patients in 2026.
File NDA for accelerated approval in 2026 based on interim analysis of the NAVAL-1 trial’s expansion cohort.

 

Business Updates

Appointed Michael Faerm as Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Faerm is a seasoned biotech executive with more than 25 years of experience in life sciences companies, equity research and investment banking.
Viracta has aligned resources to prioritize its more advanced EBV+ lymphoma and will pause its EBV+ solid tumor program. Along with this pipeline reprioritization, a reduction in force has been implemented that impacts approximately 23% of the company’s employees.

 

Second Quarter 2024 Financial Results

Cash position – Cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments totaled approximately $30.0 million as of June 30, 2024, which Viracta expects will be sufficient to fund operations late into the first quarter of 2025.
Research and development expenses – Research and development expenses were approximately $6.5 million and $16.5 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, compared to approximately $8.2 million and $15.8 million for the same periods in 2023. The decrease in research and development expenses for the three months ended June 30,

 


Exhibit 99.1

2024 compared to the same period in 2023, was driven by decreases in costs incurred to support the advancement and expansion of our clinical development programs, including incremental costs to support NAVAL-1, our Phase 2 trial of Nana-val in patients with R/R EBV+ lymphomas and personnel-related costs. The increase in research and development expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, was largely due to a non-cash adjustment for insurance costs related to the February 2021 reverse merger with Sunesis Pharmaceuticals of $1.8 million, partially offset by decrease in costs incurred related to our clinical development programs and personnel-related costs.
General and administrative expenses – General and administrative expenses were approximately $3.0 million and $7.0 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, compared to $4.3 million and $8.9 million for the same periods in 2023. The decrease in general and administrative expenses was largely due to decreases in personnel-related costs, corporate liability insurance premiums and legal costs.
Net loss – Net loss was approximately $9.8 million, or $0.25 per share (basic and diluted), for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, compared to a net loss of $12.5 million, or $0.32 per share (basic and diluted), for the same period in 2023. This change was primarily the result of decreases in research and development expenses and personnel-related costs. Net loss was approximately $19.0 million, or $0.48 per share, (basic and diluted) for the six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to a net loss of $24.7 million, or $0.64 per share, (basic and diluted) for the same period in 2023. This change was primarily the result of $5.0 million of other income received related to the monetization of a pre-commercialization, event-based milestone from Day One Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. in March 2024, partially offset by the non-cash adjustment for insurance costs related to the February 2021 merger of $1.8 million.

 

About the NAVAL-1 Trial

NAVAL-1 (NCT05011058) is a global, multicenter, clinical trial of Nana-val in patients with relapsed or refractory (R/R) Epstein-Barr virus-positive (EBV+) lymphoma. This trial employs a Simon two-stage design where, in Stage 1, participants are enrolled into one of three indication cohorts based on EBV+ lymphoma subtype. If two objective responses are achieved within a lymphoma subtype in Stage 1 (n=10), then additional patients will be enrolled in Stage 2 for a total of 21 patients. EBV+ lymphoma subtypes demonstrating promising antitumor activity in Stage 2 may be further expanded following discussion with regulators to potentially support registration.

 

About Nana-val (Nanatinostat and Valganciclovir)

Nanatinostat is an orally available histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor being developed by Viracta. Nanatinostat is selective for specific isoforms of Class I HDACs, which are key to inducing viral genes that are epigenetically silenced in Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated malignancies. Nanatinostat is currently being investigated in combination with the antiviral agent valganciclovir as an all-oral combination therapy, Nana-val, in various subtypes of EBV-associated malignancies. Ongoing trials include a potentially registrational, global, multicenter, open-label Phase 2 basket trial in multiple subtypes of relapsed or refractory (R/R) EBV+ lymphoma (NAVAL-1) as well as a multinational Phase 1b/2 clinical trial in patients with recurrent or metastatic (R/M) EBV+ NPC and other advanced EBV+ solid tumors.

 

About Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma

T-cell lymphomas comprise a heterogeneous group of rare and aggressive malignancies, including peripheral T-cell lymphoma not otherwise specified (PTCL-NOS) and angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL). There are approximately 5,600 newly diagnosed T-cell lymphoma patients and approximately 2,600 newly diagnosed PTCL-NOS and AITL patients in the U.S. annually. Approximately

 


Exhibit 99.1

70% of these patients are either refractory to first-line therapy, or eventually experience relapse of their disease. Clinical trials are currently recommended for all lines of PTCL therapy, and most patients with R/R PTCL have poor outcomes, with median progression-free survival and median overall survival times reported to be 3.7 and 6.5 months, respectively. Approximately 40% to 65% of PTCL is associated with EBV, the incidence of EBV+ PTCL varies by geography, and reported outcomes for patients with EBV+ PTCL are inferior to those whose disease is EBV-negative. There is no approved targeted treatment specific for EBV+ PTCL, and therefore this represents a high unmet medical need.

 

About EBV-Associated Cancers

Approximately 90% of the world's adult population is infected with EBV. Infections are commonly asymptomatic or associated with mononucleosis. Following infection, the virus remains latent in a small subset of cells for the duration of the patient's life. Cells containing latent virus are increasingly susceptible to malignant transformation. Patients who are immunocompromised are at an increased risk of developing EBV-positive (EBV+) lymphomas. EBV is estimated to be associated with approximately 2% of the global cancer burden including lymphoma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), and gastric cancer.

 

About Viracta Therapeutics, Inc.

Viracta is a clinical-stage precision oncology company focused on the treatment and prevention of virus-associated cancers that impact patients worldwide. Viracta’s lead product candidate is an all-oral combination therapy of its proprietary investigational drug, nanatinostat, and the antiviral agent valganciclovir (collectively referred to as Nana-val). Nana-val is currently being evaluated in multiple ongoing clinical trials, including a potentially registrational, global, multicenter, open-label Phase 2 basket trial for the treatment of multiple subtypes of relapsed or refractory (R/R) Epstein-Barr virus-positive (EBV+) lymphoma (NAVAL-1), as well as a multinational, open-label Phase 1b/2 clinical trial for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic (R/M) EBV+ nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and other advanced EBV+ solid tumors. Viracta is also pursuing the application of its “Kick and Kill” approach in other virus-related cancers.

 

For additional information, please visit www.viracta.com.

 

Forward-Looking Statements

This communication contains "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, without limitation, statements regarding: the details, timeline and expected progress for Viracta's ongoing and anticipated clinical trials and updates regarding the same, Viracta’s clinical focus and strategy, the Company’s expectations related to the FDA submission process and timelines, expectations regarding the Company’s target patient populations, and expectations regarding the Company’s cash runway. Risks and uncertainties related to Viracta that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statement include, but are not limited to: Viracta's ability to successfully enroll patients in and complete its ongoing and planned clinical trials; Viracta's plans to develop and commercialize its product candidates, including all oral combinations of nanatinostat and valganciclovir; the timing of initiation of Viracta's planned clinical trials; the timing of the availability of data from Viracta's clinical trials; previous preclinical and clinical results may not be predictive of future clinical results; the timing of any planned investigational new drug application or new drug application; Viracta's plans to research, develop, and commercialize its current and future product candidates; the clinical utility, potential benefits, and market acceptance of Viracta's product candidates; Viracta's ability to manufacture or supply nanatinostat, valganciclovir, and pembrolizumab for clinical testing; and Viracta's estimates regarding its

 


Exhibit 99.1

ability to fund ongoing operations into 2025, future expenses, capital requirements, and need for additional financing in the future.

 

If any of these risks materialize or underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. Additional risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements are included under the caption "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in Viracta's reports and other documents that Viracta has filed, or will file, with the SEC from time to time and available at www.sec.gov.

 

The forward-looking statements included in this communication are made only as of the date hereof. Viracta assumes no obligation and does not intend to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law or applicable regulation.

 

Investor Relations Contact:

Michael Faerm

Chief Financial Officer

Viracta Therapeutics, Inc.

ir@viracta.com

 

SOURCE Viracta Therapeutics, Inc.

 

-- Financial tables attached –

 

 

 

 


Exhibit 99.1

Viracta Therapeutics, Inc.

 

Selected Balance Sheet Highlights

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 30,

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2024

 

 

 

2023

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments

$

 

30,005

 

 

$

 

53,691

 

Total assets

$

 

31,322

 

 

$

 

56,692

 

Total liabilities

$

 

28,651

 

 

$

 

38,373

 

Stockholders' equity

$

 

2,671

 

 

$

 

18,319

 

 

 

Viracta Therapeutics, Inc.

 

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Loss

 

(in thousands except share and per share data)

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended June 30,

 

 

 

Six Months Ended June 30,

 

 

 

2024

 

 

 

2023

 

 

 

2024

 

 

 

2023

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Research and development

 $

 

6,548

 

 

 $

 

8,197

 

 

 $

 

16,504

 

 

 $

 

15,804

 

General and administrative

 

 

3,041

 

 

 

 

4,253

 

 

 

 

6,961

 

 

 

 

8,853

 

Total operating expenses

 

 

9,589

 

 

 

 

12,450

 

 

 

 

23,465

 

 

 

 

24,657

 

Loss from operations

 

 

(9,589

)

 

 

 

(12,450

)

 

 

 

(23,465

)

 

 

 

(24,657

)

Total other income (expense)

 

 

(241

)

 

 

 

(34

)

 

 

 

4,494

 

 

 

 

(36

)

Net loss

 

 

(9,830

)

 

 

 

(12,484

)

 

 

 

(18,971

)

 

 

 

(24,693

)

Unrealized gain (loss) on short-term investments

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

(28

)

 

 

 

(14

)

 

 

 

63

 

Comprehensive loss

 

 

(9,829

)

 

 

 

(12,512

)

 

 

 

(18,985

)

 

 

 

(24,630

)

Net loss per share, basic and diluted

 $

 

(0.25

)

 

 $

 

(0.32

)

 

 $

 

(0.48

)

 

 $

 

(0.64

)

Weighted-average common shares
outstanding, basic and diluted

 

 

39,404,975

 

 

 

 

38,560,376

 

 

 

 

39,364,469

 

 

 

 

38,509,887

 

 

 


Exhibit 99.2

Viracta Therapeutics Announces Positive Data from the Phase 2 NAVAL-1 Trial, Regulatory Progress, and Updated Nana-val Clinical Development Plan

 

- New combined Stage 1 and Stage 2 results from the relapsed or refractory EBV-positive peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) cohort of the Phase 2 NAVAL-1 trial further demonstrate Nana-val’s substantial antitumor activity and generally well-tolerated safety profile -

 

- Productive FDA meeting held to align on a potential regulatory path forward for Nana-val in patients with relapsed or refractory EBV-positive PTCL -

 

- Updated Nana-val clinical development plan implemented to optimize its clinical benefit in EBV-positive PTCL patients and expedite a randomized controlled trial to support potential registration -

 

- Viracta to host conference call and webcast on Wednesday, August 14 at 8:30 a.m. ET, featuring Pierluigi Porcu, M.D., Professor of Medical Oncology, Director of the Division of Hematologic Malignancies and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation at Thomas Jefferson University -

 

San Diego, August 14, 2024 – Viracta Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: VIRX), a clinical-stage precision oncology company focused on the treatment and prevention of virus-associated cancers that impact patients worldwide, today reported positive Phase 2 NAVAL-1 trial results from Stages 1 and 2 of the relapsed or refractory (R/R) Epstein-Barr virus-positive (EBV+) peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) cohort. Additionally, the Company received productive feedback from its meeting with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), providing clarity on the potential regulatory path to initial registration of Nana-val in patients with R/R EBV+ PTCL. Based on FDA’s feedback, Viracta plans to begin a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of Nana-val in the second half of 2025.

 

“We are pleased to present important additional data from our NAVAL-1 trial, which further supports Nana-val’s potential to address the high unmet medical needs of patients living with relapsed or refractory EBV-positive PTCL,” said Darrel P. Cohen, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Medical Officer of Viracta. “Nana-val demonstrated substantial antitumor activity with a generally well-tolerated safety profile across Stage 1 and Stage 2 of the relapsed or refractory EBV-positive PTCL cohort, with a median duration of response that has not yet been reached. We are also encouraged by the particularly robust clinical responses observed in the second-line EBV-positive PTCL subgroup.”

 

Mark Rothera, President and Chief Executive Officer of Viracta, added, “Aligning with the FDA on the potential path forward in relapsed or refractory EBV-positive PTCL marks a critical step towards bringing Nana-val to patients. EBV-positive PTCL is an aggressive cancer with survival rates that decline precipitously 12-24 months after diagnosis. Published literature suggests that EBV-positive lymphomas are a distinct oncological disease associated with poorer survival outcomes than EBV-negative lymphomas. We believe it is critical to treat these patients as early as possible with an EBV-targeted therapy to improve patient outcomes. Our updated Nana-val clinical development plan is designed to address this urgent need and expedite a randomized controlled trial, which we plan to initiate in 2025 to support potential registration.”

 

Key Takeaways from the R/R EBV+ PTCL Cohort of the Phase 2 NAVAL-1 Trial

Overview: A total of 21 patients with primarily Stage III-IV disease (who had received ≥1 [median 2] prior systemic PTCL therapies) received nanatinostat (20 mg orally once daily, 4 days/week) in combination

 


Exhibit 99.2

with valganciclovir (900 mg orally once daily, 7 days/week) across the first two stages of the study. Data generated from the expansion phase of the R/R EBV+ PTCL cohort may be shared in future updates.

 

As of the June 28, 2024 data cutoff, combined Stages 1 and 2 data demonstrated:

In the R/R EBV+ PTCL population:
o
The overall response rate (ORR) was 33% and the complete response rate (CRR) was 19% in the intent-to-treat (ITT) population (n=21); the ORR was 41% and the CRR was 24% in the efficacy-evaluable (EE) population (n=17).
In the second-line EBV+ PTCL subpopulation:
o
The ORR was 60% and the CRR was 30% in the ITT population (n=10); the ORR was 67% and the CRR was 33% in the EE population (n=9).
Median duration of response (DOR) has not yet been reached.
o
Two responding patients proceeded to hematopoietic stem-cell transplant without relapse, one of whom remains in response over 16 months.
Nana-val was generally well-tolerated:
o
The most common treatment-related adverse events were fatigue, nausea, decreased appetite, diarrhea, platelet count decreased, and anemia. These adverse events were primarily mild to moderate in severity and generally manageable or reversible.

 

Nana-val Clinical Development Plan: Next Steps

Based on the Company’s meeting with FDA and the particularly robust response rates observed in the second-line treatment setting, Viracta will focus Nana-val’s clinical development on patients with R/R EBV+ PTCL as follows: First, the Company will focus the primary analysis on the second-line EBV+ PTCL subpopulation in the ongoing NAVAL-1 trial’s expansion phase. Second, the Company plans to begin an RCT of Nana-val in the second-line treatment of EBV+ PTCL patients in 2025. Viracta believes this strategy will best position Nana-val for a potential NDA filing in 2026 for accelerated approval based on an interim analysis of second-line EBV+ PTCL patient data from the NAVAL-1 trial, provided that the ORR and DOR are compelling and the RCT is well underway. In addition, it creates the opportunity for accelerated approval based on final analysis of NAVAL-1 trial data, or for accelerated or full approval based on the outcomes of the RCT at interim or final analysis, respectively.

 

Corporate Update

Viracta has aligned resources to prioritize its EBV+ lymphoma program and plans to deliver on key potential Nana-val development milestones as follows:

Pause the EBV+ solid tumor program to focus resources on the more advanced EBV+ lymphoma program.
o
The recommended Phase 2 dose in patients with advanced EBV+ solid tumors is expected to be determined in the second half of 2024.
Report additional data from the ongoing expansion phase of the NAVAL-1 trial in second-line EBV+ PTCL patients in the fourth quarter of 2024.
Report Stage 1 data from patients with R/R EBV+ diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in the first half of 2025.
Meet with the FDA to finalize the proposed RCT design in the second-line treatment of patients with EBV+ PTCL in the first half of 2025.
o
Initiate the RCT in the second half of 2025.
Present interim analysis outcomes from the expansion phase of the NAVAL-1 trial in second-line EBV+ PTCL patients in 2026.

 


Exhibit 99.2

File NDA for accelerated approval in 2026 based on interim analysis of the NAVAL-1 trial’s expansion cohort.

 

Along with this pipeline reprioritization, a reduction in force has been implemented that impacts approximately 23% of the Company’s employees.

 

Conference Call

Viracta will host an investor call on Wednesday, August 14 at 8:30 a.m. ET to discuss the positive Phase 2 NAVAL-1 trial results from Stages 1 and 2 of the R/R EBV+ PTCL cohort. A live question and answer session will follow the formal presentation. To register, click here.

 

About the NAVAL-1 Trial

NAVAL-1 (NCT05011058) is a global, multicenter, clinical trial of Nana-val in patients with relapsed or refractory (R/R) Epstein-Barr virus-positive (EBV+) lymphoma. This trial employs a Simon two-stage design where, in Stage 1, participants are enrolled into one of three indication cohorts based on EBV+ lymphoma subtype. If two objective responses are achieved within a lymphoma subtype in Stage 1 (n=10), then additional patients will be enrolled in Stage 2 for a total of 21 patients. EBV+ lymphoma subtypes demonstrating promising antitumor activity in Stage 2 may be further expanded following discussion with regulators to potentially support registration.

 

About Nana-val (Nanatinostat and Valganciclovir)

Nanatinostat is an orally available histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor being developed by Viracta. Nanatinostat is selective for specific isoforms of Class I HDACs, which are key to inducing viral genes that are epigenetically silenced in Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated malignancies. Nanatinostat is currently being investigated in combination with the antiviral agent valganciclovir as an all-oral combination therapy, Nana-val, in various subtypes of EBV-associated malignancies. Ongoing trials include a potentially registrational, global, multicenter, open-label Phase 2 basket trial in multiple subtypes of relapsed or refractory (R/R) EBV+ lymphoma (NAVAL-1) as well as a multinational Phase 1b/2 clinical trial in patients with recurrent or metastatic (R/M) EBV+ NPC and other advanced EBV+ solid tumors.

 

About Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma

T-cell lymphomas comprise a heterogeneous group of rare and aggressive malignancies, including peripheral T-cell lymphoma not otherwise specified (PTCL-NOS) and angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL). There are approximately 5,600 newly diagnosed T-cell lymphoma patients and approximately 2,600 newly diagnosed PTCL-NOS and AITL patients in the U.S. annually. Approximately 70% of these patients are either refractory to first-line therapy, or eventually experience relapse of their disease. Clinical trials are currently recommended for all lines of PTCL therapy, and most patients with R/R PTCL have poor outcomes, with median progression-free survival and median overall survival times reported to be 3.7 and 6.5 months, respectively. Approximately 40% to 65% of PTCL is associated with EBV, the incidence of EBV+ PTCL varies by geography, and reported outcomes for patients with EBV+ PTCL are inferior to those whose disease is EBV-negative. There is no approved targeted treatment specific for EBV+ PTCL, and therefore this represents a high unmet medical need.

 

About EBV-Associated Cancers

Approximately 90% of the world's adult population is infected with EBV. Infections are commonly asymptomatic or associated with mononucleosis. Following infection, the virus remains latent in a small subset of cells for the duration of the patient's life. Cells containing latent virus are increasingly susceptible to malignant transformation. Patients who are immunocompromised are at an increased risk of

 


Exhibit 99.2

developing EBV-positive (EBV+) lymphomas. EBV is estimated to be associated with approximately 2% of the global cancer burden including lymphoma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), and gastric cancer.

 

About Viracta Therapeutics, Inc.

Viracta is a clinical-stage precision oncology company focused on the treatment and prevention of virus-associated cancers that impact patients worldwide. Viracta’s lead product candidate is an all-oral combination therapy of its proprietary investigational drug, nanatinostat, and the antiviral agent valganciclovir (collectively referred to as Nana-val). Nana-val is currently being evaluated in multiple ongoing clinical trials, including a potentially registrational, global, multicenter, open-label Phase 2 basket trial for the treatment of multiple subtypes of relapsed or refractory (R/R) Epstein-Barr virus-positive (EBV+) lymphoma (NAVAL-1), as well as a multinational, open-label Phase 1b/2 clinical trial for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic (R/M) EBV+ nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and other advanced EBV+ solid tumors. Viracta is also pursuing the application of its “Kick and Kill” approach in other virus-related cancers.

 

For additional information, please visit www.viracta.com.

 

Forward-Looking Statements

This communication contains "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, without limitation, statements regarding: the details, timeline and expected progress for Viracta's ongoing and anticipated clinical trials and updates regarding the same, Viracta’s clinical focus and strategy, the Company’s expectations related to the FDA submission process and timelines, expectations regarding the Company’s target patient populations, and expectations regarding the Company’s cash runway. Risks and uncertainties related to Viracta that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statement include, but are not limited to: Viracta's ability to successfully enroll patients in and complete its ongoing and planned clinical trials; Viracta's plans to develop and commercialize its product candidates, including all oral combinations of nanatinostat and valganciclovir; the timing of initiation of Viracta's planned clinical trials; the timing of the availability of data from Viracta's clinical trials; previous preclinical and clinical results may not be predictive of future clinical results; the timing of any planned investigational new drug application or new drug application; Viracta's plans to research, develop, and commercialize its current and future product candidates and the clinical utility, potential benefits, and market acceptance of Viracta's product candidates; Viracta's ability to manufacture or supply nanatinostat and valganciclovir for clinical testing.

 

If any of these risks materialize or underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. Additional risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements are included under the caption "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in Viracta's reports and other documents that Viracta has filed, or will file, with the SEC from time to time and available at www.sec.gov.

 

The forward-looking statements included in this communication are made only as of the date hereof. Viracta assumes no obligation and does not intend to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law or applicable regulation.

 

Investor Relations Contact:

Michael Faerm

 


Exhibit 99.2

Chief Financial Officer

Viracta Therapeutics, Inc.

ir@viracta.com

 

SOURCE Viracta Therapeutics, Inc.

 

 


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Aug. 14, 2024
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