Viracta Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical‐stage biotechnology company focused on the development of novel epigenetic immunotherapies for the treatment of virus‐associated cancers. The company’s research centers on harnessing small-molecule agents that can modulate gene expression and enhance immune recognition of tumors driven by oncogenic viruses such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), human papillomavirus (HPV) and Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). By targeting the underlying viral drivers of these malignancies, Viracta aims to deliver therapies that offer durable responses and improved patient outcomes compared to existing standards of care.
The company’s lead product candidate is an oral epigenetic immunotherapy regimen currently in Phase 2 clinical trials for the treatment of EBV-associated nasopharyngeal carcinoma and other lymphomas. This regimen combines a novel histone deacetylase inhibitor with a synthetic derivative designed to trigger viral lytic replication, thereby rendering tumor cells more susceptible to immune-mediated clearance. In addition to its lead program, Viracta maintains a pipeline of complementary immunomodulatory compounds and is exploring potential combination strategies with checkpoint inhibitors and other targeted therapies.
Founded in 2019, Viracta operates its research and development headquarters in Waltham, Massachusetts, and collaborates with academic and clinical partners across North America, Europe and Asia. The company has established strategic alliances with leading cancer centers to facilitate patient enrollment in international clinical trials and to leverage expert insights into the biology of virus‐driven tumors. These partnerships are designed to accelerate the translation of Viracta’s scientific discoveries into potential new treatment options for patients worldwide.
Viracta is led by President and Chief Executive Officer James A. Rosinski, who has over two decades of experience in oncology drug development, and Chief Medical Officer Leen Kawas, M.D., a seasoned clinical researcher in hematologic and solid tumor malignancies. Under their leadership, the company continues to expand its scientific platform and foster a pipeline aimed at addressing unmet needs in rare and difficult-to-treat cancers with a viral etiology.
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