HDAC2 x HDAC1

Immunotherapy is one of the pillars in the fight against cancer and aims to enable the body's own immune system to fight a tumor. A recent study now shows that removing certain enzymes that regulate epigenetic processes from the so-called dentritic cells of the immune system influences their development and thus improves anti-tumor immunity. This finding could lead to new therapeutic strategies in immunotherapy. Immunotherapy is one of the pillars in the fight against cancer and aims to enable the body's own immune system to fight a tumor. A recent study now shows that removing certain enzymes that regulate epigenetic processes from the so-called dentritic cells of the immune system influences their development and thus improves anti-tumor immunity. This finding could lead to new therapeutic strategies in immunotherapy. The study by Cristiano De Sá Fernandes from Maria Sibilia's research group at the Center for Cancer Research and the Comprehensive Cancer Center of MedUni Vienna and Vienna General Hospital was recently published in Cell Reports. Cancer cells are the body's own cells that do not divide and develop as intended and abandon their place and function in the body. The difficult thing about fighting them is that, as the body's own cells, the immune system cannot recognize them well and therefore cannot fight them. This is where immunotherapy kicks-in: It enables the patient's own immune system to identify the cancer cells and activate the body's own defenses. Dendritic cells (DCs) are important cells of the immune system that develop from precursor cells and can form different subgroups by changing their gene activity. These subgroups fulfill different functions in the immune system. However, it is not yet known exactly how certain epigenetic changes in chromatin (the material that makes up chromosomes) influence the development of DCs. In the study, the researchers inhibited two enzymes that regulate such epigenetic processes to see how this affects the development and function of DCs. They focused on the specific enzymes HDAC1 and HDAC2. Improved immune response Through multi-omics analyses, i.e. the analysis of several biological data such as gene expression and chromatin accessibility, the researchers found that the development of certain subgroups of DCs was impaired by the absence of HDAC1. This shows that HDAC1 plays a crucial role in their development. In the absence of HDAC1, DCs change their immune response, which improves tumor surveillance. Removing the enzyme HDAC2, on the other hand, had no major effect on the development of DCs. In summary, the study shows that the removal of HDAC1 influences the development of certain DC subsets and improves anti-tumor immunity. These findings could lead to new therapeutic strategies in cancer immunotherapy. This study was conducted as part of the FWF-funded PhD program DocFunds "Tissue Home," first author Cristiano de Fernandes was a PhD student.

First orphan drug designation for Nana-val granted in EBV+ solid tumors Seventh orphan drug designation for Nana-val globally; fifth granted by the FDA SAN DIEGO, Dec. 12, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 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 announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted an orphan drug designation (ODD) to Nana-val (nanatinostat in combination with valganciclovir), the company's all-oral investigational therapy targeting Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated cancers, for the treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). This represents the first ODD granted for Nana-val in Epstein-Barr virus-positive (EBV+) solid tumors and outside of EBV-associated lymphomas. The FDA previously granted Nana-val ODD for the treatment of T-cell lymphoma, post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder, plasmablastic lymphoma, and EBV+ diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified. "This orphan drug designation highlights the urgent need for new targeted treatment options for patients with rare diseases such as nasopharyngeal carcinoma, which is highly associated with EBV," said Mark Rothera, President and Chief Executive Officer of Viracta. "We are encouraged by the interim data from the Phase 1b/2 study of Nana-val in patients with recurrent or metastatic EBV-positive nasopharyngeal carcinoma, supporting the continued advancement of the study with a new split daily dosing regimen at higher doses. With sites open and enrolling the sixth dose cohort of the study, we are on track to expand into the Phase 2 portion in 2024. The growing clinical data in both the lymphoma and solid tumor settings, further validates the therapeutic potential of Nana-val to treat EBV-positive cancers, an underserved area of high unmet medical need.” The FDA’s Office of Orphan Products Development grants orphan status to drugs and biologics being developed to treat, diagnose, or prevent a rare disease or condition affecting fewer than 200,000 people in the U.S. ODD is designed to provide drug developers with various benefits to support the development of novel drugs, including the potential for seven years of market exclusivity upon FDA approval for the disease or condition for which the drug has ODD, eligibility for tax credits toward qualified clinical trial costs, exemptions from certain FDA application fees, reduced annual product user fees, clinical trial protocol design and drug development assistance, and potential qualification for expedited drug development programs. About the Phase 1b/2 Study of Nana-val in R/M EBV+ NPC and Other EBV+ Solid Tumors This Phase 1b/2 trial (NCT05166577) is an open-label, multinational clinical trial evaluating Nana-val alone and in combination with pembrolizumab. The Phase 1b dose escalation part is designed to evaluate safety and to select the recommended Phase 2 dose (RP2D) of Nana-val in patients with recurrent or metastatic (R/M) Epstein-Barr virus-positive (EBV+) nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Along with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Project Optimus initiative, at the start of Phase 2, up to 40 patients with R/M EBV+ NPC will be randomized to receive either the RP2D or a dose level below the RP2D in a dose-optimization cohort. Once the RP2D has been confirmed, up to 60 patients with R/M EBV+ NPC will be randomized to receive Nana-val at the RP2D with or without pembrolizumab to further evaluate antitumor activity, safety and tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and potential pharmacodynamic biomarkers. Additionally, patients with other advanced EBV+ solid tumors will be enrolled to receive Nana-val at the RP2D in a Phase 1b dose expansion cohort. 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 pivotal, 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 EBV+ solid tumors. 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 pivotal, 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 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, the Company’s expectations of the significance and implications of the preliminary interim data from its clinical trials and preclinical studies disclosed herein, the Company’s expectations related to the FDA submission process and timelines and expectations regarding our target patient populations. 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 and Viracta's ability to manufacture or supply nanatinostat, valganciclovir, and pembrolizumab 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 or will file, with the SEC from time to time and available at 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: Ashleigh Barreto Head of Investor Relations & Corporate Communications Viracta Therapeutics, Inc. abarreto@viracta.com SOURCE Viracta Therapeutics, Inc.

First orphan drug designation granted for Nana-val by the European Commission; fifth globally SAN DIEGO, Sept. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Viracta Therapeutics, Inc. ( Nasdaq: VIRX), a precision oncology company targeting virus-associated malignancies, today announced that the European Commission has granted an orphan drug designation (ODD) to nanatinostat and valganciclovir (Nana-val), the company's all-oral combination product candidate, for the treatment of peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL). This represents Nana-val's first ODD in Europe and fifth globally. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration previously granted Nana-val ODD for the treatment of T-cell lymphoma, post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder, plasmablastic lymphoma, and Epstein-Barr virus-positive (EBV+) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified. "This orphan drug designation acknowledges the high unmet medical need of this patient population as well as the potential of the Nana-val o offer therapeutic benefit to patients with recurrent peripheral T-cell lymphoma," said Lisa Rojkjaer, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of Viracta. "Patients with peripheral T-cell lymphoma have few effective treatment options, particularly those with relapsed/refractory disease. Of note, Epstein-Barr virus is frequently associated with peripheral T-cell lymphoma, and reportedly confers a worse overall survival for patients. Following the conclusion of our Phase 1b/2 study, we are now continuing the evaluation of Nana-val in patients with relapsed/refractory Epstein-Barr virus-positive lymphoma in our global Phase 2 NAVAL-1 trial, which is actively enrolling at sites across Europe, North America and Southeast Asia." ODD in the European Union (EU) is granted by the European Commission based on a positive opinion issued by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) Committee for Orphan Medical Products (COMP). To qualify for ODD from the European Commission, a product candidate must be intended to treat, prevent, or diagnose a life-threatening or chronically debilitating disease that does not affect more than 5 in 10,000 people across the EU. In addition, there must be sufficient clinical or non-clinical data to suggest the product candidate may produce clinically relevant outcomes, and grounds to indicate it can provide a significant benefit over any currently authorized products. Receiving an orphan drug designation from the European Commission provides companies with certain benefits and incentives including clinical protocol assistance, access to a centralized marketing authorization procedure valid in all EU member states, reduced regulatory fees, and ten years of market exclusivity upon receipt of marketing authorization in the EU. The availability of market exclusivity is intended to encourage the development of medicines for rare diseases by protecting them from competition from similar medicines with similar indications, which cannot be marketed during the exclusivity period. About NAVAL-1 NAVAL-1 ( Nanatinostat in Combination with Valganciclovir) is a global, multicenter, open-label Phase 2 basket trial. The trial, which will include patients with multiple subtypes of relapsed/refractory EBV-positive (EBV+) lymphoma, is designed to evaluate the anti-tumor activity of Nana-val and enroll approximately 140 patients. The primary endpoint of the trial is objective tumor response rate as assessed by an independent review committee. If successful, Viracta believes this trial could potentially support multiple new drug application filings across various EBV+ lymphoma subtypes. The study employs a Simon two-stage design where a limited number of patients are enrolled into each cohort in Stage 1 and, if a pre-specified activity threshold is reached, additional patients will be enrolled in Stage 2. During Stage 2, Viracta anticipates discussing the preliminary results with the FDA and may amend the protocol to include additional patients as necessary to enable 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 is 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. About Viracta Therapeutics, Inc. Viracta is a precision oncology company targeting virus-associated malignancies. 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 pivotal, global, multicenter, open-label Phase 2 basket trial for the treatment of multiple subtypes of relapsed/refractory Epstein-Barr virus-positive (EBV+) lymphoma (NAVAL-1), as well as a multinational Phase 1b/2 trial for the treatment of EBV+ recurrent or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma and other EBV+ solid tumors. Viracta is also pursuing the application of its inducible synthetic lethality approach in other virus-related cancers. For additional information please visit . 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 trials and updates regarding the same; and other statements that are not historical facts. 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 globally 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 supplying nanatinostat, valganciclovir and pembrolizumab for clinical testing; Viracta's ability to identify additional products or product candidates with significant commercial potential; developments and projections relating to Viracta's competitors and its industry; the impact of government laws and regulations; Viracta's ability to protect its intellectual property position; and Viracta's estimates regarding future expenses, capital requirements and need for additional financing in the future. These risks and uncertainties may be amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has caused significant economic uncertainty. 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 . 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: Ashleigh Barreto Head of Investor Relations & Corporate Communications Viracta Therapeutics, Inc. [email protected] SOURCE Viracta Therapeutics, Inc.