#United States #cancer therapy #San Mateo, California #Vivace Therapeutics #VT3989

Vivace Therapeutics Secures $35 Million in Funding for Cancer Drug Development

Vivace Therapeutics, Inc., a pioneering biotech firm dedicated to the discovery and development of small-molecule treatments for cancer, recently announced a significant development in its fundraising efforts. The company has managed to secure $35 million in its Series D financing, which is expected to fuel the clinical advancement of its first-in-class cancer drug, VT3989, targeting the Hippo pathway.

The financing round was spearheaded by RA Capital Management, a seasoned investor who has been involved since Vivace's Series C round. Other noteworthy participants included existing investors Canaan Partners and Cenova Capital. The funds raised will primarily support the clinical trials of VT3989, further advancing this innovative therapy aimed at treating mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer that typically arises from exposure to asbestos.

The Drug Behind the Funding

VT3989 represents a novel therapeutic approach as the only known TEAD autopalmitoylation inhibitor currently under clinical evaluation, making it a standout within its category. So far, over 150 patients have participated in the ongoing Phase 1 clinical trials, which have underscored the drug's compelling efficacy and promising safety profile. It has shown particularly noteworthy results among patients suffering from chemotherapy-resistant mesothelioma, a condition for which treatment options remain exceedingly limited.

The results of this Phase 1 trial have attracted significant attention due to their potential to reshape the standard of care in treating mesothelioma, a disease known for its poor prognosis. Upcoming presentations of these clinical findings are anticipated at a major medical conference scheduled for the second half of 2025, which could further highlight the drug's robustness in the medical community.

In light of these positive preliminary results, Vivace plans to initiate a randomized registrational Phase 3 clinical trial later this year, engaging in discussions with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding the next steps for VT3989.

Leadership Insights

Vivace's CEO, Sofie Qiao, Ph.D., expressed optimism about the journey ahead for VT3989, stating, "The results of our clinical evaluation thus far instill confidence that advancing the program into a Phase 3 trial is the logical next step. We are focused on executing this strategy efficiently."

Dr. Jake Simson from RA Capital also emphasized the significant unmet needs in mesothelioma treatment, expressing confidence in the capabilities of VT3989. He noted that the advancements seen thus far made it an easy decision for RA Capital to lead this funding round.

Overview of Vivace Therapeutics

Founded to focus on addressing critical medical needs, Vivace Therapeutics specializes in targeting the Hippo pathway, a critical cellular communication network implicated in various cancers. With the latest funding, Vivace has raised a total of $105 million to date. This financial backing not only demonstrates investor confidence but also provides vital resources to pursue their mission of developing effective cancer therapies.

As the company moves forward, the hope is to prove that VT3989 not only offers theoretical benefits but also translates those into real-world results for patients grappling with mesothelioma and potentially other cancers linked to the Hippo pathway. Further information can be found on their official website at www.vivacetherapeutics.com.

In processing such promising data, Vivace Therapeutics stands at the forefront of a potentially transformative approach to cancer treatment, aiming to pioneer advancements that resonate well beyond traditional methods and provide renewed hope for patients in dire need.