Vivace Therapeutics Secures $35 Million to Propel Cancer Drug Development
March 15, 2025, 3:34 am
Location: United States, California, Princeton-by-the-Sea
Employees: 11-50
Founded date: 2014
Total raised: $105M
Vivace Therapeutics is on the rise. The San Mateo-based company has just secured $35 million in Series D financing. This funding round was led by RA Capital Management, a familiar face in Vivace's journey. Other notable investors, including Canaan Partners and Cenova Capital, also joined the fray. This infusion of capital is a significant boost for Vivace as it pushes forward with its innovative cancer therapy.
At the heart of this venture is VT3989, a groundbreaking small molecule drug. This therapy targets the Hippo pathway, a crucial player in cell growth and survival. By inhibiting the palmitoylation of TEAD proteins, VT3989 aims to disrupt cancer's grip on the body. It’s a novel approach, one that could redefine treatment for patients battling mesothelioma, a particularly aggressive form of cancer.
The clinical development of VT3989 is already underway. The drug has been evaluated in over 150 patients during an ongoing Phase 1 clinical study. This trial is open-label, meaning both the researchers and participants know who is receiving the treatment. Transparency can be a double-edged sword, but in this case, it allows for a clearer understanding of the drug's effects.
The results so far are promising. VT3989 has shown compelling clinical efficacy. It stands out as the first and only member of its class to report such data publicly. Safety is another feather in its cap. The drug has demonstrated excellent safety profiles in trials, a crucial factor when considering any new cancer therapy.
The focus on mesothelioma is strategic. This cancer has limited treatment options, often leaving patients with few alternatives. Current therapies, primarily chemotherapy and immuno-oncology combinations, have shown limited success. For patients who have exhausted these options, VT3989 could be a beacon of hope. The clinical findings have been particularly notable for those who have not responded to existing treatments.
The funding will not only support ongoing trials but also pave the way for future steps. Vivace plans to advance VT3989 into a randomized registrational Phase 3 clinical trial. This is a critical juncture. Phase 3 trials are often the final hurdle before a drug can be submitted for regulatory approval. The company intends to discuss its plans with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) later this year. This dialogue is essential for aligning on the next steps in the drug's development.
The leadership at Vivace is confident. Sofie Qiao, the company’s president and CEO, has expressed gratitude for the support from investors. The backing from RA Capital, Canaan Partners, and Cenova Capital is not just financial; it’s a vote of confidence in the company’s vision and capabilities. The team’s dedication to addressing the unmet needs of mesothelioma patients is palpable.
As the clinical study progresses, results will be presented at a major medical conference in the latter half of 2025. This event will be a platform for showcasing the efficacy and safety of VT3989. It’s a chance to gather momentum and attract further interest from the medical community and potential investors.
The landscape of cancer treatment is ever-evolving. New therapies emerge, but the path to approval is fraught with challenges. Vivace Therapeutics is navigating this terrain with a clear focus. The company is not just developing a drug; it’s striving to change the standard of care for mesothelioma patients.
In a world where cancer remains a formidable adversary, innovations like VT3989 offer a glimmer of hope. The journey from lab to clinic is long and arduous, but with the right support and a solid strategy, Vivace is poised to make a significant impact. The stakes are high, but so are the potential rewards.
In summary, Vivace Therapeutics is making waves in the biotech ocean. With $35 million in new funding, the company is set to advance its promising cancer therapy, VT3989. This drug targets the Hippo pathway, aiming to provide new hope for mesothelioma patients. As clinical trials progress and results are shared, the spotlight will shine brighter on Vivace. The future of cancer treatment may just be on the horizon, and Vivace is leading the charge.
At the heart of this venture is VT3989, a groundbreaking small molecule drug. This therapy targets the Hippo pathway, a crucial player in cell growth and survival. By inhibiting the palmitoylation of TEAD proteins, VT3989 aims to disrupt cancer's grip on the body. It’s a novel approach, one that could redefine treatment for patients battling mesothelioma, a particularly aggressive form of cancer.
The clinical development of VT3989 is already underway. The drug has been evaluated in over 150 patients during an ongoing Phase 1 clinical study. This trial is open-label, meaning both the researchers and participants know who is receiving the treatment. Transparency can be a double-edged sword, but in this case, it allows for a clearer understanding of the drug's effects.
The results so far are promising. VT3989 has shown compelling clinical efficacy. It stands out as the first and only member of its class to report such data publicly. Safety is another feather in its cap. The drug has demonstrated excellent safety profiles in trials, a crucial factor when considering any new cancer therapy.
The focus on mesothelioma is strategic. This cancer has limited treatment options, often leaving patients with few alternatives. Current therapies, primarily chemotherapy and immuno-oncology combinations, have shown limited success. For patients who have exhausted these options, VT3989 could be a beacon of hope. The clinical findings have been particularly notable for those who have not responded to existing treatments.
The funding will not only support ongoing trials but also pave the way for future steps. Vivace plans to advance VT3989 into a randomized registrational Phase 3 clinical trial. This is a critical juncture. Phase 3 trials are often the final hurdle before a drug can be submitted for regulatory approval. The company intends to discuss its plans with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) later this year. This dialogue is essential for aligning on the next steps in the drug's development.
The leadership at Vivace is confident. Sofie Qiao, the company’s president and CEO, has expressed gratitude for the support from investors. The backing from RA Capital, Canaan Partners, and Cenova Capital is not just financial; it’s a vote of confidence in the company’s vision and capabilities. The team’s dedication to addressing the unmet needs of mesothelioma patients is palpable.
As the clinical study progresses, results will be presented at a major medical conference in the latter half of 2025. This event will be a platform for showcasing the efficacy and safety of VT3989. It’s a chance to gather momentum and attract further interest from the medical community and potential investors.
The landscape of cancer treatment is ever-evolving. New therapies emerge, but the path to approval is fraught with challenges. Vivace Therapeutics is navigating this terrain with a clear focus. The company is not just developing a drug; it’s striving to change the standard of care for mesothelioma patients.
In a world where cancer remains a formidable adversary, innovations like VT3989 offer a glimmer of hope. The journey from lab to clinic is long and arduous, but with the right support and a solid strategy, Vivace is poised to make a significant impact. The stakes are high, but so are the potential rewards.
In summary, Vivace Therapeutics is making waves in the biotech ocean. With $35 million in new funding, the company is set to advance its promising cancer therapy, VT3989. This drug targets the Hippo pathway, aiming to provide new hope for mesothelioma patients. As clinical trials progress and results are shared, the spotlight will shine brighter on Vivace. The future of cancer treatment may just be on the horizon, and Vivace is leading the charge.