Viracta Announces Patent Application for Epstein-Barr Virus-Associated Lymphoma Treatment Candidate

Viracta Therapeutics announced the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has issued a Notice of Allowance for patent application No. 16/924,082. The allowed application, titled "Methods of Treating Virally Associated Cancers with Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors," describes the use of Viracta's all-oral combination product candidate of nanatinostat, the Company's proprietary investigational drug, and valganciclovir. The allowed claims cover the anticipated dose regimen to be advanced in the planned global registration trial for the treatment of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated lymphoma and other lymphoproliferative disorders. Upon its grant, the resulting patent will provide protection into at least 2040.

"Broadening our patent estate and extending our intellectual property protection is a strategic focus for Viracta, as we advance the development of our all-oral therapy in our global registration trial," said Ivor Royston, MD, President and Chief Executive Officer of Viracta. "We are pleased to have received this Notice of Allowance and look forward to further strengthening our patent portfolio as we expand our development in EBV-positive lymphoma and EBV-positive solid tumors."

A Notice of Allowance is issued after the USPTO makes the determination that a patent should be granted from an application. A patent from the recently allowed application is expected to be issued in the coming months. Based on its current development and commercialization plans, Viracta expects this patent to be Orange Book eligible.