Exhibit 99.1
Viracta Therapeutics Appoints Jane Chung, R.Ph., to its Board of Directors
PR Newswire, San Diego, August 11, 2022 – Viracta Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: VIRX), a precision oncology company targeting virus-associated malignancies, today announced the appointment of Jane Chung, R.Ph., as an independent member to its Board of Directors.
“Ms. Chung’s unique combination of commercial and executive experience in oncology make her an ideal fit for Viracta’s Board,” said Roger J. Pomerantz, M.D., F.A.C.P., Chairman of the Board of Directors of Viracta. “She has an impressive record of building and leading teams supporting multi-billion-dollar oncology franchises, as well as a firm understanding of how to optimize drug launches. We expect her expertise to be invaluable as we position Viracta for the next stage of its evolution through the advancement of our pivotal NAVAL-1 study in Epstein-Barr virus-positive lymphoma, and Phase 1b/2 trial in advanced EBV+ solid tumors. It is my pleasure to welcome her to the Board and I am eager to begin working together.”
Ms. Chung added, “Joining Viracta’s Board provides an exciting opportunity. The company’s lead candidate, Nana-val, has produced strong Phase 1b/2 data in EBV-positive lymphoma and has a novel mechanism of action that confers broad therapeutic and commercial potential. Both of its clinical trials are moving towards key updates expected later this year and the team leading these efforts has the requisite experience and expertise to succeed. I look forward to offering my guidance to company management as they execute on their strategic objectives.”
Ms. Chung joins Viracta’s Board with over 20 years of commercial leadership experience in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry, focused mostly on innovative oncology medicines and broadly across executive management, franchise leadership, marketing, sales, operations, and market access functions. She is currently the Chief Commercial Officer at Sutro Biopharma, where she has been responsible for building and leading global commercialization since August 2021. From May 2015 to August 2021, Ms. Chung served in several leadership roles at AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, including as President and General Manager of AstraZeneca Canada, Vice President of Sales and Marketing of U.S. lmmuno-Oncology, and Senior Commercial Business Director. Prior to that, from May 2013 to May 2015, Ms. Chung served as a Regional Sales Director and Director of Sales Productivity and Effectiveness for Onyx Pharmaceuticals Inc. From October 2003 to May 2013, she served in various commercial roles for Genentech, Inc., including as Commercial Operations Manager, Division Manager and Senior Marketing Manager.
Prior to joining industry, Ms. Chung worked as an Oncology Pharmacist at Mount Sinai Hospital and a Clinical Pharmacist at NY Presbyterian Weill Cornell Hospital in New York City. Ms. Chung also serves on non-profit boards in the science, education, and community development arenas. Ms. Chung received a B.S. in Pharmacy from St. John’s University and a B.A. in Psychology from Columbia University.
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. Ongoing trials include a pivotal, global, multicenter, open-label Phase 2 basket trial in multiple subtypes of relapsed/refractory EBV+ lymphoma (NAVAL-1) as well as a multinational Phase 1b/2 trial in patients with EBV+ recurrent or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma and other EBV+ solid tumors.
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