# Vivace Therapeutics, Inc.

> Vivace Therapeutics is a San Mateo, California oncology company turning novel Hippo-YAP pathway biology into first-in-class cancer drugs. Its lead small molecule, VT3989, is a first-in-class YAP/TEAD inhibitor that blocks TEAD auto-palmitoylation and has shown durable responses in treatment-resistant mesothelioma and NF2-mutant tumors. Built on a capital-efficient US-China 'virtual biotech' model, the company has raised roughly $105 million across four rounds and is preparing a registrational Phase 3 trial.

- **Founded:** 2015
- **Headquarters:** San Mateo, California, United States
- **Founders:** Sofie Qiao (Founder, former President & CEO, Board Director)
- **Team size:** ~13 employees
- **Products:** VT3989, Hippo-YAP pathway pipeline
- **Notable:** Reported the first publicly disclosed clinical proof-of-concept for a cancer drug targeting the Hippo-YAP pathway (AACR 2023)., VT3989 showed a ~32% objective response rate in treatment-resistant mesothelioma., Evaluated VT3989 in 200+ patients in an ongoing Phase 1/2 study with a favorable tolerability profile.

## Products & services

- **VT3989** — First-in-class small-molecule YAP/TEAD inhibitor that blocks auto-palmitoylation of the TEAD protein family, shutting down YAP-TEAD transcriptional activity. Evaluated in 200+ patients in an ongoing Phase 1/2 study with durable responses in refractory mesothelioma and NF2-mutant tumors. FDA Orphan Drug Designation granted for mesothelioma.
- **Hippo-YAP pathway pipeline** — Additional preclinical small-molecule programs targeting the Hippo-YAP pathway, with potential across multiple solid tumors and non-oncology indications such as fibrotic disease.

## Achievements

- Reported the first publicly disclosed clinical proof-of-concept for a cancer drug targeting the Hippo-YAP pathway (AACR 2023).
- VT3989 showed a ~32% objective response rate in treatment-resistant mesothelioma.
- Evaluated VT3989 in 200+ patients in an ongoing Phase 1/2 study with a favorable tolerability profile.
- Received FDA Orphan Drug Designation for VT3989 in mesothelioma (2025).
- Raised approximately $105 million across four financing rounds on a capital-efficient model.
- Presented updated VT3989 data at ESMO 2025 supporting progression toward a registrational Phase 3 trial.

## Latest updates

- **2025-03** — Closed $35M Series D led by RA Capital to fund VT3989 toward a registrational Phase 3 mesothelioma trial.
- **2025-07** — Received FDA Orphan Drug Designation for VT3989 for the treatment of mesothelioma.
- **2025-10** — Presented updated VT3989 antitumor activity data in refractory mesothelioma at ESMO 2025; Phase 1/2 results published.

## Links

- Website: https://vivacetherapeutics.com
- LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/vivace-therapeutics-inc-

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Last updated: 2026-07-10