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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 28, 2021

Registration No. 333-

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM S-3

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

 

Viracta Therapeutics, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   94-3295878

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

2533 S Coast Hwy 101, Suite 210

Cardiff, CA 92007

858-400-8470

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)

 

 

Ivor Royston, M.D.

2533 S Coast Hwy 101, Suite 210

Cardiff, CA 92007

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

 

 

Copies to:

 

Daniel Chevallard   Martin J. Waters
Chief Operating Officer & Chief Financial Officer   Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati,
Viracta Therapeutics, Inc.   Professional Corporation
2533 S Coast Hwy 101, Suite 210   12235 El Camino Real
Cardiff, CA 92007   San Diego, CA 92130
Tel: (858) 400-8470   Tel: (858) 350-2300

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From time to time after the effective date of this registration statement.

If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box:  ☐

If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box.  ☒

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  ☐

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  ☐

If this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.D. or a post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, check the following box.  ☐

If this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.D. filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box.  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer             Accelerated filer  
Non-accelerated filer       Smaller reporting company       Emerging growth company  

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of Securities Act.  ☐

 

 

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 

 

Title of Each Class of

Securities to be Registered

 

Amount

to be

Registered

 

Proposed

Maximum

Offering Price
Per Unit

 

Proposed

Maximum

Aggregate

Offering Price

 

Amount of

Registration Fee (5)

Common Stock, $0.0001 par value per share

          (1)(2)           (3)           (3)(4)           (5)

Preferred Stock, $0.0001 par value per share

          (1)(2)           (3)           (3)(4)           (5)

Common and/or Preferred Stock Purchase Warrants

          (1)(2)           (3)           (3)(4)           (5)

Subscription Rights

          (1)(2)           (3)           (3)(4)           (5)

Debt Securities

          (1)(2)           (3)           (3)(4)           (5)

Units

          (1)(2)           (3)           (3)(4)           (5)

Total:

          (1)(2)           (3)   $200,000,000   $21,820

 

(1)

The securities registered hereunder include such indeterminate number of as may be sold from time to time by the registrant.

(2)

Pursuant to Rule 416 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, this registration statement shall also cover any additional shares of the registrant’s securities that become issuable by reason of any share splits, share dividends or similar transactions.

(3)

The proposed maximum offering price per security and proposed maximum aggregate offering price per class of security will be determined from time to time by the registrant in connection with the issuance by the registrant of the securities registered hereunder and is not specified as to each class of security pursuant to General Instruction II.D. of Form S-3 under the Securities Act.

(4)

Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee. Subject to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, the aggregate maximum offering price of all securities issued by the registrant pursuant to this registration statement will not exceed $200,000,000.

(5)

Calculated pursuant to Rule 457(o) under the Securities Act.

The registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the registration statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission acting pursuant to said Section 8(a) may determine.

 

 

 


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EXPLANATORY NOTE

This registration statement contains two prospectuses:

 

   

a base prospectus that covers the offering, issuance and sale by the registrant of up to $200,000,000 in the aggregate of the registrant’s common stock, preferred stock, warrants, subscription rights, debt securities and/or units from time to time in one or more offerings; and

 

   

an at the market offering agreement prospectus that covers the offering, issuance and sale by the registrant of up to a maximum aggregate offering price of $50,000,000 of the registrant’s common stock that may be issued and sold under an at the market offering agreement with Jefferies LLC, as sales agent.

The base prospectus immediately follows this explanatory note. The specific terms of any securities to be offered pursuant to the base prospectus other than the shares under the at the market offering agreement will be specified in a prospectus supplement to the base prospectus. The specific terms of the securities to be issued and sold under the at the market offering common stock sales agreement are specified in the at the market offering common stock sales agreement prospectus that immediately follows the base prospectus. The $50,000,000 of common stock that may be offered, issued and sold under the at the market offering agreement prospectus is included in the $200,000,000 of securities that may be offered, issued and sold by the registrant under the base prospectus.


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The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities, and we are not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.

 

Subject to completion, dated May 28, 2021

PROSPECTUS

 

LOGO

Viracta Therapeutics, Inc.

$200,000,000

Common Stock, Preferred Stock, Debt Securities, Warrants, Subscription Rights and Units

This prospectus covers our offer and sale from time to time of our common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, warrants to purchase common stock and/or preferred stock, subscription rights, and units in one or more offerings. The aggregate offering price of all securities sold by us under this prospectus may not exceed $200 million.

This prospectus describes some of the general terms that may apply to an offering of these securities and the general manner in which these securities may be offered. Each time we offer and sell these securities we will provide specific terms of such offering in a supplement to this prospectus. A prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus or in documents we have incorporated by reference into this prospectus and, accordingly, to the extent inconsistent, information in or incorporated by reference in this prospectus is superseded by the information in the prospectus supplement and any other offering material related to such securities.

We may offer and sell these securities from time to time at fixed prices, at market prices or at negotiated prices, and such securities may be offered and sold to or through one or more underwriters, dealers or agents or directly to purchasers on a continuous or delayed basis.

Our shares of common stock are listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “VIRX.” The last reported sales price of our shares of common stock on May 26, 2021 was $11.26 per share. We may offer these securities in amounts, at prices and on terms determined at the time of offering. The securities may be sold directly to you, through agents, or through underwriters and dealers. If agents, underwriters or dealers are used to sell the securities, we will name them and describe their compensation in a prospectus supplement.

We are a “smaller reporting company” as defined under the federal securities laws and, as such, we may continue to elect to comply with certain reduced public company reporting requirements in future reports.

Investing in these securities involves risks. Please carefully read the information under the headings “Risk Factors” beginning on page 4 of this prospectus and “Item 1A—Risk Factors” of our most recent report on Form 10-K or 10-Q that is incorporated by reference in this prospectus before you invest in our securities.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

These securities may be offered and sold to or through one or more underwriters, dealers and agents, or directly to purchasers, on a continuous or delayed basis. If underwriters, dealers, or agents are used to sell the securities, we will name them and describe their compensation in a prospectus supplement. In addition, the underwriters may overallot a portion of the securities.

The date of this prospectus is             , 2021


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page  

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

     ii  

SUMMARY

     1  

RISK FACTORS

     4  

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

     7  

USE OF PROCEEDS

     8  

DIVIDEND POLICY

     9  

DESCRIPTION OF OUR CAPITAL STOCK

     10  

DESCRIPTION OF THE DEBT SECURITIES

     14  

DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS

     22  

DESCRIPTION OF PURCHASE RIGHTS

     24  

DESCRIPTION OF UNITS

     25  

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

     26  

LEGAL MATTERS

     28  

EXPERTS

     28  

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

     28  

INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE

     29  

We have not authorized anyone to provide you with any information or to make any representations other than that contained in this prospectus or in any free writing prospectus we may authorize to be delivered or made available to you. We take no responsibility for, and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any other information that others may give you. This prospectus and any accompanying supplement to this prospectus do not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities other than the registered securities to which they relate, nor do this prospectus and any accompanying supplement to this prospectus constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in any jurisdiction to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation in such jurisdiction.

This prospectus may not be used to consummate sales of our securities, unless it is accompanied by a prospectus supplement. To the extent there are inconsistencies between any prospectus supplement, this prospectus and any documents incorporated by reference, the document with the most recent date will control.

For investors outside the United States: We have not done anything that would permit this offering, or possession or distribution of this prospectus or any accompanying prospectus supplement to this prospectus in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required, other than in the United States. Persons outside the United States who come into possession of this prospectus or any accompanying prospectus supplement to this prospectus must inform themselves about, and observe any restrictions relating to, the offering of securities and the distribution of this prospectus outside the United States.

Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, references in this prospectus to “we,” “our,” “ours,” “us,” “the Company” and “Viracta” refer to Viracta Therapeutics, Inc.

 

 

 

 

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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

This prospectus is part of a registration statement on Form S-3 that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, using a “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf registration process, we may, from time to time, offer or sell any combination of the securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings up to a total amount of $200,000,000.

This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we sell securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering. The prospectus supplement may also add to, update or change information contained in this prospectus and, accordingly, to the extent inconsistent, information in this prospectus is superseded by the information in the prospectus supplement.

No person has been authorized to give any information or make any representations in connection with this offering other than those contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus, any accompanying prospectus supplement and any related issuer free writing prospectus in connection with the offering described herein and therein. Neither this prospectus nor any prospectus supplement nor any related issuer free writing prospectus shall constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy offered securities in any jurisdiction in which it is unlawful for such person to make such an offering or solicitation. This prospectus does not contain all of the information included in the registration statement. For a more complete understanding of the offering of the securities, you should refer to the registration statement, including its exhibits.

You should read the entire prospectus and any prospectus supplement and any related issuer free writing prospectus, as well as the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus or any prospectus supplement or any related issuer free writing prospectus, before making an investment decision. Neither the delivery of this prospectus or any prospectus supplement or any issuer free writing prospectus nor any sale made hereunder shall under any circumstances imply that the information contained or incorporated by reference herein or in any prospectus supplement or issuer free writing prospectus is correct as of any date subsequent to the date hereof or of such prospectus supplement or issuer free writing prospectus, as applicable. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement or any document incorporated by reference is accurate only as of the date of the applicable documents, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus or any sale of securities. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date.

 

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SUMMARY

This summary is not complete and does not contain all of the information that you should consider before investing in the securities offered by this prospectus. You should read this summary together with the entire prospectus carefully, including “Risk Factors” and our financial statements and the related notes incorporated by reference into this prospectus, before making an investment decision. See “Risk Factors” for a discussion of the risks involved in investing in our securities.

Overview

Viracta Therapeutics, Inc. (“Viracta”) is a clinical-stage, precision oncology company focused on advancing new medicines for the treatment of virus-associated malignancies. The association of viruses and cancer has been well characterized, and Viracta’s lead program is focused on cancers associated with the Epstein-Barr virus (“EBV”). Viracta’s lead product candidate is an all-oral combination of nanatinostat, Viracta’s proprietary investigational drug, and valganciclovir. Viracta has recently completed enrollment in the Phase 2 portion of its ongoing Phase 1b/2 clinical trial for the treatment of EBV-positive lymphoma and expects updated data from this trial in the second half of 2021. Viracta also plans to initiate its global pivotal trial in the second quarter of 2021. In addition, Viracta expects the clearance of a U.S. Investigational New Drug application for the treatment of EBV-associated solid tumors in mid-2021 and expects to initiate a global Phase 1b/2 clinical trial the second half of 2021.

EBV has been recognized as a Group 1 human carcinogen by the World Health Organization. Despite the association of EBV with cancer, attempts to develop vaccines have not proven successful. EBV enters periods of latency during which most viral genes are epigenetically suppressed, which allows an infected cell to not be killed by the virus should it enter a lytic replication cycle. Likewise, the latently infected cell can evade the body’s immune surveillance mechanisms. In some stages of latency, no viral proteins are expressed on the cell surface, making it difficult to develop broadly effective immunotherapies. There are approximately 300,000 new cases of EBV-associated cancers each year with regard to lymphoma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma (“NPC”) and gastric carcinoma (“GC”), and there are currently no approved therapies for these cancers, which are responsible for approximately 180,000 deaths each year. Viracta’s novel synthetic lethality approach targets the EBV genome to enable the killing of the tumor cells by inducing the expression of certain viral kinase genes which in-turn activate an antiviral drug. The activated antiviral drug disrupts the DNA replication cycle of the target cells resulting in chain termination and killing of the tumor cells by inducing apoptosis, also known as programmed cell death. This synthetic lethality approach may also be applicable to other cancers associated with the herpes family of viruses, to which EBV belongs, such as glioblastoma associated with cytomegalovirus, Kaposi’s sarcoma with Kaposi’s sarcoma virus, and gastrointestinal carcinomas associated with Human Herpesvirus 6.

Viracta plans to initiate NAVAL-1 (Nanatinostat in Combination with Valganciclovir), a multinational, multicenter, open-label Phase 2 basket design trial. The trial will include multiple subtype-specific cohorts of relapsed/refractory (“R/R”) EBV-positive lymphoma patients designed to evaluate the anti-tumor activity of the combination treatment of nanatinostat with valganciclovir and is anticipated to enroll approximately 140 patients. The primary endpoint of the trial is objective tumor response rate as assessed by an independent review committee, while secondary endpoints include duration of response, survival outcomes, and the safety profile of the combined treatment. If successful, Viracta believes this trial could support multiple U.S. New Drug Application filings across various EBV-positive lymphoma subtypes. Viracta also plans to initiate a Phase 1b/2 trial in EBV+ solid tumors, including NPC and GC, in the second half of 2021.

Viracta has received Fast Track Designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of relapsed or refractory EBV+ lymphoid malignancies, in addition to orphan drug designations for the treatment of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders, plasmablastic lymphoma, and T-cell lymphoma.



 

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The Merger

On February 24, 2021, Sunesis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Sunesis”) completed the merger with Viracta Therapeutics, Inc. (“Private Viracta”), in accordance with the terms of the Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reorganization, dated November 29, 2020, by and among the Company, Sol Merger Sub, Inc. (“Merger Sub”) and Private Viracta (the “Merger Agreement”), pursuant to which Merger Sub merged with and into Private Viracta, with Private Viracta surviving as a wholly owned subsidiary of Sunesis (the “Merger”).

Also, on February 24, 2021, in connection with and immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger (the “Effective Time”), we effected a reverse stock split of our common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (“Common Stock”), at a ratio of 3.5:1 (the “Reverse Stock Split”), and we changed our name from “Sunesis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.” to “Viracta Therapeutics, Inc.” (the “Name Change”). Following the completion of the Merger, the business conducted by the combined company became primarily the business conducted by Viracta, a clinical-stage, precision oncology company focused on advancing new medicines for the treatment of virus-associated malignancies.

Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, we issued shares of the Company’s Common Stock to Private Viracta’s stockholders, at an exchange ratio of 0.1119 shares of Common Stock (taking into account the Reverse Stock Split), in exchange for each share of Private Viracta’s common stock outstanding as of the Effective Time (including the shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of all shares of Private Viracta preferred stock prior to the Effective Time). The combined company also assumed all of the stock options issued and outstanding under the Viracta 2016 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended, (the “2016 Viracta Plan”) and issued and outstanding warrants of Private Viracta, with such stock options and warrants henceforth representing the right to purchase a number of shares of Common Stock equal to 0.1119 multiplied by the number of shares of Private Viracta’s common stock previously represented by such stock options and warrants, as applicable.

Immediately following the Effective Time, there were approximately 37.0 million shares of Common Stock outstanding (post Reverse Stock Split). Immediately following the Effective Time, the Private Viracta stockholders owned approximately 86% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, and Sunesis stockholders immediately prior to the Merger, whose shares of Common Stock remain outstanding after the Merger, owned approximately 14% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock.

The Common Stock, which was previously listed on The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) and traded through the close of business on February 24, 2021, under the ticker symbol “SNSS,” commenced trading on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “VIRX” on February 25, 2021. The shares previously traded on The Nasdaq Capital Market and began trading on The Nasdaq Global Select Market as of February 25, 2021.

Corporate Information

We were incorporated in Delaware in February 1998. Our principal executive offices are located at 2533 S. Coast Hwy 101, Suite 210, Cardiff, CA 92007 and our telephone number is (858) 400-8470. Our corporate website address is www.viracta.com. Information contained on, or that can be accessed through, our website is not incorporated by reference into this document, and you should not consider information on our website to be part of this document.

You may find on our website at www.viracta.com electronic copies of our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such filings are placed on our website as soon as reasonably possible after they are filed with the SEC.

Investors and others should note that we announce material financial information to our investors using our investor relations website (https://viracta.investorroom.com/), SEC filings, press releases, public conference calls



 

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and webcasts. We use these channels as well as social media to communicate with our members and the public about our company, our services and other issues. It is possible that the information we post on social media could be deemed to be material information. Therefore, we encourage investors, the media, and others interested in our company to review the information we post on the social media channels listed on our investor relations website.



 

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RISK FACTORS

An investment in our securities involves a high degree of risk. The prospectus supplement applicable to each offering of our securities will contain a discussion of the risks applicable to an investment in our securities. Prior to making a decision about investing in our securities, you should carefully consider the specific factors discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in the applicable prospectus supplement, together with all of the other information contained or incorporated by reference in the prospectus supplement or appearing or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. You should also consider the risks, uncertainties and assumptions discussed under “Part I—Item 1A—Risk Factors” of our most recent annual report on Form 10-K and “Part II—Item 1A—Risk Factors” in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, all of which are incorporated herein by reference, and may be amended, supplemented or superseded from time to time by other reports we file with the SEC in the future and any prospectus supplement related to a particular offering. The risks and uncertainties we have described are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also affect our operations. See “Where You Can Find More Information” and “Incorporation of Certain Information by Reference.” The occurrence of any of these risks might cause you to lose all or part of your investment in the offered securities.

The Securities We May Offer

We may offer or sell common stock, preferred stock, warrants, subscription rights, debt securities and/or units in one or more offerings and in any combination either individually or as units comprised of one or more of the other securities. Each time we offer securities with this prospectus, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will describe the specific amounts, prices and terms of the securities being offered.

We may sell the securities to or through underwriters, dealers or agents or directly to purchasers or as otherwise set forth below under “Plan of Distribution.” We, as well as any agents acting on our behalf, reserve the sole right to accept and to reject in whole or in part any proposed purchase of securities. Each prospectus supplement will set forth the names of any underwriters, dealers, agents or other entities involved in the sale of securities described in that prospectus supplement and any applicable fee, commission or discount arrangements with them.

Common Stock

We may offer shares of our common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, either alone or underlying other registered securities convertible into our common stock. Holders of our common stock are entitled to receive dividends declared by our board of directors out of funds legally available for the payment of dividends, subject to rights, if any, of preferred stockholders. Currently, we do not pay a cash dividend. Each holder of common stock is entitled to one vote per share. The holders of common stock have no preemptive rights.

Preferred Stock

We may issue preferred stock in one or more series. Our board of directors or a committee designated by the board will determine the dividend, voting and conversion rights and other provisions at the time of sale. Each series of preferred stock will be more fully described in the particular prospectus supplement that will accompany this prospectus, including redemption provisions, rights in the event of liquidation, dissolution or the winding up of the Company, voting rights and rights to convert into common stock.

Warrants

We may issue warrants for the purchase of common stock, preferred stock or debt securities. We may issue warrants independently or together with other securities. Our board of directors will determine the terms of the warrants.

 

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Subscription Rights

We may issue rights to purchase our securities. Each right would entitle the holder of the rights to purchase the principal amount of securities at the exercise price set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Debt Securities

We may offer secured or unsecured obligations in the form of one or more series of debt securities, which may be senior, senior subordinated or subordinated obligations. Any subordinated debt securities generally will be entitled to payment only after payment of our senior debt. Senior debt generally includes all debt for money borrowed by us, except debt that is stated in the instrument governing the terms of that debt to be not senior to, or to have the same rank in right of payment as, or to be expressly junior to, the subordinated debt securities. We may issue debt securities that are convertible into shares of our common stock.

The debt securities will be issued under an indenture, as supplemented by a resolution of our board of directors, an officer’s certificate or a supplemental indenture, between us and a trustee. We have summarized the general features of the debt securities to be governed by the indenture. The indenture has been filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. We encourage you to read the indenture. Instructions on how you can get copies of this document are provided under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information.”

Units

We may issue units comprised of one or more of the other classes of securities issued by us as described in this prospectus in any combination. Each unit will be issued so that the holder of the unit is also the holder of each security included in the unit.

Reverse Stock Split

In February 2021, the board of directors approved a reverse stock split ratio of 3.5-for-1. The number of authorized shares and par value per common share remained unchanged. The consolidated financial statements of Sunesis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. included in the annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 and the financial statements of Viracta Therapeutics, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2020 included in the Current Report on Form 8-K/A dated March 23, 2021 that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus are presented without giving effect to the reverse stock split. Except where the context otherwise requires, share numbers in this prospectus reflect the 3.5-for-1 reverse stock split of our common stock.

Selected Financial Data

The following selected financial data has been derived from our audited financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 24, 2021 and our Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed with the SEC on March 23, 2021. Our historical results are not indicative of the results that may be expected in the future and results of interim periods are not indicative of the results for the entire year.

 

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AS REPORTED (in thousands, except per share amounts):

 

     SNSS     VIRX  
     Year Ended December 31,     Year Ended December 31,  
             2020                     2019                     2020                     2019          

Net loss

   $ (21,610   $ (23,330     (19,017     (13,559

Net loss per share, basic and diluted

   $ (1.53   $ (2.68     (6.55     (5.75

Weighted -average shares outstanding, basic and diluted

     14,093       8,712       2,902       2,356  

Common shares outstanding at year end

     18,108       11,139       8,096       643  

AS ADJUSTED FOR 3.5 FOR 1 REVERSE STOCK SPLIT (unaudited, in thousands, except per share amounts):

 

     SNSS     VIRX  
     Year Ended December 31,     Year Ended December 31,  
             2020                     2019                     2020                     2019          

Net loss

   $ (21,610   $ (23,330     (19,017     (13,559

Net loss per share, basic and diluted

   $ (5.37   $ (9.37     (58.56     (51.42

Weighted -average shares outstanding, basic and diluted

     4,027       2,489       325       264  

Common shares outstanding at year end

     5,174       3,183       906       72  

The as adjusted Viracta net loss per share, basic and diluted, weighted average share outstanding, basic and diluted, and common shares outstanding at year end are presented to reflect the exchange ratio of 0.1119 shares of common stock (taking into account the Reverse Stock Split), under the terms of the Merger Agreement.

 

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SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This prospectus and the information incorporated by reference contains forward-looking statements that are based on our management’s beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available. This section should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and related notes for the year ended December 31, 2020 included in our Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed with the SEC on March 23, 2021 and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2021, and similar financial statements included in our subsequent reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q. The statements contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as “believe,” “anticipate,” “may,” “might,” “can,” “could,” “continue,” “depends,” “expect,” “expand,” “forecast,” “intend,” “predict,” “plan,” “rely,” “should,” “will,” “may,” “seek,” or the negative of these terms and other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. You should read these statements carefully because they discuss future expectations, contain projections of future results of operations or financial condition, or state other “forward-looking” information. These statements relate to our future plans, objectives, expectations, intentions and financial performance and the assumptions that underlie these statements.

These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, including, but not limited to, those described in “Risk Factors.” These forward-looking statements reflect our beliefs and views with respect to future events and are based on estimates and assumptions as of the date of this prospectus and are subject to risks and uncertainties. We discuss many of these risks in greater detail in the section entitled “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this prospectus, including the information incorporated by reference. Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. We qualify all of the forward-looking statements in this prospectus by these cautionary statements. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements publicly, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

In addition, statements that “we believe” and similar statements reflect our beliefs and opinions on the relevant subject. These statements are based upon information available to us as of the date of this prospectus, and although we believe such information forms a reasonable basis for such statements, such information may be limited or incomplete, and our statements should not be read to indicate that we have conducted a thorough inquiry into, or review of, all potentially available relevant information. These statements are inherently uncertain and investors are cautioned not to unduly rely upon these statements.

Other unknown or unpredictable factors also could harm our results. Consequently, actual results or developments anticipated by us may not be realized or, even if substantially realized, may not have the expected consequences to, or effects on, us. Given these uncertainties, prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this prospectus.

This prospectus and the information incorporated by reference also contains estimates, projections and other information concerning our industry, our business, and the markets for certain diseases, including data regarding the estimated size of those markets. Information that is based on estimates, forecasts, projections, market research or similar methodologies is inherently subject to uncertainties and actual events or circumstances may differ materially from events and circumstances reflected in this information. Unless otherwise expressly stated, we obtained this industry, business, market, and other data from reports, research surveys, studies, and similar data prepared by market research firms and other third parties, industry, medical and general publications, government data, and similar sources.

 

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USE OF PROCEEDS

Unless we state otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, we expect to use the net proceeds that we will receive from the sale of the securities for general corporate purposes, including working capital, capital expenditures, and continued research and development with respect to products and technologies. We may also use a portion of the net proceeds to fund possible investments in or acquisitions of complementary businesses, products, or technologies. As of the date of this prospectus, we have no agreements or commitments to complete any such transaction. Pending these uses, we may invest our net proceeds from this offering primarily in investment grade short- to intermediate-term corporate debt securities, commercial paper, government sponsored securities, U.S. treasury securities and foreign government bonds.

The specific allocations of the proceeds we receive from the sale of our securities will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

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DIVIDEND POLICY

We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on shares of our common stock. We anticipate that we will retain all of our future earnings to advance the development of expansion of our business, and do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on shares of our common stock in the foreseeable future. Any future determination to declare cash dividends on shares of our common stock will be made at the discretion of our board of directors, subject to applicable law and contractual restrictions and will depend on its financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements, general business conditions and other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF OUR CAPITAL STOCK

The following is a summary of the material provisions of the common stock and the preferred stock contained in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and bylaws. For more detailed definition, please refer to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and bylaws, each as amended, which are included as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is part.

General

Our authorized capital stock consists of 410,000,000 shares, all with a par value of $0.0001 per share, of which:

 

   

400,000,000 shares are designated as common stock; and

 

   

10,000,000 shares are designated as preferred stock.

As of May 26, 2021 we had outstanding 37,092,672 shares of common stock held of record by 82 stockholders. As of May 26, 2021 we had outstanding 10,248 shares of preferred stock held of record by 2 stockholders.

In addition, as of May 26, 2021, 4,455,222 shares of our common stock were subject to outstanding awards under our equity incentive plans, of which 3,603,036 shares of common stock were issuable upon exercise of options outstanding as of May 26, 2021, at a weighted average exercise price of $7.79 per share, and 852,186 shares of common stock were issuable upon the vesting of restricted stock units outstanding as of May 26, 2021.

Common Stock

The holders of common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters submitted to a vote of the stockholders and do not have cumulative voting rights with respect to the election of directors. Generally, all matters to be voted on by stockholders must be approved by the holders of a majority of the common stock and preferred stock (voting together as a single class on an as-if converted basis), or, in the case of the election of directors, a plurality, represented at a meeting at which a quorum is present. Subject to preferences that may be applicable to the outstanding shares of preferred stock, the holders of common stock are entitled to receive ratably such dividends as may be declared by the board of directors out of funds legally available therefor. Upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Viracta, holders of Viracta common stock are entitled to share ratably in all assets legally available for distribution to Viracta stockholders remaining after payment of liabilities and the liquidation preferences of outstanding shares of preferred stock. Holders of Viracta common stock have no preemptive rights and no right to convert their Viracta common stock into any other securities. There are no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to Viracta common stock.

Preferred Stock

Pursuant to our certificate of incorporation, as amended, our board of directors has the authority, without further action by the stockholders, to issue from time to time up to 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock in one or more series. Upon issuance, we can determine the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions thereof. These rights, preferences and privileges could include dividend rights, conversion rights, voting rights, terms of redemption, liquidation preferences, sinking fund terms and the number of shares constituting any series or the designation of such series, any or all of which may be greater than the rights of common stock. The issuance of preferred stock could have the effect of restricting dividends on the common stock, diluting the voting power of the common stock, impairing the liquidation rights of the common stock or delaying, deterring or preventing a change in control. Such issuance could have the effect of decreasing the market price of the common stock. We currently have no plans to issue any new shares of preferred stock.

As of May 26, 2021, 1,915 and 8,333 shares of Series E Stock and Series F Stock remain outstanding, respectively. The Series E Stock and Series F Stock are non-voting Series E and Series F Convertible Preferred

 

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Stock at a price of $500 and $600 per share, respectively. Each share of non-voting Series E Stock and Series F Stock is convertible into 100 shares of common stock, provided that conversion will be prohibited if, as a result, the holder and its affiliates would own more than 9.98% of the total number of shares of common stock then outstanding. In the event of the Company’s liquidation, dissolution, or winding up, holders of Series E and Series F Stock will receive a payment equal to $0.0001 per share of Series E and Series F Stock before any proceeds are distributed to the holders of common stock. Shares of Series E and Series F Stock will generally have no voting rights, except as required by law and except that the consent of holders of a majority of the outstanding Series E Stock will be required to amend the terms of the Series E and Series F Stock. Shares of the Series E and Series F Stock will not be entitled to receive any dividends, unless and until specifically declared by the Company’s board of directors, and will rank:

 

   

senior to all of the Company’s Common Stock;

 

   

senior to any class or series of the Company’s capital stock hereafter created specifically ranking by its terms junior to the Series E and Series F Stock;

 

   

on parity with any class or series of the Company’s capital stock hereafter created specifically ranking by its terms on parity with the Series E and Series F Stock; and

 

   

junior to any class or series of the Company’s capital stock hereafter created specifically ranking by its terms senior to the Series E and Series F Stock; in each case, as to distributions of assets upon the Company’s liquidation, dissolution or winding up whether voluntarily or involuntarily.

For a complete description of the terms and provisions of our preferred stock, refer to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws, both of which are filed as exhibits hereto.

Anti-Takeover Effects of Delaware Law and our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws

The provisions of Delaware law, our certificate of incorporation and our bylaws contain provisions that could have the effect of delaying, deferring or discouraging another person from acquiring control of our company. These provisions and certain provisions of Delaware law, which are summarized below, may have the effect of discouraging takeover bids, coercive or otherwise, and may also inhibit temporary fluctuations in the market price of our common stock that often result from actual or rumored hostile takeover attempts. They are also designed, in part, to encourage persons seeking to acquire control of us to negotiate first with our board of directors. We believe that the benefits of increased protection of our potential ability to negotiate with an unfriendly or unsolicited acquirer outweigh the disadvantages of discouraging a proposal to acquire us because negotiation of these proposals could result in an improvement of their terms. These provisions could also have the effect of preventing changes in our management. It is also possible that these provisions could make it more difficult to accomplish transactions that stockholders might otherwise deem to be in their best interests.

Issuance of Undesignated Preferred Stock. As discussed above under “-Preferred Stock,” our board of directors has the ability to designate and issue preferred stock with voting or other rights or preferences that could deter hostile takeovers or delay changes in our control or management.

Limits on Ability of Stockholders to Act by Written Consent or Call a Special Meeting. Our certificate of incorporation provides that our stockholders may not act by written consent. This limit on the ability of stockholders to act by written consent may lengthen the amount of time required to take stockholder actions. As a result, the holders of a majority of our capital stock would not be able to amend the bylaws or remove directors without holding a meeting of stockholders called in accordance with the bylaws. In addition, our bylaws provide that special meetings of the stockholders may be called only by the chairperson of the board, our chief executive officer or president (in the absence of a chief executive officer) or a majority of our board of directors. A stockholder may not call a special meeting, which may delay the ability of our stockholders to force consideration of a proposal or for holders controlling a majority of our capital stock to take any action, including the removal of directors.

 

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Advance Requirements for Advance Notification of Stockholder Nominations and Proposals. Our bylaws establish advance notice procedures with respect to stockholder proposals and the nomination of candidates for election as directors, other than nominations made by or at the direction of our board of directors or a committee of the board of directors. These advance notice procedures may have the effect of precluding the conduct of certain business at a meeting if the proper procedures are not followed and may also discourage or deter a potential acquirer from conducting a solicitation of proxies to elect its own slate of directors or otherwise attempt to obtain control of our company.

Board Classification. Our certificate of incorporation provides that our board of directors are divided into three classes, one class of which is elected each year by our stockholders. The directors in each class will serve for a three-year term. Our classified board of directors may tend to discourage a third party from making a tender offer or otherwise attempting to obtain control of us because it generally makes it more difficult for stockholders to replace a majority of the directors.

Election and Removal of Directors. Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws contain provisions that establish specific procedures for appointing and removing members of our board of directors. Under our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, vacancies and newly created directorships on our board of directors may be filled only by a majority of the directors then serving on the board of directors. Under our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, directors may be removed only for cause by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares then entitled to vote at an election of directors.

No Cumulative Voting. The Delaware General Corporation Law provides that stockholders are not entitled to the right to cumulate votes in the election of directors unless our certificate of incorporation provides otherwise. Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws do not expressly provide for cumulative voting. Without cumulative voting, a minority stockholder may not be able to gain as many seats on our board of directors as the stockholder would be able to gain if cumulative voting were permitted. The absence of cumulative voting makes it more difficult for a minority stockholder to gain a seat on our board of directors to influence our board of directors’ decision regarding a takeover.

Amendment of Charter Provision. Any amendment of the above provisions in our certificate of incorporation would require approval by holders of at least 66 2/3% of our then outstanding capital stock entitled to vote, voting together as a single class.

Choice of Forum. Our bylaws provides that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware will be the exclusive forum for: (i) any derivative claim or cause of action brought on behalf of the corporation; (ii) any claim or cause of action for breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any current or former director, officer or other employee of the corporation, to the corporation or the corporation’s stockholders; (iii) any claim or cause of action against the corporation or any current or former director, officer or other employee of the corporation, arising out of or pursuant to any provision of the DGCL, these bylaws (as may be amended from time to time); (iv) any claim or cause of action seeking to interpret, apply, enforce or determine the validity of these bylaws (as may be amended from time to time, including any right, obligation, or remedy thereunder); (v) any claim or cause of action as to which the DGCL confers jurisdiction on the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware; and (vi) any claim or cause of action against the corporation or any current or former director, officer or other employee of the corporation, governed by the internal-affairs doctrine or otherwise related to the corporation’s internal affairs. This provision would not apply to claims or causes of action brought to enforce a duty or liability created by the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any other claim for which the federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction. Our bylaws further provides that the federal district courts of the United States will be the exclusive forum for resolving any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act. The enforceability of similar exclusive federal forum provisions in other companies’ organizational documents has been challenged in legal proceedings, and while the Delaware Supreme Court has ruled that this type of exclusive federal forum provision is facially valid under Delaware law, there is uncertainty as to whether other courts would enforce such provisions and that investors cannot waive compliance with the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder.

 

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Delaware Anti-Takeover Statute. We are subject to the provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law regulating corporate takeovers. In general, Section 203 prohibits a publicly held Delaware corporation from engaging, under certain circumstances, in a business combination with an interested stockholder for a period of three years following the date the person became an interested stockholder unless:

 

   

prior to the date of the transaction, our board of directors approved either the business combination or the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder;

 

   

upon completion of the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the time the transaction commenced, excluding for purposes of determining the voting stock outstanding, but not the outstanding voting stock owned by the interested stockholder, (1) shares owned by persons who are directors and also officers and (2) shares owned by employee stock plans in which employee participants do not have the right to determine confidentially whether shares held subject to the plan will be tendered in a tender or exchange offer; or

 

   

at or subsequent to the date of the transaction, the business combination is approved by our board of directors and authorized at an annual or special meeting of stockholders, and not by written consent, by the affirmative vote of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding voting stock that is not owned by the interested stockholder.

Generally, a business combination includes a merger, asset or stock sale, or other transaction resulting in a financial benefit to the interested stockholder. An interested stockholder is a person who, together with affiliates and associates, owns or, within three years prior to the determination of interested stockholder status, did own 15% or more of a corporation’s outstanding voting stock. We expect the existence of this provision to have an anti-takeover effect with respect to transactions our board of directors does not approve in advance. We also anticipate that Section 203 may discourage attempts that might result in a premium over the market price for the shares of common stock held by stockholders.

Transfer Agent and Registrar

The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC. The transfer agent’s address is 6201 15th Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11219, and its telephone number is (800) 937 5449. Our shares of common stock are issued in uncertificated form only, subject to limited circumstances.

Market Listing

Our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “VIRX.”

 

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DESCRIPTION OF THE DEBT SECURITIES

The following description, together with the additional information we include in any applicable prospectus supplement, summarizes certain general terms and provisions of the debt securities that we may offer under this prospectus. When we offer to sell a particular series of debt securities, we will describe the specific terms of the series in a supplement to this prospectus. We will also indicate in the supplement to what extent the general terms and provisions described in this prospectus apply to a particular series of debt securities.

We may issue debt securities either separately, or together with, or upon the conversion or exercise of or in exchange for, other securities described in this prospectus. Debt securities may be senior, senior subordinated or subordinated obligations and, unless otherwise specified in a supplement to this prospectus, the debt securities will be our direct, unsecured obligations and may be issued in one or more series.

The debt securities will be issued under an indenture between us and a trustee to be named in a prospectus supplement. We have summarized select portions of the indenture below. The summary is not complete. The form of the indenture has been filed as an exhibit to the registration statement, and you should read the indenture for provisions that may be important to you. Capitalized terms used in the summary and not defined herein have the meanings specified in the indenture.

General

The terms of each series of debt securities will be established by or pursuant to a resolution of our board of directors and set forth or determined in the manner provided in a resolution of our board of directors, in an officer’s certificate or by a supplemental indenture. The particular terms of each series of debt securities will be described in a prospectus supplement relating to such series (including any pricing supplement or term sheet).

We can issue an unlimited amount of debt securities under the indenture that may be in one or more series with the same or various maturities, at par, at a premium, or at a discount. We will set forth in a prospectus supplement (including any pricing supplement or term sheet) relating to any series of debt securities being offered, the aggregate principal amount and the following terms of the debt securities, if applicable:

 

   

the title and ranking of the debt securities (including the terms of any subordination provisions);

 

   

the price or prices (expressed as a percentage of the principal amount) at which we will sell the debt securities;

 

   

any limit on the aggregate principal amount of the debt securities;

 

   

the date or dates on which the principal of the debt securities of the series is payable;

 

   

the rate or rates, which may be fixed or variable, per annum or the method used to determine the rate or rates (including any commodity, commodity index, stock exchange index or financial index) at which the debt securities will bear interest, the date or dates from which interest will accrue, the date or dates on which interest will commence and be payable and any regular record date for the interest payable on any interest payment date;

 

   

the place or places where principal of, and interest, if any, on the debt securities will be payable (and the method of such payment), where the securities of such series may be surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange, and where notices and demands to us in respect of the debt securities may be delivered;

 

   

the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which and the terms and conditions upon which we may redeem the debt securities;

 

   

any obligation we have to redeem or purchase the debt securities pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous provisions or at the option of a holder of debt securities and the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which and in the terms and conditions upon which securities of the series shall be redeemed or purchased, in whole or in part, pursuant to such obligation;

 

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the dates on which and the price or prices at which we will repurchase debt securities at the option of the holders of debt securities and other detailed terms and provisions of these repurchase obligations;

 

   

the denominations in which the debt securities will be issued, if other than denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof;

 

   

whether the debt securities will be issued in the form of certificated debt securities or global debt securities;

 

   

the portion of principal amount of the debt securities payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity date, if other than the principal amount;

 

   

the currency of denomination of the debt securities, which may be United States Dollars or any foreign currency, and if such currency of denomination is a composite currency, the agency or organization, if any, responsible for overseeing such composite currency;

 

   

the designation of the currency, currencies or currency units in which payment of principal of, premium and interest on the debt securities will be made;

 

   

if payments of principal of, premium or interest on the debt securities will be made in one or more currencies or currency units other than that or those in which the debt securities are denominated, the manner in which the exchange rate with respect to these payments will be determined;

 

   

the manner in which the amounts of payment of principal of, premium, if any, or interest on the debt securities will be determined, if these amounts may be determined by reference to an index based on a currency or currencies or by reference to a commodity, commodity index, stock exchange index or financial index;

 

   

any provisions relating to any security provided for the debt securities;

 

   

any addition to, deletion of or change in the Events of Default described in this prospectus or in the indenture with respect to the debt securities and any change in the acceleration provisions described in this prospectus or in the indenture with respect to the debt securities;

 

   

any addition to, deletion of or change in the covenants described in this prospectus or in the indenture with respect to the debt securities;

 

   

any depositaries, interest rate calculation agents, exchange rate calculation agents or other agents with respect to the debt securities;

 

   

the provisions, if any, relating to conversion or exchange of any debt securities of such series, including if applicable, the conversion or exchange price and period, provisions as to whether conversion or exchange will be mandatory, the events requiring an adjustment of the conversion or exchange price and provisions affecting conversion or exchange;

 

   

any other terms of the debt securities, which may supplement, modify or delete any provision of the indenture as it applies to that series, including any terms that may be required under applicable law or regulations or advisable in connection with the marketing of the securities; and

 

   

whether any of our direct or indirect subsidiaries will guarantee the debt securities of that series, including the terms of subordination, if any, of such guarantees.

We may issue debt securities that provide for an amount less than their stated principal amount to be due and payable upon declaration of acceleration of their maturity pursuant to the terms of the indenture. We will provide you with information on the federal income tax considerations and other special considerations applicable to any of these debt securities in the applicable prospectus supplement.

If we denominate the purchase price of any of the debt securities in a foreign currency or currencies or a foreign currency unit or units, or if the principal of and any premium and interest on any series of debt securities is

 

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payable in a foreign currency or currencies or a foreign currency unit or units, we will provide you with information on the restrictions, elections, general tax considerations, specific terms and other information with respect to that issue of debt securities and such foreign currency or currencies or foreign currency unit or units in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Transfer and Exchange

Each debt security will be represented by either one or more global securities registered in the name of a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act (the “Depositary”) or a nominee of the Depositary (we will refer to any debt security represented by a global debt security as a “book-entry debt security”), or a certificate issued in definitive registered form (we will refer to any debt security represented by a certificated security as a “certificated debt security”) as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. Except as set forth under the heading “Global Debt Securities and Book-Entry System” below, book-entry debt securities will not be issuable in certificated form.

Certificated Debt Securities. You may transfer or exchange certificated debt securities at any office we maintain for this purpose in accordance with the terms of the indenture. No service charge will be made for any transfer or exchange of certificated debt securities, but we may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection with a transfer or exchange.

You may effect the transfer of certificated debt securities and the right to receive the principal of, premium and interest on certificated debt securities only by surrendering the certificate representing those certificated debt securities and either reissuance by us or the trustee of the certificate to the new holder or the issuance by us or the trustee of a new certificate to the new holder.

Global Debt Securities and Book-Entry System. Each global debt security representing book-entry debt securities will be deposited with, or on behalf of, the Depositary, and registered in the name of the Depositary or a nominee of the Depositary.

Covenants

We will set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement any restrictive covenants applicable to any issue of debt securities.

No Protection in the Event of a Change of Control

Unless we state otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, the debt securities will not contain any provisions which may afford holders of the debt securities protection in the event we have a change in control or in the event of a highly leveraged transaction (whether or not such transaction results in a change in control) which could adversely affect holders of debt securities.

Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets

We may not consolidate with or merge with or into, or convey, transfer or lease all or substantially all of our properties and assets to any person (a “successor person”) unless:

 

   

we are the surviving corporation or the successor person (if other than us) is a corporation organized and validly existing under the laws of any U.S. domestic jurisdiction and expressly assumes our obligations on the debt securities and under the indenture; and

 

   

immediately after giving effect to the transaction, no Default or Event of Default, shall have occurred and be continuing.

 

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Notwithstanding the above, any of our subsidiaries may consolidate with, merge into or transfer all or part of its properties to us.

Events of Default

“Event of Default” means with respect to any series of debt securities, any of the following:

 

   

default in the payment of any interest upon any debt security of that series when it becomes due and payable, and continuance of such default for a period of 30 days (unless the entire amount of the payment is deposited by us with the trustee or with a paying agent prior to the expiration of the 30-day period);

 

   

default in the payment of principal of any security of that series at its maturity;

 

   

default in the performance or breach of any other covenant or warranty by us in the indenture (other than a covenant or warranty that has been included in the indenture solely for the benefit of a series of debt securities other than that series), which default continues uncured for a period of 60 days after we receive written notice from the trustee, or we and the trustee receive written notice from the holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series as provided in the indenture;

 

   

certain voluntary or involuntary events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of us; and

 

   

any other Event of Default provided with respect to debt securities of that series that is described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

No Event of Default with respect to a particular series of debt securities (except as to certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization) necessarily constitutes an Event of Default with respect to any other series of debt securities. The occurrence of certain Events of Default or an acceleration under the indenture may constitute an Event of Default under certain indebtedness of ours or our subsidiaries that could be outstanding from time to time.

We will provide the trustee written notice of any Default or Event of Default within 30 days of becoming aware of the occurrence of such Default or Event of Default, which notice will describe in reasonable detail the status of such Default or Event of Default and what action we are taking or propose to take in respect thereof.

If an Event of Default with respect to debt securities of any series at the time outstanding occurs and is continuing, then the trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series may, by a notice in writing to us (and to the trustee if given by the holders), declare to be due and payable immediately the principal of (or, if the debt securities of that series are discount securities, that portion of the principal amount as may be specified in the terms of that series) and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on all debt securities of that series. In the case of an Event of Default resulting from certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization, the principal (or such specified amount) of and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on all outstanding debt securities will become and be immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act on the part of the trustee or any holder of outstanding debt securities. At any time after a declaration of acceleration with respect to debt securities of any series has been made, but before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained by the trustee, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series may rescind and annul the acceleration if all Events of Default, other than the non-payment of accelerated principal and interest, if any, with respect to debt securities of that series, have been cured or waived as provided in the indenture. We refer you to the prospectus supplement relating to any series of debt securities that are discount securities for the particular provisions relating to acceleration of a portion of the principal amount of such discount securities upon the occurrence of an Event of Default.

The indenture provides that the trustee may refuse to perform any duty or exercise any of its rights or powers under the indenture unless the trustee receives indemnity satisfactory to it against any cost, liability or expense

 

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which might be incurred by it in performing such duty or exercising such right or power. Subject to certain rights of the trustee, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the trustee with respect to the debt securities of that series.

No holder of any debt security of any series will have any right to institute any proceeding, judicial or otherwise, with respect to the indenture or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee, or for any remedy under the indenture, unless:

 

   

that holder has previously given to the trustee written notice of a continuing Event of Default with respect to debt securities of that series; and

 

   

the holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series have made written request, and offered indemnity or security satisfactory to the trustee to institute the proceeding as trustee, and the trustee has not received from the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series a direction inconsistent with that request and has failed to institute the proceeding within 60 days.

Notwithstanding any other provision in the indenture, the holder of any debt security will have an absolute and unconditional right to receive payment of the principal of, premium and any interest on that debt security on or after the due dates expressed in that debt security and to institute suit for the enforcement of payment.

The indenture requires us, within 120 days after the end of our fiscal year, to furnish to the trustee a statement as to compliance with the indenture. If a Default or Event of Default occurs and is continuing with respect to the securities of any series and if it is known to a responsible officer of the trustee, the trustee shall send to each holder of the securities of that series notice of a Default or Event of Default within 90 days after it occurs or, if later, after a responsible officer of the trustee has knowledge of such Default or Event of Default. The indenture provides that the trustee may withhold notice to the holders of debt securities of any series of any Default or Event of Default (except in payment on any debt securities of that series) with respect to debt securities of that series if the trustee determines in good faith that withholding notice is in the interest of the holders of those debt securities.

Modification and Waiver

We and the trustee may modify, amend or supplement the indenture or the debt securities of any series without the consent of any holder of any debt security:

 

   

to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency;

 

   

to comply with covenants in the indenture described above under the heading “Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets;”

 

   

to provide for uncertificated securities in addition to or in place of certificated securities;

 

   

to add guarantees with respect to debt securities of any series or secure debt securities of any series;

 

   

to surrender any of our rights or powers under the indenture;

 

   

to add covenants or events of default for the benefit of the holders of debt securities of any series;

 

   

to comply with the applicable procedures of the applicable depositary;

 

   

to make any change that does not adversely affect the rights of any holder of debt securities;

 

   

to provide for the issuance of and establish the form and terms and conditions of debt securities of any series as permitted by the indenture;

 

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to effect the appointment of a successor trustee with respect to the debt securities of any series and to add to or change any of the provisions of the indenture to provide for or facilitate administration by more than one trustee; or

 

   

to comply with requirements of the SEC in order to effect or maintain the qualification of the indenture under the Trust Indenture Act.

We may also modify and amend the indenture with the consent of the holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of each series affected by the modifications or amendments. We may not make any modification or amendment without the consent of the holders of each affected debt security then outstanding if that amendment will:

 

   

reduce the amount of debt securities whose holders must consent to an amendment, supplement or waiver;

 

   

reduce the rate of or extend the time for payment of interest (including default interest) on any debt security;

 

   

reduce the principal of or premium on or change the fixed maturity of any debt security or reduce the amount of, or postpone the date fixed for, the payment of any sinking fund or analogous obligation with respect to any series of debt securities;

 

   

reduce the principal amount of discount securities payable upon acceleration of maturity;

 

   

waive a default in the payment of the principal of, premium or interest on any debt security (except a rescission of acceleration of the debt securities of any series by the holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding debt securities of that series and a waiver of the payment default that resulted from such acceleration);

 

   

make the principal of or premium or interest on any debt security payable in currency other than that stated in the debt security;

 

   

make any change to certain provisions of the indenture relating to, among other things, the right of holders of debt securities to receive payment of the principal of, premium and interest on those debt securities and to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment and to waivers or amendments; or

 

   

waive a redemption payment with respect to any debt security.

Except for certain specified provisions, the holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may on behalf of the holders of all debt securities of that series waive our compliance with provisions of the indenture. The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may on behalf of the holders of all the debt securities of such series waive any past default under the indenture with respect to that series and its consequences, except a default in the payment of the principal of, premium or any interest on any debt security of that series; provided, however, that the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may rescind an acceleration and its consequences, including any related payment default that resulted from the acceleration.

Defeasance of Debt Securities and Certain Covenants in Certain Circumstances

Legal Defeasance. The indenture provides that, unless otherwise provided by the terms of the applicable series of debt securities, we may be discharged from any and all obligations in respect of the debt securities of any series (subject to certain exceptions). We will be so discharged upon the irrevocable deposit with the trustee, in trust, of money and/or U.S. government obligations or, in the case of debt securities denominated in a single currency other than U.S. Dollars, government obligations of the government that issued or caused to be issued such currency, that, through the payment of interest and principal in accordance with their terms, will provide money

 

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or U.S. government obligations in an amount sufficient in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants or investment bank to pay and discharge each installment of principal, premium and interest on and any mandatory sinking fund payments in respect of the debt securities of that series on the stated maturity of those payments in accordance with the terms of the indenture and those debt securities.

This discharge may occur only if, among other things, we have delivered to the trustee an opinion of counsel stating that we have received from, or there has been published by, the United States Internal Revenue Service a ruling or, since the date of execution of the indenture, there has been a change in the applicable United States federal income tax law, in either case to the effect that, and based thereon such opinion shall confirm that, the holders of the debt securities of that series will not recognize income, gain or loss for United States federal income tax purposes as a result of the deposit, defeasance and discharge and will be subject to United States federal income tax on the same amounts and in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if the deposit, defeasance and discharge had not occurred.

Defeasance of Certain Covenants. The indenture provides that, unless otherwise provided by the terms of the applicable series of debt securities, upon compliance with certain conditions:

 

   

we may omit to comply with the covenant described under the heading “Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets” and certain other covenants set forth in the indenture, as well as any additional covenants which may be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement; and

 

   

any omission to comply with those covenants will not constitute a Default or an Event of Default with respect to the debt securities of that series (“covenant defeasance”).

The conditions include:

 

   

depositing with the trustee money and/or U.S. government obligations or, in the case of debt securities denominated in a single currency other than U.S. Dollars, government obligations of the government that issued or caused to be issued such currency, that, through the payment of interest and principal in accordance with their terms, will provide money in an amount sufficient in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants or investment bank to pay and discharge each installment of principal of, premium and interest on and any mandatory sinking fund payments in respect of the debt securities of that series on the stated maturity of those payments in accordance with the terms of the indenture and those debt securities;

 

   

such deposit will not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under the indenture or any other agreement to which we are a party;

 

   

no default or event of default with respect to the applicable series of debt securities shall have occurred or is continuing on the date of such deposit; and

 

   

delivering to the trustee an opinion of counsel to the effect that we have received from, or there has been published by, the United States Internal Revenue Service a ruling or, since the date of execution of the indenture, there has been a change in the applicable United States federal income tax law, in either case to the effect that, and based thereon such opinion shall confirm that, the holders of the debt securities of that series will not recognize income, gain or loss for United States federal income tax purposes as a result of the deposit and related covenant defeasance and will be subject to United States federal income tax on the same amounts and in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if the deposit and related covenant defeasance had not occurred.

No Personal Liability of Directors, Officers, Employees or Stockholders

None of our past, present or future directors, officers, employees or stockholders, as such, will have any liability for any of our obligations under the debt securities or the indenture or for any claim based on, or in respect or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. By accepting a debt security, each holder waives and releases all

 

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such liability. This waiver and release is part of the consideration for the issue of the debt securities. However, this waiver and release may not be effective to waive liabilities under U.S. federal securities laws, and it is the view of the SEC that such a waiver is against public policy.

Governing Law

The indenture and the debt securities, including any claim or controversy arising out of or relating to the indenture or the securities, will be governed by the laws of the State of New York.

The indenture will provide that we, the trustee and the holders of the debt securities (by their acceptance of the debt securities) irrevocably waive, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any and all right to trial by jury in any legal proceeding arising out of or relating to the indenture, the debt securities or the transactions contemplated thereby.

The indenture will provide that any legal suit, action or proceeding arising out of or based upon the indenture or the transactions contemplated thereby may be instituted in the federal courts of the United States of America located in the City of New York or the courts of the State of New York in each case located in the City of New York, and we, the trustee and the holder of the debt securities (by their acceptance of the debt securities) irrevocably submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of such courts in any such suit, action or proceeding. The indenture will further provide that service of any process, summons, notice or document by mail (to the extent allowed under any applicable statute or rule of court) to such party’s address set forth in the indenture will be effective service of process for any suit, action or other proceeding brought in any such court. The indenture will further provide that we, the trustee and the holders of the debt securities (by their acceptance of the debt securities) irrevocably and unconditionally waive any objection to the laying of venue of any suit, action or other proceeding in the courts specified above and irrevocably and unconditionally waive and agree not to plead or claim any such suit, action or other proceeding has been brought in an inconvenient forum.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS

The following description, together with the additional information we include in any applicable prospectus supplement or in any free writing prospectuses we have authorized for use in connection with a specific offering, summarizes some of the terms and other provisions of the warrants to purchase our common stock and/or preferred stock that we may offer under this prospectus. We may issue warrants in one or more series independently or together with other securities. Each warrant will entitle the holder to purchase for cash a number of shares of our common stock and/or preferred stock at the exercise price as will in each case be described in, or can be determined from, the applicable prospectus supplement relating to the offered warrants. We will issue warrants under one or more warrant agreements between us and a warrant agent that we will name in the prospectus supplement.

This summary description of some of the terms and other provisions of the warrants that may be offered under this prospectus is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the form of warrant and/or the warrant agreement and warrant certificate and any supplemental agreements applicable to a particular series of warrants that we may offer under this prospectus. We will file with the SEC the form of warrant and/or the warrant agreement and warrant certificate, as applicable, that contain the terms of the particular series of warrants we are offering, and any supplemental agreements, before the issuance of such warrants. The following summary description of some of the terms and other provisions of the warrants are subject to, and qualified in their entirety by reference to, all the provisions of the form of warrant and/or the warrant agreement and warrant certificate, as applicable, and any supplemental agreements applicable to a particular series of warrants that we may offer under this prospectus.

While the terms we have summarized below will apply generally to any warrants that we may offer under this prospectus, we will describe the particular terms of any series of offered warrants in more detail in the applicable prospectus supplement. The following description of warrants will apply to the warrants offered under this prospectus unless we provide otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement. The applicable prospectus supplement for a particular series of warrants may specify different or additional terms.

We urge you to read the applicable prospectus supplement related to the particular series of warrants that we may offer under this prospectus, as well as any related free writing prospectuses, and the complete form of warrant and/or the warrant agreement and warrant certificate, as applicable, and any supplemental agreements, that contain the terms of the warrants.

The applicable prospectus supplement relating to a series of warrants offered under this prospectus will describe the following terms, where applicable, of such offered warrants:

 

   

the offering price and aggregate number of warrants offered;

 

   

the currency for which the warrants may be purchased;

 

   

if applicable, the designation and terms of the securities with which the warrants are issued and the number of warrants issued with each such security or each principal amount of such security;

 

   

the number of shares of common stock or preferred stock, as the case may be, purchasable upon the exercise of one warrant and the price at which these shares may be purchased upon such exercise;

 

   

the effect of any merger, consolidation, sale or other disposition of our business on the warrant agreements and the warrants;

 

   

the terms of any rights to redeem or call the warrants;

 

   

the terms of any right of ours to accelerate the exercisability of the warrants;

 

   

any provisions for changes to or adjustments in the exercise price or number of securities issuable upon exercise of the warrants;

 

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the dates on which the right to exercise the warrants will commence and expire;

 

   

the manner in which the warrant agreements and warrants may be modified;

 

   

where the warrant certificates may be transferred and exchanged;

 

   

the date, if any, on and after which the warrants and the related shares of common stock or other securities will be separately transferable;

 

   

the terms of the securities issuable upon exercise of the warrants; and

 

   

any other specific terms, preferences, rights or limitations of or restrictions on the warrants.

The applicable prospectus supplement relating to a series of warrants offered under this prospectus may also include, if applicable, a discussion of certain U.S. federal income tax and ERISA considerations.

Each warrant will entitle the holder to purchase common stock and/or preferred stock as specified in the applicable prospectus supplement and warrant agreement at the exercise price set forth in, or calculable as set forth in, the applicable prospectus supplement and warrant agreement. The warrants may be exercised as set forth in the prospectus supplement and warrant agreement. Warrants will be exercisable for U.S. dollars only. Unless we otherwise specify in the applicable prospectus supplement and warrant agreement, warrants may be exercised at any time up to the close of business on the expiration date set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement and warrant agreement. We will specify the place or places where, and the manner in which, warrants may be exercised in the applicable prospectus supplement and warrant agreement. After the close of business on the expiration date, unexercised warrants will become void.

Upon receipt of payment and the warrant or warrant certificate, as applicable, properly completed and duly executed at the corporate trust office of the warrant agent, if any, or any other office, including ours, indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will, as soon as practicable, issue and deliver the common stock and/or preferred stock purchasable upon such exercise. If less than all of the warrants (or the warrants represented by such warrant certificate) are exercised, a new warrant or a new warrant certificate, as applicable, will be issued for the remaining warrants.

Prior to the exercise of any warrants to purchase common stock and/or preferred stock, holders of the warrants will not have any of the rights of holders of the common stock or preferred stock purchasable upon exercise, including, the right to vote or to receive any payments of dividends on the common stock or preferred stock purchasable upon exercise.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF PURCHASE RIGHTS

We may issue rights to purchase our securities. The rights may or may not be transferable by the persons purchasing or receiving the rights. In connection with any rights offering, we may enter into a standby underwriting, standby purchase or other arrangement with one or more underwriters or other persons pursuant to which such underwriters or other persons would purchase any offered securities remaining unsubscribed for after such rights offering. In connection with a rights offering to holders of our common stock a prospectus supplement will be distributed to such holders on or after the record date for receiving rights in the rights offering set by us.

We will file as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, or will incorporate by reference from a current report on Form 8-K that we file with the SEC, forms of the subscription rights, standby underwriting agreement or other agreements, if any. The prospectus supplement relating to any rights that we offer will include specific terms relating to the offering, including, among other matters:

 

   

the date of determining the security holders entitled to the rights distribution;

 

   

the aggregate number of rights issued and the aggregate amount of securities purchasable upon exercise of the rights;

 

   

the exercise price;

 

   

the conditions to completing the rights offering;

 

   

the date on which the right to exercise the rights will commence and the date on which the rights will expire; and

 

   

any applicable federal income tax considerations.

Each right would entitle the holder of the rights to purchase the principal amount of securities at the exercise price set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. Rights may be exercised at any time up to the close of business on the expiration date for the rights provided in the applicable prospectus supplement. After the close of business on the expiration date, all unexercised rights will become void.

Holders may exercise rights as described in the applicable prospectus supplement. Upon receipt of payment and the rights certificate properly completed and duly executed at the corporate trust office of the rights agent, if any, or any other office indicated in the prospectus supplement, we will, as soon as practicable, forward the securities purchasable upon exercise of the rights. If less than all of the rights issued in any rights offering are exercised, we may offer any unsubscribed securities directly to persons other than stockholders, to or through agents, underwriters or dealers or through a combination of such methods, including pursuant to standby underwriting or purchase arrangements, as described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF UNITS

We may issue units comprised of one or more of the other securities described in this prospectus or in any prospectus supplement in any combination. Each unit will be issued so that the holder of the unit is also the holder, with the rights and obligations of a holder, of each security included in the unit. The unit agreement under which a unit is issued may provide that the securities included in the unit may not be held or transferred separately, at any time or at any time before a specified date or upon the occurrence of a specified event or occurrence.

The applicable prospectus supplement relating to units offered under this prospectus will describe the following terms, where applicable, of such units:

 

   

the designation and terms of the units and of the securities comprising the units, including whether and under what circumstances those securities may be held or transferred separately;

 

   

any unit agreement under which the units will be issued;

 

   

any provisions for the issuance, payment, settlement, transfer or exchange of the units or of the securities comprising the units; and

 

   

whether the units will be issued in fully registered or global form.

 

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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

We may sell securities:

 

   

through underwriters;

 

   

through dealers;

 

   

through agents;

 

   

directly to purchasers; or

 

   

through a combination of any of these methods of sale.

In addition, we may issue the securities as a dividend or distribution or in a subscription rights offering to our existing securityholders.

We may directly solicit offers to purchase securities or agents may be designated to solicit such offers. We will, in the prospectus supplement relating to such offering, name any agent that could be viewed as an underwriter under the Securities Act and describe any commissions that we must pay. Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, any such agent will be acting on a best efforts basis for the period of its appointment or on a firm commitment basis. This prospectus may be used in connection with any offering of our securities through any of these methods or other methods described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

The distribution of the securities may be effected from time to time in one or more transactions:

 

   

at a fixed price or prices that may be changed from time to time;

 

   

at market prices prevailing at the time of sale;

 

   

at prices related to such prevailing market prices; or

 

   

at negotiated prices.

Each prospectus supplement will describe the method of distribution of the securities and any applicable restrictions.

The prospectus supplement with respect to the securities of a particular series will describe the terms of the offering of the securities, including the following:

 

   

the name of the agent or any underwriters;

 

   

the public offering or purchase price;

 

   

if applicable, the names of any selling securityholders;

 

   

any discounts and commissions to be allowed or paid to the agent or underwriters;

 

   

all other items constituting underwriting compensation;

 

   

any discounts and commissions to be allowed or paid to dealers; and

 

   

any exchanges on which the securities will be listed.

If any underwriters or agents are utilized in the sale of the securities in respect of which this prospectus is delivered, we will enter into an underwriting agreement or other agreement with them at the time of sale to them, and we will set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to such offering the names of the underwriters or agents and the terms of the related agreement with them.

If a dealer is utilized in the sale of the securities in respect of which the prospectus is delivered, we will sell such securities to the dealer, as principal. The dealer may then resell such securities to the public at varying prices to be determined by such dealer at the time of resale.

 

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Agents, underwriters, dealers and other persons may be entitled under agreements that they may enter into with us to indemnification by us against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.

If so indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will authorize underwriters or other persons acting as our agents to solicit offers by certain institutions to purchase securities from us pursuant to delayed delivery contracts providing for payment and delivery on the date stated in the prospectus supplement. Each contract will be for an amount not less than, and the aggregate amount of securities sold pursuant to such contracts shall not be less nor more than, the respective amounts stated in the prospectus supplement. Institutions with whom the contracts, when authorized, may be made include commercial and savings banks, insurance companies, pension funds, investment companies, educational and charitable institutions and other institutions, but shall in all cases be subject to our approval. Delayed delivery contracts will not be subject to any conditions except that:

 

   

the purchase by an institution of the securities covered under that contract shall not at the time of delivery be prohibited under the laws of the jurisdiction to which that institution is subject; and

 

   

if the securities are also being sold to underwriters acting as principals for their own account, the underwriters shall have purchased such securities not sold for delayed delivery.

The underwriters and other persons acting as agents will not have any responsibility in respect of the validity or performance of delayed delivery contracts.

Certain agents, underwriters and dealers, and their associates and affiliates may be customers of, have borrowing relationships with, engage in other transactions with, and/or perform services, including investment banking services, for us or one or more of our respective affiliates in the ordinary course of business.

In order to facilitate the offering of the securities, any underwriters may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of the securities or any other securities the prices of which may be used to determine payments on such securities. Specifically, any underwriters may over-allot in connection with the offering, creating a short position for their own accounts. In addition, to cover over-allotments or to stabilize the price of the securities or of any such other securities, the underwriters may bid for, and purchase, the securities or any such other securities in the open market. Finally, in any offering of the securities through a syndicate of underwriters, the underwriting syndicate may reclaim selling concessions allowed to an underwriter or a dealer for distributing the securities in the offering if the syndicate repurchases previously distributed securities in transactions to cover syndicate short positions, in stabilization transactions or otherwise. Any of these activities may stabilize or maintain the market price of the securities above independent market levels. Any such underwriters are not required to engage in these activities and may end any of these activities at any time.

We may also engage in at the market offerings into an existing trading market in accordance with Rule 415(a)(4) under the Securities Act.

Under Rule 15c6-1 of the Exchange Act, trades in the secondary market generally are required to settle in two business days, unless the parties to any such trade expressly agree otherwise. The applicable prospectus supplement may provide that the original issue date for your securities may be more than two scheduled business days after the trade date for your securities. Accordingly, in such a case, if you wish to trade securities on any date prior to the third business day before the original issue date for your securities, you will be required, by virtue of the fact that your securities initially are expected to settle in more than three scheduled business days after the trade date for your securities, to make alternative settlement arrangements to prevent a failed settlement.

The securities may be new issues of securities and may have no established trading market. The securities may or may not be listed on a national securities exchange. We can make no assurance as to the liquidity of or the existence of trading markets for any of the securities.

 

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LEGAL MATTERS

Certain legal matters will be passed upon for us by Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, Professional Corporation, San Diego, California. Additional legal matters may be passed on for us, or any underwriters, dealers or agents, by counsel that we will name in the applicable prospectus supplement.

EXPERTS

Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, has audited our consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, as set forth in their report (which contains an explanatory paragraph describing conditions that raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern as described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements), which is incorporated by reference in this prospectus and elsewhere in the registration statement. Our consolidated financial statements are incorporated by reference in reliance on Ernst & Young LLP’s report, given on their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

The financial statements of Viracta Therapeutics, Inc. as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2020, appearing in Viracta Therapeutics, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K/A, dated March 23, 2021, have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their report thereon, included therein, and incorporated herein by reference. Such financial statements are incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such report of Ernst & Young LLP given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

We file annual, quarterly and other reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Our SEC filings are available to the public over the Internet at the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. Our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and Current Reports on Form 8-K, including any amendments to those reports, and other information that we file with or furnish to the SEC pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act can also be accessed free of charge through the Internet. These filings will be available as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC. You may also access these filings through our website at www.viracta.com.

We have filed with the SEC a registration statement under the Securities Act relating to the offering of these securities. The registration statement, including the attached exhibits, contains additional relevant information about us and the securities. This prospectus does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement. You can obtain a copy of the registration statement, at prescribed rates, from the SEC at the address listed above. The registration statement and the documents referred to below under “Incorporation of Certain Information by Reference” are also available on our Internet website, www.viracta.com. We have not incorporated by reference into this prospectus the information on our website, and you should not consider it to be a part of this prospectus.

 

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INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE

The SEC allows us to incorporate by reference into this prospectus certain information we file with it, which means that we can disclose important information by referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be a part of this prospectus, and information that we file later with the SEC will automatically update and supersede information contained in this prospectus. We incorporate by reference the documents listed below that we have previously filed with the SEC (excluding those portions of any Form 8-K that are not deemed “filed” pursuant to the General Instructions of Form 8-K):

 

   

our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, filed with the SEC on February 24, 2021;

 

   

our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2021 filed with the SEC on May 13, 2021;

 

   

our Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February  12, 2021, February  23, 2021, February 24, 2021; March  4, 2021; March  23, 2021 (two filings, one amended from an original filing date of February 24. 2021); April  1, 2021; and May 12, 2021; and

 

   

the description of our capital stock contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Commission on February 24, 2021, and any amendment or report filed for the purpose of updating such description.

This prospectus forms part of a registration statement on Form S-3 that we filed with the SEC. This prospectus does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement and the exhibits to the registration statement or the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein. For further information with respect to us and the securities that we are offering under this prospectus, we refer you to the registration statement and the exhibits and schedules filed as a part of the registration statement and the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein. You should rely only on the information incorporated by reference or provided in this prospectus and registration statement. We have not authorized anyone else to provide you with different information. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein is accurate as of any date other than the respective dates thereof.

All reports and other documents we subsequently file pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act prior to the termination of this offering, including all such documents we may file with the SEC after the date of the initial registration statement and prior to the effectiveness of the registration statement, but excluding any information furnished to, rather than filed with, the SEC, will also be incorporated by reference into this prospectus and deemed to be part of this prospectus from the date of the filing of such reports and documents.

We will provide to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom this prospectus is delivered, upon written or oral request, at no cost to the requester, a copy of any and all of the information that is incorporated by reference in this prospectus.

You may also access the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus through our website at viracta.investorroom.com. Except for the specific incorporated documents listed above, no information available on or through our website shall be deemed to be incorporated in this prospectus or the registration statement of which it forms a part.

 

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The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and we are not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.

 

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED MAY 28, 2021

 

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

 

LOGO

Viracta Therapeutics, Inc.

$50,000,000

Common Stock

 

 

We have entered into an Open Market Sale AgreementSM, or the Sale Agreement, with Jefferies LLC, or Jefferies, dated May 28, 2021, relating to the sale of shares of our common stock offered by this prospectus supplement. In accordance with the terms of the Sale Agreement, under this prospectus supplement we may offer and sell shares of our common stock, $0.001 par value per share, having an aggregate offering price of up to $50,000,000 from time to time through Jefferies, acting as our agent.

Our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “VIRX.” On May 26, 2021, the last reported sale price of our common stock on the Nasdaq Global Market was $11.26 per share.

Sales of our common stock, if any, under this prospectus supplement will be made by any method permitted that is deemed an “at the market offering” as defined in Rule 415(a)(4) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, including sales made directly on or through the Nasdaq Global Market or any other existing trading market for our common stock. Jefferies is not required to sell any specific amount, but will act as our sales agent using commercially reasonable efforts consistent with its normal trading and sales practices on mutually agreed terms between Jefferies and us. There is no arrangement for funds to be received in any escrow, trust or similar arrangement.

The aggregate compensation payable to Jefferies as sales agent equals 3.0% of the gross sales price of the shares of our common stock sold through it pursuant to the Sale Agreement. See “Plan of Distribution” beginning on page S-13 for additional information regarding the compensation to be paid to Jefferies. In connection with the sale of the common stock on our behalf, Jefferies will be deemed to be an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, and the compensation of Jefferies will be deemed to be underwriting commissions or discounts. We have also agreed to provide indemnification and contribution to Jefferies with respect to certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, or the Securities Act, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or the Exchange Act.

Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. You should review carefully the risks and uncertainties described under the heading “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-7 of this prospectus and under similar headings in the other documents that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

Jefferies

The date of this prospectus is                     , 2021.


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

     S-1  

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

     S-2  

PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

     S-3  

THE OFFERING

     S-6  

RISK FACTORS

     S-7  

USE OF PROCEEDS

     S-9  

DIVIDEND POLICY

     S-10  

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

     S-13  

LEGAL MATTERS

     S-14  

EXPERTS

     S-14  

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

     S-14  

INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE

     S-15  

 

 


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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

This prospectus is a part of a registration statement on Form S-3 that we filed with the SEC utilizing a “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf registration process, we may sell any combination of the securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings up to a total aggregate offering price of $50,000,000. The $50,000,000 of common stock that may be offered, issued and sold under this prospectus is included in the $50,000,000 of securities that may be offered, issued and sold by us pursuant to our shelf registration statement. In connection with such offers and when accompanied by the base prospectus included in the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, this prospectus will be deemed a prospectus supplement to such base prospectus.

We further note that the representations, warranties and covenants made by us in any agreement that is filed as an exhibit to any document that is incorporated by reference herein were made solely for the benefit of the parties to such agreement, including, in some cases, for the purpose of allocating risk among the parties to such agreements, and should not be deemed to be a representation, warranty or covenant to you. Moreover, such representations, warranties or covenants were accurate only as of the date when made. Accordingly, such representations, warranties and covenants should not be relied on as accurately representing the current state of our affairs.

We and Jefferies have not authorized anyone to provide any information other than that contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and in any free writing prospectus that we have authorized for use in connection with this offering. We and Jefferies take no responsibility for, and provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any other information that others may give you. This prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to purchase, the securities offered by this prospectus in any jurisdiction to or from any person to whom or from whom it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation of an offer in such jurisdiction. The information contained in this prospectus or incorporated by reference herein and in any free writing prospectus that we have authorized for use in connection with this offering is accurate only as of the respective dates thereof, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus or of any sale of our common stock. It is important for you to read and consider all information contained in this prospectus, including the documents incorporated by reference herein, and in any free writing prospectus that we have authorized for use in connection with this offering in making your investment decision. You should also read and consider the information in the documents to which we have referred you in the sections entitled “Where You Can Find More Information” and “Incorporation of Certain Information by Reference” in this prospectus.

For investors outside the United States, we have not done anything that would permit this offering or possession or distribution of this prospectus in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required, other than in the United States. You are required to inform yourselves about and to observe any restrictions relating to this offering and the distribution of this prospectus outside of the United States.

Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, references in this prospectus to “we,” “our,” “ours,” “us,” “the Company” and “Viracta” refer to Viracta Therapeutics, Inc.

Trademarks, service marks or trade names of any other companies appearing in this prospectus supplement are the property of their respective owners. Use or display by us of trademarks, service marks or trade names owned by others is not intended to and does not imply a relationship between us and, or endorsement or sponsorship by, the owners of the trademarks, service marks or trade names.

 

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SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus, and the information incorporated by reference herein and therein contain forward-looking statements that are based on our management’s beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available. This section should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and related notes for the year ended December 31, 2020 included in our Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed with the SEC on March 23, 2021 and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2021. The statements contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as “believe,” “anticipate,” “may,” “might,” “can,” “could,” “continue,” “depends,” “expect,” “expand,” “forecast,” “intend,” “predict,” “plan,” “rely,” “should,” “will,” “may,” “seek,” or the negative of these terms and other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. You should read these statements carefully because they discuss future expectations, contain projections of future results of operations or financial condition, or state other “forward-looking” information. These statements relate to our future plans, objectives, expectations, intentions and financial performance and the assumptions that underlie these statements.

These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, including, but not limited to, those described in “Risk Factors.” These forward-looking statements reflect our beliefs and views with respect to future events and are based on estimates and assumptions as of the date of this prospectus and are subject to risks and uncertainties. We discuss many of these risks in greater detail in the section entitled “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this prospectus supplement, including the information incorporated by reference. Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. We qualify all of the forward-looking statements in this prospectus supplement by these cautionary statements. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements publicly, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

In addition, statements that “we believe” and similar statements reflect our beliefs and opinions on the relevant subject. These statements are based upon information available to us as of the date of this prospectus supplement, and although we believe such information forms a reasonable basis for such statements, such information may be limited or incomplete, and our statements should not be read to indicate that we have conducted a thorough inquiry into, or review of, all potentially available relevant information. These statements are inherently uncertain and investors are cautioned not to unduly rely upon these statements.

This prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus, and the information incorporated by reference also contains estimates, projections and other information concerning our industry, our business, and the markets for certain diseases, including data regarding the estimated size of those markets. Information that is based on estimates, forecasts, projections, market research or similar methodologies is inherently subject to uncertainties and actual events or circumstances may differ materially from events and circumstances reflected in this information. Unless otherwise expressly stated, we obtained this industry, business, market, and other data from reports, research surveys, studies, and similar data prepared by market research firms and other third parties, industry, medical and general publications, government data, and similar sources.

 

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PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT SUMMARY

This summary highlights selected information contained elsewhere in this prospectus or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and does not contain all of the information that you need to consider in making your investment decision. You should carefully read this entire prospectus supplement, the accompanying base prospectus, and any related free writing prospectus, including the risks of investing in our securities discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” contained in this prospectus, the applicable prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus, and under similar headings in the other documents that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus. You should also carefully read the information incorporated by reference into this prospectus, including our financial statements, and the exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.

Company Overview

Overview

Viracta Therapeutics, Inc. (“Viracta”) is a clinical-stage, precision oncology company focused on advancing new medicines for the treatment of virus-associated malignancies. The association of viruses and cancer has been well characterized, and Viracta’s lead program is focused on cancers associated with the Epstein-Barr virus (“EBV”). Viracta’s lead product candidate is an all-oral combination of nanatinostat, Viracta’s proprietary investigational drug, and valganciclovir. Viracta has recently completed enrollment in the Phase 2 portion of its ongoing Phase 1b/2 clinical trial for the treatment of EBV-positive lymphoma and expects updated data from this trial in the second half of 2021. Viracta also plans to initiate its global pivotal trial in the second quarter of 2021. In addition, Viracta expects the clearance of a U.S. Investigational New Drug application for the treatment of EBV-associated solid tumors in mid-2021 and expects to initiate a global Phase 1b/2 clinical trial the second half of 2021.

EBV has been recognized as a Group 1 human carcinogen by the World Health Organization. Despite the association of EBV with cancer, attempts to develop vaccines have not proven successful. EBV enters periods of latency during which most viral genes are epigenetically suppressed, which allows an infected cell to not be killed by the virus should it enter a lytic replication cycle. Likewise, the latently infected cell can evade the body’s immune surveillance mechanisms. In some stages of latency, no viral proteins are expressed on the cell surface, making it difficult to develop broadly effective immunotherapies. There are approximately 300,000 new cases of EBV-associated cancers each year with regard to lymphoma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma (“NPC”) and gastric carcinoma (“GC”), and there are currently no approved therapies for these cancers, which are responsible for approximately 180,000 deaths each year. Viracta’s novel synthetic lethality approach targets the EBV genome to enable the killing of the tumor cells by inducing the expression of certain viral kinase genes which in-turn activate an antiviral drug. The activated antiviral drug disrupts the DNA replication cycle of the target cells resulting in chain termination and killing of the tumor cells by inducing apoptosis, also known as programmed cell death. This synthetic lethality approach may also be applicable to other cancers associated with the herpes family of viruses, to which EBV belongs, such as glioblastoma associated with cytomegalovirus, Kaposi’s sarcoma with Kaposi’s sarcoma virus, and gastrointestinal carcinomas associated with Human Herpesvirus 6.

Viracta plans to initiate NAVAL-1 (Nanatinostat in Combination with Valganciclovir), a multinational, multicenter, open-label Phase 2 basket design trial. The trial will include multiple subtype-specific cohorts of relapsed/refractory (“R/R”) EBV-positive lymphoma patients designed to evaluate the anti-tumor activity of the combination treatment of nanatinostat with valganciclovir and is anticipated to enroll approximately 140 patients. The primary endpoint of the trial is objective tumor response rate as assessed by an independent review committee, while secondary endpoints include duration of response, survival outcomes, and the safety profile of the combined treatment. If successful, Viracta believes this trial could support multiple U.S. New Drug Application filings across various EBV-positive lymphoma subtypes. Viracta also plans to initiate a Phase 1b/2 trial in EBV+ solid tumors, including NPC and GC, in the second half of 2021.



 

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Viracta has received Fast Track Designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of relapsed or refractory EBV+ lymphoid malignancies, in addition to orphan drug designations for the treatment of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders, plasmablastic lymphoma, and T-cell lymphoma.

The Merger

On February 24, 2021, Sunesis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Sunesis”) completed the merger with Viracta Therapeutics, Inc. (“Private Viracta”), in accordance with the terms of the Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reorganization, dated November 29, 2020, by and among the Company, Sol Merger Sub, Inc. (“Merger Sub”) and Private Viracta (the “Merger Agreement”), pursuant to which Merger Sub merged with and into Private Viracta, with Private Viracta surviving as a wholly owned subsidiary of Sunesis (the “Merger”).

Also, on February 24, 2021, in connection with and immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger (the “Effective Time”), we effected a reverse stock split of our common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (“Common Stock”), at a ratio of 3.5:1 (the “Reverse Stock Split”), and we changed our name from “Sunesis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.” to “Viracta Therapeutics, Inc.” (the “Name Change”). Following the completion of the Merger, the business conducted by the combined company became primarily the business conducted by Viracta, a clinical-stage, precision oncology company focused on advancing new medicines for the treatment of virus-associated malignancies.

Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, we issued shares of the Company’s Common Stock to Private Viracta’s stockholders, at an exchange ratio of 0.1119 shares of Common Stock (taking into account the Reverse Stock Split), in exchange for each share of Private Viracta’s common stock outstanding as of the Effective Time (including the shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of all shares of Private Viracta preferred stock prior to the Effective Time). The combined company also assumed all of the stock options issued and outstanding under the Viracta 2016 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended, (the “2016 Viracta Plan”) and issued and outstanding warrants of Private Viracta, with such stock options and warrants henceforth representing the right to purchase a number of shares of Common Stock equal to 0.1119 multiplied by the number of shares of Private Viracta’s common stock previously represented by such stock options and warrants, as applicable.

Immediately following the Effective Time, there were approximately 37.0 million shares of Common Stock outstanding (post Reverse Stock Split). Immediately following the Effective Time, the Private Viracta stockholders owned approximately 86% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, and Sunesis stockholders immediately prior to the Merger, whose shares of Common Stock remain outstanding after the Merger, owned approximately 14% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock.

The Common Stock, which was previously listed on The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) and traded through the close of business on February 24, 2021, under the ticker symbol “SNSS,” commenced trading on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “VIRX” on February 25, 2021. The shares previously traded on The Nasdaq Capital Market and began trading on The Nasdaq Global Select Market as of February 25, 2021.

Recent Developments

COVID-19

In December 2019, a novel strain of coronavirus, otherwise known as COVID-19, was reported in Wuhan, China. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (the “WHO”) declared COVID-19 a pandemic, and on March 13, 2020, the United States declared a national emergency with respect to the coronavirus outbreak. This outbreak has severely impacted global economic activity, and many countries and many states in the United States have reacted to the outbreak by instituting quarantines, mandating business and school closures and restricting travel. To date, our programs have not experienced significant COVID-19 related delays. The continued COVID-19 pandemic may negatively impact our workforce and our research and development activities. See Item 1A—“Risk Factors” for additional information regarding the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business, results of operations and financial condition.



 

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Reverse Stock Split

In February 2021, the board of directors approved a reverse stock split ratio of 3.5-for-1. The number of authorized shares and par value per common share remained unchanged. The consolidated financial statements of Sunesis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. included in the annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 and the financial statements of Viracta Therapeutics, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2020 included in the Current Report on Form 8-K/A dated March 23, 2021 that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus are presented without giving effect to the reverse stock split. Except where the context otherwise requires, share numbers in this prospectus reflect the 3.5-for-1 reverse stock split of our common stock.

Unless otherwise noted, all share and per share numbers contained in this prospectus supplement are reflected on a post-split basis for all periods presented.

Corporate Information

We were incorporated in Delaware in February 1998. Our principal executive offices are located at 2533 S. Coast Hwy 101, Suite 210, Cardiff, CA 92007 and our telephone number is (858) 400-8470. Our corporate website address is www.viracta.com. Information contained on, or that can be accessed through, our website is not incorporated by reference into this document, and you should not consider information on our website to be part of this document.

You may find on our website at www.viracta.com electronic copies of our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such filings are placed on our website as soon as reasonably possible after they are filed with the SEC. The information contained in, or accessible through, our website does not constitute a part of this prospectus. We have included our website address in this prospectus solely as an inactive textual reference.



 

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THE OFFERING

 

Common stock offered by us

Shares having an aggregate offering price of up to $50,000,000

 

Manner of offering

“At-the-market offering” in which sales may be made from time to time at prevailing market prices through our sales agent, Jefferies LLC. See “Plan of Distribution” beginning on page S-13 of this prospectus supplement.

 

Common stock to be outstanding after this offering

Up to 41,533,169 shares, assuming a sales price of $11.26 per share, which was the closing price on the Nasdaq Global Select Market on May 26, 2021. Actual number of shares issued and outstanding will vary depending on the sales price under this offering.

 

Use of Proceeds

We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering for general corporate purposes, which may include working capital and continued research and development with respect to our products candidates . Please see “Use of Proceeds” on page S-9 of this prospectus supplement.

 

Nasdaq Global Select Market symbol

“VIRX”

 

Risk Factors

Investing in our securities is highly speculative and involves a high degree of risk. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-7 of this prospectus supplement and in the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement for a discussion of factors that you should read and consider before investing in our securities.

The number of shares of our common stock to be outstanding immediately after this offering is based on 37,092,672 shares of common stock outstanding as of May 26, 2021, and excludes:

 

   

3,603,036 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options under our equity incentive plans as of May 26, 2021 at a weighted average exercise price of $7.79 per share;

 

   

852,186 shares of common stock reserved for issuance upon vesting of restricted stock units outstanding as of May 26, 2021;

 

   

157,057 shares of common stock reserved for issuance under outstanding warrants as of May 26, 2021 with a weighted average exercise price of $0.87 per share;

 

   

292,799 shares of common stock reserved for issuance under outstanding preferred stock as of May 26, 2021; and

 

   

860,084 additional shares of common stock reserved for future issuance under our equity incentive plans (including our employee stock purchase plan) as of May 26, 2021

Unless otherwise indicated, all information in this prospectus supplement assumes no exercise of the outstanding options, warrants or preferred stock described above.



 

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RISK FACTORS

Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. You should consider carefully the risks and uncertainties described in the section entitled “Risk Factors” contained in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying base propsectus and any related free writing prospectus, and under similar headings in our most recent and any of our subsequent Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, which are incorporated by reference into this prospectus, before deciding whether to purchase any of the securities being registered pursuant to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. These risks and uncertainties are not the only risks and uncertainties we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us, or that we currently view as immaterial, may also impair our business. If any of the risks or uncertainties described in our SEC filings or any additional risks and uncertainties actually occur, our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flow could be materially and adversely affected. In that case, the trading price of our common stock could decline and you might lose all or part of your investment.

Risks Related to this Offering

A substantial number of shares of common stock may be sold in the market following this offering, which may depress the market price for our common stock.

Sales of a substantial number of shares of our common stock in the public market following this offering could cause the market price of our common stock to decline. A substantial majority of the outstanding shares of our common stock are, and the shares of our common stock offered hereby will be, freely tradable without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act.

We have broad discretion to determine how to use the funds raised in this offering, and may use them in ways that may not enhance our operating results or the price of our common stock.

Our management will have broad discretion over the use of proceeds from this offering, and we could spend the proceeds from this offering in ways that our stockholders may not agree with or that do not yield a favorable return, if at all. We intend to use the net proceeds of this offering for general corporate purposes, which may include working capital, capital expenditures, and continued research and development with respect to products and technologies. However, our use of these proceeds may differ substantially from our current plans. If we do not invest or apply the proceeds of this offering in ways that improve our operating results, we may fail to achieve expected financial results, which could cause our common stock price to decline.

You may experience future dilution as a result of future equity offerings and other issuances of our common stock or other securities. In addition, this offering and future equity offerings and other issuances of our common stock or other securities may adversely affect the trading price of our common stock.

In order to raise additional capital, we may in the future offer additional shares of our common stock or other securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of our common stock at prices that may not be the same as the price per share in this offering. We may not be able to sell shares or other securities in any other offering at a price per share that is equal to or greater than the price per share paid by investors in this offering, and investors purchasing shares or other securities in the future could have rights superior to existing stockholders. The price per share at which we sell additional shares of our common stock or securities convertible into shares of our common stock in future transactions may be higher or lower than the price per share in this offering.

In addition, the sale of shares of our common stock in this offering and any future sales of a substantial number of shares of our common stock in the public market, or the perception that such sales may occur, could adversely affect the price of our common stock. We cannot predict the effect, if any, that market sales of those shares of our common stock or the availability of those shares of our common stock for sale will have on the market price of our common stock.

 

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We are a “smaller reporting company,” and the reduced disclosure requirements applicable to smaller reporting companies may make our common stock less attractive to investors.

We are a “smaller reporting company,” as defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act. We would cease to be a smaller reporting company if we no longer had either a public float less than $250 million or annual revenues less than $100 million and a public float less than $700 million as of June 30th of the prior fiscal year, determined on an annual basis. As a smaller reporting company, we are permitted and intend to rely on exemptions from certain disclosure requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not smaller reporting companies. We cannot predict whether investors will find our common stock less attractive as a result of our reliance on these exemptions. If some investors find our common stock less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our common stock and our stock price may be more volatile.

Because we do not intend to pay dividends for the foreseeable future, stockholders must rely on appreciation of the value of our common stock for any return on their investment.

We have never declared or paid any dividends on our common stock and do not intend to pay any dividends in the foreseeable future. We anticipate that we will retain any earnings to finance the development and expansion of our business. Any determination to pay dividends in the future will be at the discretion of our board of directors. As a result, we expect that only appreciation of the price of our common stock, if any, will provide a return to investors in this offering for the foreseeable future.

The common stock offered hereby will be sold in “at-the-market” offerings, and investors who buy shares at different times will likely pay different prices.

Investors who purchase shares in this offering at different times will likely pay different prices, and so may experience different outcomes in their investment results. We will have discretion, subject to market demand, to vary the timing, prices and numbers of shares sold, and there is no minimum or maximum sales price. Investors may experience a decline in the value of their shares as a result of share sales made at prices lower than the prices they paid.

The actual number of shares we will issue under the sales agreement, at any one time or in total, is uncertain.

Subject to certain limitations in the sales agreement and compliance with applicable law, we have the discretion to deliver a sales notice to Jefferies at any time throughout the term of the sales agreement. The number of shares that are sold by Jefferies after delivering a sales notice will fluctuate based on the market price of the common stock during the sales period and limits we set with Jefferies . Because the price per share of each share sold will fluctuate based on the market price of our common stock during the sales period, it is not possible at this stage to predict the number of shares that will be ultimately issued.

 

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USE OF PROCEEDS

We may issue and sell shares of our common stock having aggregate sales proceeds of up to $50,000,000 from time to time. Because there is no minimum offering amount required as a condition of this offering, the actual total public offering amount, commissions and proceeds to us, if any, are not determinable at this time. There can be no assurance that we will sell any shares under or fully utilize the sales agreement as a source of financing.

We currently intend to use the net proceeds from this offering primarily for general corporate purposes, which may include working capital and continued research and development with respect to our product candidates. We may also use a portion of the net proceeds to invest in or acquire businesses or product candidates that we believe are complementary to our own, although we have no current plans, commitments or agreements with respect to any acquisitions as of the date of this prospectus. Pending these uses, we expect to invest the net proceeds in short-term, interest bearing obligations, certificates of deposit or direct or guaranteed obligations of the United States.

 

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DIVIDEND POLICY

We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on shares of our common stock. We anticipate that we will retain all of our future earnings to advance the development of expansion of our business, and do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on shares of our common stock in the foreseeable future. Any future determination to declare cash dividends on shares of our common stock will be made at the discretion of our board of directors, subject to applicable law and contractual restrictions and will depend on its financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements, general business conditions and other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant.

 

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DILUTION

If you invest in this offering, your ownership interest will be diluted immediately to the extent of the difference between the public offering price per share and the as adjusted net tangible book value per share of our common stock after giving effect to this offering.

Our net tangible book value as of March 31, 2021 was approximately $124.7 million, or $3.37 per share, after giving effect to the reverse stock split of 3.5:1 that was effective February 24, 2021. Net tangible book value is total assets minus the sum of liabilities and intangible assets. Net tangible book value per share is net tangible book value divided by the total number of shares of common stock outstanding as of March 31, 2021.

After giving effect to the sale of our common stock in the aggregate amount of up to $50.0 million in this offering at an assumed public offering price of $11.26 per share, the last reported sale price of our common stock on May 26, 2021, and after deducting commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us, our as adjusted net tangible book value as of March 31, 2021 would have been approximately $173.0 million, or $4.17 per share. This represents an immediate increase in net tangible book value of $0.80 per share to existing stockholders and immediate dilution of $7.09 per share to investors purchasing our common stock in this offering at the assumed public offering price.

The following table illustrates this dilution on a per share basis to new investors. The as adjusted information is illustrative only and will change based on the actual price to the public, the actual number of shares sold and other terms of the offering determined at the time shares of our common stock are sold pursuant to this prospectus supplement. The as adjusted information assumes that all of our common stock in the aggregate amount of $50.0 million is sold at the assumed public offering price of $11.26 per share, the last reported sale price of our common stock on May 26, 2021. The shares sold in this offering, if any, will be sold from time to time at various prices.

 

 

 

Assumed public offering price per share

      $ 11.26  

Net tangible book value per share of as March 31, 2021

   $ 3.37     

Increase in net tangible book value per share attributable to this offering

   $ 0.80     
  

 

 

    

As adjusted net tangible book value per share as of March 31, 2021, after giving effect to this offering

      $ 4.17  
     

 

 

 

Dilution per share to new investors purchasing our common stock in this offering

      $ 7.09  
     

 

 

 

 

 

The above discussion and table are based on 37,036,294 shares of common stock outstanding as of March 31, 2021, and exclude:

 

   

3,414,742 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options under our equity incentive plans as of March 31, 2021 at a weighted average exercise price of $8.97 per share;

 

   

277,500 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of options that we granted after March 31, 2021, with a weighted-average price of $9.88 per share;

 

   

852,186 shares of common stock reserved for issuance upon vesting of restricted stock units outstanding as of March 31, 2021;

 

   

169,791 shares of common stock reserved for issuance under outstanding warrants with a weighted average exercise price of $0.82 per share as of March 31, 2021;

 

   

292,799 shares of common stock reserved for issuance under outstanding preferred stock as of March 31, 2021; and

 

   

1,087,124 additional shares of common stock reserved for future issuance under our equity incentive plans (including our employee stock purchase plan) as of March 31, 2021.

 

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To the extent that options outstanding as of March 31, 2021 have been or may be exercised, or other shares issued, investors purchasing our common stock in this offering may experience further dilution. In addition, we may choose to raise additional capital due to market conditions or strategic considerations even if we believe we have sufficient funds for our current or future operating plans. To the extent that additional capital is raised through the sale of equity or convertible debt securities, the issuance of these securities could result in further dilution to investors in this offering.

 

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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

We have entered into a sales agreement with Jefferies, under which we may offer and sell up to $50,000,000 of our shares of common stock from time to time through Jefferies acting as agent. Sales of our shares of common stock, if any, under this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus will be made by any method that is deemed to be an “at the market offering” as defined in Rule 415(a)(4) under the Securities Act.

Each time we wish to issue and sell our shares of common stock under the sales agreement, we will notify Jefferies of the number of shares to be issued, the dates on which such sales are anticipated to be made, any limitation on the number of shares to be sold in any one day and any minimum price below which sales may not be made. Once we have so instructed Jefferies, unless Jefferies declines to accept the terms of such notice, Jefferies has agreed to use its commercially reasonable efforts consistent with its normal trading and sales practices to sell such shares up to the amount specified on such terms. The obligations of Jefferies under the sales agreement to sell our shares of common stock are subject to a number of conditions that we must meet.

The settlement of sales of shares between us and Jefferies is generally anticipated to occur on the second trading day following the date on which the sale was made. Sales of our shares of common stock as contemplated in this prospectus supplement will be settled through the facilities of The Depository Trust Company or by such other means as we and Jefferies may agree upon. There is no arrangement for funds to be received in an escrow, trust or similar arrangement.

We will pay Jefferies a commission equal to 3% of the aggregate gross proceeds we receive from each sale of our shares of common stock. Because there is no minimum offering amount required as a condition to close this offering, the actual total public offering amount, commissions and proceeds to us, if any, are not determinable at this time. In addition, we have agreed to reimburse Jefferies for the fees and disbursements of its counsel, payable upon execution of the sales agreement, in an amount not to exceed $75,000, in addition to certain ongoing disbursements of its legal counsel. We estimate that the total expenses for the offering, excluding any commissions or expense reimbursement payable to Jefferies under the terms of the sales agreement, will be approximately $220,000. The remaining sale proceeds, after deducting any other transaction fees, will equal our net proceeds from the sale of such shares.

Jefferies will provide written confirmation to us before the open on The Nasdaq Global Select Market on the day following each day on which our shares of common stock are sold under the sales agreement. Each confirmation will include the number of shares sold on that day, the aggregate gross proceeds of such sales and the proceeds to us.

In connection with the sale of our shares of common stock on our behalf, Jefferies may be deemed to be an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act, and the compensation of Jefferies will be deemed to be underwriting commissions or discounts. We have agreed to indemnify Jefferies against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act. We have also agreed to contribute to payments Jefferies may be required to make in respect of such liabilities.

The offering of our shares of common stock pursuant to the sales agreement will terminate upon the earlier of (i) the sale of all shares of common stock subject to the sales agreement and (ii) the termination of the sales agreement as permitted therein. We and Jefferies may each terminate the sales agreement at any time upon ten days’ prior notice.

This summary of the material provisions of the sales agreement does not purport to be a complete statement of its terms and conditions. A copy of the sales agreement is filed as an exhibit to a current report on Form 8-K filed under the Exchange Act and incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement.

Jefferies and its affiliates may in the future provide various investment banking, commercial banking, financial advisory and other financial services for us and our affiliates, for which services they may in the future receive customary fees. In the course of its business, Jefferies may actively trade our securities for its own account or for the accounts of customers, and, accordingly, Jefferies may at any time hold long or short positions in such securities.

A prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus in electronic format may be made available on a website maintained by Jefferies, and Jefferies may distribute the prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus electronically.

 

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LEGAL MATTERS

Certain legal matters will be passed upon for us by Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, Professional Corporation, San Diego, California. Jefferies LLC is being represented by Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP, New York, New York in connection with this offering.

EXPERTS

Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, has audited our consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, as set forth in their report (which contains an explanatory paragraph describing conditions that raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern as described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements), which is incorporated by reference in this prospectus and elsewhere in the registration statement. Our consolidated financial statements are incorporated by reference in reliance on Ernst & Young LLP’s report, given on their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

The financial statements of Viracta Therapeutics, Inc. as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2020, appearing in Viracta Therapeutics, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K/A, dated March 23, 2021, have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their report thereon, included therein, and incorporated herein by reference. Such financial statements are incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such report of Ernst & Young LLP given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are part of the registration statement on Form S-3 we filed with the SEC under the Securities Act and do not contain all the information set forth in the registration statement. Whenever a reference is made in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus to any of our contracts, agreements or other documents, the reference may not be complete and you should refer to the exhibits that are a part of the registration statement or the exhibits to the reports or other documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus for a copy of such contract, agreement or other document. Because we are subject to the information and reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, we file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Our SEC filings are available to the public over the Internet at the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

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INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE

The SEC allows us to incorporate by reference into this prospectus certain information we file with it, which means that we can disclose important information by referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be a part of this prospectus, and information that we file later with the SEC will automatically update and supersede information contained in this prospectus. We incorporate by reference the documents listed below that we have previously filed with the SEC (excluding those portions of any Form 8-K that are not deemed “filed” pursuant to the General Instructions of Form 8-K):

 

   

our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, filed with the SEC on February 24, 2021;

 

   

our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2021 filed with the SEC on May 13, 2021;

 

   

our Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February  12, 2021, February  23, 2021, February 24, 2021; March  4, 2021; March  23, 2021 (two filings, one amended from an original filing date of February 24. 2021); April  1, 2021; and May 12, 2021; and

 

   

the description of our capital stock contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Commission on February 24, 2021, and any amendment or report filed for the purpose of updating such description.

This prospectus forms part of a registration statement on Form S-3 that we filed with the SEC. This prospectus does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement and the exhibits to the registration statement or the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein. For further information with respect to us and the securities that we are offering under this prospectus, we refer you to the registration statement and the exhibits and schedules filed as a part of the registration statement and the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein. You should rely only on the information incorporated by reference or provided in this prospectus and registration statement. We have not authorized anyone else to provide you with different information. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein is accurate as of any date other than the respective dates thereof.

All reports and other documents we subsequently file pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act prior to the termination of this offering, including all such documents we may file with the SEC after the date of the initial registration statement and prior to the effectiveness of the registration statement, but excluding any information furnished to, rather than filed with, the SEC, will also be incorporated by reference into this prospectus and deemed to be part of this prospectus from the date of the filing of such reports and documents.

We will provide to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom this prospectus is delivered, upon written or oral request, at no cost to the requester, a copy of any and all of the information that is incorporated by reference in this prospectus.

You may also access the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus through our website at www.viracta.newsroom.com. Except for the specific incorporated documents listed above, no information available on or through our website shall be deemed to be incorporated in this prospectus or the registration statement of which it forms a part.

 

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$50,000,000

 

LOGO

Common Stock

 

 

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

 

 

Jefferies

                    , 2021

 

 

 


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PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN THE PROSPECTUS

 

Item 14.

Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.

The following table sets forth all expenses paid or payable by the registrant in connection with this offering. All amounts shown are estimates except for the SEC registration fee and the FINRA filing fee.

 

     Amount Paid
or to Be Paid
 

SEC registration fee

   $ 5,455  

FINRA filing fee

     8,000  

Stock exchange listing fee

                 

Printing expenses

                 

Legal fees and expenses

                 

Accounting fees and expenses

                 

Other fees and expenses

                 
  

 

 

 

Total

                 
  

 

 

 

 

*

These fees and expenses depend on the securities offered and the number of issuances, and accordingly cannot be estimated as of the date of this prospectus.

 

Item 15.

Indemnification of Directors and Officers.

Under Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”), Viracta Therapeutics, Inc. (“Viracta”) has broad powers to indemnify its directors and officers against liabilities they may incur in such capacities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). Section 145 of the DGCL generally provides that a Delaware corporation has the power to indemnify its present and former directors, officers, employees and agents against expenses incurred by them in connection with any suit to which they are or are threatened to be made, a party by reason of their serving in such positions so long as they acted in good faith and in a manner they reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to, the best interests of the corporation and, with respect to any criminal action, they had no reasonable cause to believe their conduct was unlawful.

Viracta’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws include provisions that (i) eliminate the personal liability of its directors for monetary damages resulting from breaches of their fiduciary duty to the fullest extent permitted under applicable law, (ii) require it to indemnify its directors and executive officers to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL or other applicable law and (iii) provide it with the power, in its discretion, to indemnify its other officers, employees and other agents as set forth in the DGCL or other applicable law. Viracta believes that these provisions of its amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws are necessary to attract and retain qualified persons as directors and officers. These provisions do not eliminate Viracta’s directors’ or officers’ duty of care, and, in appropriate circumstances, equitable remedies such as injunctive or other forms of non-monetary relief will remain available under the DGCL. In addition, each director will continue to be subject to liability pursuant to Section 174 of the DGCL, for breach of such director’s duty of loyalty to Viracta, for acts or omissions not in good faith or involving intentional misconduct, for knowing violations of law, for acts or omissions that such director believes to be contrary to Viracta’s best interests or the best interests of its stockholders, for any transaction from which such director derived an improper personal benefit, for acts or omissions involving a reckless disregard for such director’s duty to Viracta or to its stockholders when such director was aware or should have been aware of a risk of serious injury to Viracta or to its stockholders, for acts or omission that constitute an unexcused pattern of

 

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inattention that amounts to an abdication of such director’s duty to Viracta or to its stockholders, for improper transactions between such director and Viracta and for improper loans to directors and officers. These provisions also do not affect a director’s responsibilities under any other law, such as the federal securities law or state or federal environmental laws.

As permitted by Delaware law, Viracta has entered into indemnification agreements with each of its current directors and officers pursuant to the foregoing provisions. Viracta has an insurance policy covering its officers and directors with respect to certain liabilities, including liabilities arising under the Securities Act or otherwise.

The engagement letter between the Registrant and the placement agent (Exhibit 1.1 hereto) provides for indemnification by the Registrant of the placement agent for certain liabilities, including liabilities arising under the Securities Act.

See also the undertakings set out in response to Item 17 herein.

 

Item 16.

Exhibits.

A list of exhibits filed herewith or incorporated by reference is contained in the Exhibit Index attached to this registration statement and incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 17.

Undertakings.

 

  (a)

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

 

(1)

To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

 

(i)

To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;

 

  (ii)

To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement;

 

  (iii)

To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement;

provided, however, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) of this section do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the SEC by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement, or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is part of the registration statement.

 

  (2)

That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

 

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  (3)

To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

 

  (4)

That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser:

(A)Each prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) shall be deemed to be part of the registration statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in the registration statement; and

(B)Each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5) or (b)(7) as part of a registration statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(l)(i), (vii) or (x) for the purpose of providing the information required by Section 10(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of securities in the offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the registration statement relating to the securities in the registration statement to which that prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to the effective date; or

 

  (5)

That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities, the undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:

 

  (i)

Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424 (§230.424 of this chapter);

 

  (ii)

Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;

 

  (iii)

The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and

 

  (iv)

Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.

 

  (b)

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the Registrant’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

 

  (c)

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or

 

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  otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

 

  (d)

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to file an application for the purpose of determining the eligibility of the trustee to act under subsection (a) of Section 310 of the Trust Indenture Act in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed by the SEC under Section 305(b)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act.

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit

Number

  

Description of Exhibit

2.1*    At the Market Offering Agreement between Viracta Therapeutics, Inc. and Jefferies LLC
3.1    Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Registrants Annual Report on Form 10-K/A filed on May 23, 2007
3.2    Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Registrants Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 11, 2007
3.3    Certificate of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 of the Registrant’s filing on Form S-8 filed on July 10, 2009
3.4    Certificate of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 14, 2011
3.5    Certificate of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 7, 2016
3.6    Certificate of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 24, 2021
3.7    Certificate of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 24, 2021
3.8    Certificate of Validation of Certificate of Amendment to Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.11 of the Registrant’s Quarterly Report of Form 10-Q on August 8, 2018
3.9    Amendment to Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 30, 2020
4.1    Description of Capital Stock, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 24, 2021
4.2    Specimen Preferred Series E Stock Certificate, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 22, 2019
4.3    Specimen Preferred Series F Stock Certificate, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 12, 2019
5.1    Opinion of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, Professional Corporation.
23.1    Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
23.2    Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
23.3    Consent of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, Professional Corporation (included in Exhibit 5.1).
24.1    Power of Attorney (contained on signature page).
25.1**    Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility of Trustee for Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939

 

*

To be filed by amendment or as an exhibit to a report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and incorporated herein by reference.

**

To be filed pursuant to Section 305(b)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 under the electronic form type “305B2.”

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Cardiff, State of California on May 28, 2021.

VIRACTA THERAPEUTICS, INC.

 

By:  

/s/ Ivor Royston, M.D.

Name:   Ivor Royston, M.D.
Title:   President and Chief Executive Officer

KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS that each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints Ivor Royston, M.D. and Daniel Chevallard, and each of them, as his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power to act separately and full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this registration statement and all additional registration statements pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and all other documents in connection therewith, with the SEC, granting unto each said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in connection therewith, as fully for all intents and purposes as they, he, or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or either of them or his or her or their substitute or substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. This Power of Attorney may be signed in counterparts.

 

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Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated:

 

Signature

 

Title of Capacities

 

Date

/s/ Ivor Royston,n M.D.

Ivor Royston, M.D.

 

Director, President and Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

  May 28, 2021

/s/ Daniel Chevallard

Daniel Chevallard

 

Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

  May 28, 2021

/s/ Roger Pomerantz, M.D.

Roger Pomerantz, M.D.

  Chairman of the Board of Directors   May 28, 2021

/s/ Thomas E. Darcy

Thomas E. Darcy

  Director   May 28, 2021

/s/ Michael Huang, M.S., M.B.A.

Michael Huang, M.S., M.B.A.

  Director   May 28, 2021

/s/ Sam Murphy, Ph.D.

Sam Murphy, Ph.D.

  Director   May 28, 2021

/s/ Nicole Onetto, M.D.

Nicole Onetto, M.D.

  Director   May 28, 2021

/s/ Barry Simon, M.D.

Barry Simon, M.D.

  Director   May 28, 2021

/s/ Gur Roshwalb, M.D.

Gur Roshwalb, M.D.

  Director   May 28, 2021

/s/ Stephen Rubino, Ph.D., MBA

Stephen Rubino, Ph.D., MBA

  Director   May 28, 2021

 

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Exhibit 5.1

May 28, 2021

Viracta Therapeutics, Inc.

2533 S Coast Hwy 101, Suite 210

Cardiff, CA 92007

        Re: Viracta Therapeutics, Inc.—Registration Statement on Form S-3

Ladies and Gentlemen:

At your request, we have examined the Registration Statement on Form S-3 (the “Registration Statement”), filed by Viracta Therapeutics, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) in connection with the registration pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Act”), of the offer and sale of the Securities (as defined below). The Registration Statement relates to the proposed offer, issuance and sale by the Company, from time to time pursuant to Rule 415 under the Act as set forth in the Registration Statement, the prospectus contained therein (the “Prospectus”) and the supplements to the prospectus referred to therein (the “Prospectus Supplements”) of (a) shares of the Company’s common stock, $0.0001 par value per share (the “Common Stock”), (b) shares of the Company’s preferred stock, $0.0001 par value per share (the “Preferred Stock”), (c) the Company’s debt securities (the “Debt Securities”), (d) warrants to purchase shares of the Company’s Common Stock or Preferred Stock (the “Warrants”), (e) subscription rights to purchase the Company’s securities (the “Subscription Rights”), or (f) units (the “Units”) consisting of Common Stock, Preferred Stock, Debt Securities, Warrants or any combination of the foregoing (the Common Stock, the Preferred Stock, the Debt Securities, the Warrants and the Units are collectively referred to herein as the “Securities”).

The Securities are to be sold from time to time as set forth in the Registration Statement, the Prospectus contained therein and the Prospectus Supplements. The Debt Securities are to be issued pursuant to a debt securities indenture (the “Indenture”), which has been filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and is to be entered into between the Company and a trustee to be identified (the “Trustee”). The Debt Securities are to be issued in the form contemplated by the Indenture filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement. Each Indenture, as applicable, may be supplemented in connection with the issuance of each such series of Debt Securities, by a supplemental indenture or other appropriate action of the Company creating such series (each, a “Supplemental Indenture”). The Securities are to be sold pursuant to a purchase, underwriting, placement agency or similar agreement in substantially the form to be filed under a Current Report on Form 8-K.

We have examined instruments, documents, certificates and records which we have deemed relevant and necessary for the basis of our opinion hereinafter expressed. In such examination, we have assumed (a) the authenticity of original documents and the genuineness of


Viracta Therapeutics, Inc.

May 28, 2021

Page 2

 

all signatures; (b) the conformity to the originals of all documents submitted to us as copies; (c) the truth, accuracy, and completeness of the information, representations and warranties contained in the records, documents, instruments and certificates we have reviewed; (d) the Registration Statement, and any amendments thereto (including post-effective amendments), will have become effective under the Act; (e) a Prospectus Supplement will have been filed with the Commission describing the Securities offered thereby; (f) all Securities will be issued and sold in compliance with applicable Federal and state securities laws and in the manner stated in the Registration Statement and the applicable Prospectus Supplement; (g) a definitive purchase, underwriting, placement agency or similar agreement with respect to any Securities offered will have been duly authorized and validly executed and delivered by the Company and the other parties thereto; (h) any Securities issuable upon conversion, exchange, redemption, or exercise of any Securities being offered will be duly authorized, created and, if appropriate, reserved for issuance upon such conversion, exchange, redemption, or exercise; (i) with respect to shares of Common Stock or Preferred Stock offered, there will be sufficient shares of Common Stock or Preferred Stock authorized under the Company’s organizational documents and not otherwise reserved for issuance; and (j) the legal capacity of all natural persons. As to any facts material to the opinions expressed herein that were not independently established or verified, we have relied upon oral or written statements and representations of officers and other representatives of the Company.

Based on such examination, we are of the opinion that:

1.    with respect to shares of Common Stock, when (a) the Board of Directors of the Company or a duly constituted and acting committee thereof (such Board of Directors or committee being hereinafter referred to as the “Board”) has taken all necessary corporate action to approve the issuance of and the terms of the offering of such shares of Common Stock and related matters and (b) the shares of Common Stock have been duly executed, countersigned, registered and delivered either (i) in accordance with the applicable definitive purchase, underwriting, placement agency or similar agreement approved by the Board, or upon the exercise of Warrants to purchase Common Stock, upon payment of the consideration therefor (not less than the par value of the Common Stock) provided for therein, or (ii) upon conversion or exercise of any other Security, in accordance with the terms of such Security or the instrument governing such Security providing for such conversion or exercise as approved by the Board, for the consideration approved by the Board (not less than the par value of the Common Stock), then such shares of Common Stock will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable;

2.    with respect to any particular series of shares of Preferred Stock, when (a) the Board has taken all necessary corporate action to approve the issuance and terms of the shares of Preferred Stock, the terms of the offering thereof, and related matters, including the adoption of a certificate of designation relating to such Preferred Stock conforming to the Delaware General Corporation Law (a “Certificate”) and the filing of the Certificate with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware and (b) the shares of Preferred Stock have been duly executed, countersigned, registered and delivered either (i) in accordance with the applicable definitive purchase, underwriting,


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placement agency or similar agreement approved by the Board, or upon exercise of Warrants to purchase Preferred Stock, upon payment of consideration (not less than the par value of the Preferred Stock) provided for therein, or (ii) upon conversion or exercise of any other Security, in accordance with the terms of such Security or the instrument governing such Security providing for such conversion or exercise as approved by the Board, for the consideration approved by the Board (not less than the par value of the Preferred Stock), then the shares of Preferred Stock will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable;

3.    with respect to Debt Securities to be issued under the Indenture, when (a) the Trustee is qualified to act as Trustee under the Indenture and the Company has filed a Form T-1 with the Commission, (b) the Trustee has duly executed and delivered the Indenture, (c) the Indenture has been duly authorized and validly executed and delivered by the Company to the Trustee, (d) the Indenture has been duly qualified under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, (e) the Board has taken all necessary corporate action to approve the issuance and terms of such Debt Securities, the terms of the offering thereof and related matters, and (f) such Debt Securities have been duly executed, authenticated, issued and delivered in accordance with the provisions of the Indenture and the applicable definitive purchase, underwriting, placement agency or similar agreement approved by the Board, upon payment of the consideration therefor provided for therein, such Debt Securities will be validly issued and will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company, in accordance with their terms, and entitled to the benefits of the applicable Indenture;

4.    with respect to the Warrants, when (a) the Board has taken all necessary corporate action to approve the issuance of and the terms of the Warrants and related matters and (b) the Warrants have been duly executed and delivered against payment therefor, pursuant to the applicable definitive purchase, underwriting, warrant, placement agency or similar agreement duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and a warrant agent and the Warrants have been duly executed and delivered by the Company and such warrant agent, then the Warrants will be validly issued and will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms;

5.    With respect to the Subscription Rights, when both: (a) the Board has taken all necessary corporate action to authorize the issuance and terms of the Subscription Rights, the terms of the offering thereof, and related matters and (b) the rights agreement under which the Subscription Rights are to be issued has been duly authorized and validly executed and delivered by the Company, then the Subscription Rights will be valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms; and

6.    with respect to the Units, when (a) the Board has taken all necessary corporate action to approve the issuance of and the terms of the Units (including Securities underlying the Units) and related matters and (b) the Units (including Securities underlying the Units) have been duly executed and delivered against payment therefor, pursuant to the applicable definitive purchase, underwriting, unit, placement agency or similar agreement duly authorized, executed and delivered


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by the Company and the Units have been duly executed and delivered in accordance with such purchase, underwriting, unit, placement agency or similar agreement, then the Units (including Securities underlying the Units) will be validly issued and will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms.

Our opinion that any document is legal, valid and binding is qualified as to:

(a) limitations imposed by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, arrangement, fraudulent conveyance, moratorium or other laws relating to or affecting the rights of creditors generally;

(b) rights to indemnification and contribution which may be limited by applicable law or equitable principles; and

(c) general principles of equity, including without limitation concepts of materiality, reasonableness, good faith and fair dealing, and the possible unavailability of specific performance or injunctive relief and limitation of rights of acceleration, regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law.

We express no opinion herein as to the laws of any state or jurisdiction other than the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (including the statutory provisions and all applicable judicial decisions interpreting those laws), the federal laws of the United States of America.

* * *


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We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the above-referenced Registration Statement and to the use of our name wherever it appears in the Registration Statement, the Prospectus, any Prospectus Supplement, and in any amendment or supplement thereto. In giving such consent, we do not believe that we are “experts” within the meaning of such term as used in the Act or the rules and regulations of the Commission issued thereunder with respect to any part of the Registration Statement, including this opinion filed as an exhibit or otherwise.

Sincerely,

/s/ Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati

WILSON SONSINI GOODRICH & ROSATI

Professional Corporation

Exhibit 23.1

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption “Experts” in the Registration Statement (Form S-3) and related Prospectuses of Viracta Therapeutics, Inc. for the registration of up to $200,000,000 of its common stock, preferred stock, warrants, subscription rights, debt securities or units and to the incorporation by reference therein of our report dated February 24, 2021, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Sunesis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2020, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Salt Lake City, Utah

May 28, 2021

Exhibit 23.2

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption “Experts” in the Registration Statement (Form S-3) and related Prospectuses of Viracta Therapeutics, Inc. for the registration of up to $200,000,000 of its common stock, preferred stock, warrants, subscription rights, debt securities or units and to the incorporation by reference therein of our report dated March 23, 2021, with respect to the financial statements of Viracta Therapeutics, Inc. included in its Current Report (Form 8-K/A) dated March 23, 2021, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

San Diego, California

May 28, 2021