Tag Archives: FAK

Business, Finance, Occupation & Industry

Verastem to Present Scientific Results at the 2013 AACR Annual Meeting

Leave a comment

By Business Wirevia The Motley Fool

Filed under:

Verastem to Present Scientific Results at the 2013 AACR Annual Meeting

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Verastem, Inc., (NAS: VSTM) a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing drugs to treat cancer by the targeted killing of cancer stem cells, announced the presentation of preclinical data at the American Association for Cancer Research annual meeting being held April 6 – 10, 2013, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC.

Verastem will present data on its programs targeting cancer stem cells through inhibition of the focal adhesion kinase (FAK; VS-6063 and VS-4718) and PI3K/mTOR (VS-5584) signaling pathways. Research on the FAK and PI3K/mTOR signaling pathways has revealed critical roles for each in cancer stem cell survival and disease progression.

Verastem will also present results from preclinical studies of patient-derived xenograft models in these programs and on the development of biomarkers for companion diagnostic tests to identify cancer stem cells and aid in patient selection.

The research presented is in support of multiple current and upcoming clinical trials. Verastem is currently conducting a Phase 1/1b trial of lead FAK inhibitor, VS-6063, in combination with paclitaxel for ovarian cancer. A potentially pivotal trial of VS-6063 in mesothelioma is scheduled to start midyear 2013. Verastem is also planning Phase 1 clinical trials of FAK inhibitor VS-4718 in the first half of 2013 and dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor VS-5584 in the second half of 2013 for patients with advanced cancers.

The schedule for the Verastem poster presentations is as follows:

Date & Time: Sunday, April 7, 2013, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. ET
Poster Title: FAK inhibition preferentially attenuates growth of Merlin-negative malignant mesotheliomas: role of cancer stem cells
Abstract Number: 924
Session ID: Experimental and Molecular Therapeutics 3
Location: Hall A-C, Poster Section 38

Date & Time: Sunday, April 7, 2013, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. ET
Poster Title: The dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor VS-5584 preferentially targets cancer stem cells in vitro and in vivo
Abstract Number: 239
Session ID: Tumor Biology 2
Location: Hall A-C, Poster Section 13

Date & Time: Sunday, April 7, 2013, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. ET
Poster Title: Pharmacological and genetic inhibition of FAK attenuates cancer stem cell function in vitro and in vivo
Abstract Number: 236
Session ID: Tumor Biology 2
Location: Hall A-C, Poster Section 13

…read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance

Business, Finance, Occupation & Industry

Verastem to Present at Upcoming Conferences

Leave a comment

By Business Wirevia The Motley Fool

Filed under:

Verastem to Present at Upcoming Conferences

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Verastem, Inc., (NAS: VSTM) a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing drugs to treat cancer by the targeted killing of cancer stem cells, announced that members of the management team will be presenting at several upcoming conferences. The presentation details are as follows:

  • Boston BD Biotech Conference on April 2-3, 2013, at the Four Seasons Hotel in Boston, MA
  • Xconomy Forum: Boston Biotech Seizes the Momentum on April 4, 2013, at Biogen Idec Building 8 in Cambridge, MA
  • BioCentury Future Leaders in the Biotech Industry Conference on April 5, 2013, at 1:30pm ET in room 402/403 at the Millennium Hotel in New York, NY. A breakout session will be held immediately following the presentation in room 401

A webcast of the Future Leaders conference presentation can be accessed by visiting the investors section of the Company’s website at www.verastem.com. A replay of the webcast will be archived on the Verastem website for two weeks following the presentation date.

About Verastem, Inc.

Verastem, Inc. (NAS: VSTM) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing drugs to treat cancer by the targeted killing of cancer stem cells. Cancer stem cells are an underlying cause of tumor recurrence and metastasis. Verastem is developing small molecule inhibitors of signaling pathways that are critical to cancer stem cell survival and proliferation: FAK, PI3K/mTOR and Wnt. For more information, please visit www.verastem.com.

Forward-looking statements:

Any statements in this press release about future expectations, plans and prospects for the Company constitute forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements. The Company anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause the Company’s views to change. However, while the Company may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to do so.

Investor contact:
Verastem, Inc.<br …read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance

Business, Finance, Occupation & Industry

Verastem Reports Year-End 2012 Financial Results

Leave a comment

By Business Wirevia The Motley Fool

Filed under:

Verastem Reports Year-End 2012 Financial Results

–Advancing Clinical Development Programs Targeting Cancer Stem Cells through FAK and PI3K/mTOR Inhibition–

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Verastem, Inc., (NAS: VSTM) , a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing drugs to treat cancer by the targeted killing of cancer stem cells, reported financial results for the year ended December 31, 2012, and also commented on corporate accomplishments and plans.

“Verastem achieved important milestones in our mission to bring new therapies targeting cancer stem cells to patients during 2012,” said Christoph Westphal, M.D., Ph.D., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Verastem. “We have built a strong foundation to translate the groundbreaking work of Bob Weinberg to clinical practice. In addition to our ongoing combination study in ovarian cancer, we are on track to initiate a potentially pivotal study of VS-6063 in mesothelioma.”

“The Phase 1/1b trial of lead FAK inhibitor, VS-6063, in combination with paclitaxel for patients with ovarian cancer is open and enrolling at all sites,” said Dr. Joanna Horobin, Chief Medical Officer of Verastem. “In addition to the potential benefit in ovarian cancer, the results from this trial may allow us to expand into additional tumor types where the combined use of a cancer stem cell inhibitor with the commonly used paclitaxel may be a more effective treatment.”

Verastem plans to initiate a potentially pivotal trial of VS-6063 in mesothelioma midyear 2013. Mesothelioma is a highly aggressive disease with an approximate median overall survival of just 12 months from diagnosis of advanced disease. Verastem studies have demonstrated that FAK inhibitors strongly reduce cancer stem cells in preclinical models of mesothelioma. In addition, in a recent third party Phase 1 clinical study of a FAK inhibitor, the median progression-free survival for patients with recurrent mesothelioma was tripled as compared to the reported historical median time to progression on placebo.

“We will continue to expand our FAK franchise in 2013 with a Phase 1 trial of VS-4718, our second FAK inhibitor, in advanced cancers, which is expected to commence in the first half of this year,” continued Dr. Horobin. “In addition, we are conducting IND-enabling studies to support the entry of our PI3K/mTOR inhibitor, VS-5584, into a Phase 1 trial during the second half of the year.”

“During 2012, Verastem secured firm financial footing with our initial public offering and accelerated our programs targeting cancer stem cells through translational research …read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance

Business, Finance, Occupation & Industry

Verastem Announces Timing for Year-End 2012 Financial Results, Webcast and Conference Call

Leave a comment

By Business Wirevia The Motley Fool

Filed under:

Verastem Announces Timing for Year-End 2012 Financial Results, Webcast and Conference Call

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Verastem, Inc., (NAS: VSTM) , a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing drugs to treat cancer by the targeted killing of cancer stem cells, announced that financial results for the year ended December 31, 2012, will be released before the market opens on Wednesday, March 27, 2013. The Verastem management team will host a conference call discussing the Company’s financial results, recent developments and management’s outlook for 2013 on Wednesday, March 27, 2013, at 8:00 AM (ET). The call can be accessed by dialing 1-866-700-6293 five minutes prior to the start of the call and providing the passcode 40173121. A replay will be available approximately two hours after the completion of the call and can be accessed by dialing 1-888-286-8010 and providing the passcode 58773105. The replay will be available for two weeks from the date of the live call.

The live, listen-only webcast of the conference call can be accessed by visiting the investors section of the Company’s website at www.verastem.com. A replay of the webcast will be archived on the Company’s website for two weeks following the call.

About Verastem, Inc.

Verastem, Inc. (NAS: VSTM) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing drugs to treat cancer by the targeted killing of cancer stem cells. Cancer stem cells are an underlying cause of tumor recurrence and metastasis. Verastem is developing small molecule inhibitors of signaling pathways that are critical to cancer stem cell survival and proliferation: FAK, PI3K/mTOR and Wnt. For more information, please visit www.verastem.com.

Forward-looking statements:

Any statements in this press release about future expectations, plans and prospects for the Company constitute forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements. The Company anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause the Company’s views to change. However, while the Company may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to do so.

Verastem, Inc.
Investor contact:
Brian Sullivan, 617-252-9314
bsullivan@verastem.com
or<br …read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance

Business, Finance, Occupation & Industry

Stephen Sherwin, M.D., Joins Verastem Board of Directors

Leave a comment

By Business Wirevia The Motley Fool

Filed under:

Stephen Sherwin, M.D., Joins Verastem Board of Directors

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Verastem, Inc., (NAS: VSTM) a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing drugs to treat cancer by the targeted killing of cancer stem cells, announced the appointment of Stephen Sherwin, M.D., to the Board of Directors.

“Steve has a wealth of biopharmaceutical and drug development expertise,” said Christoph Westphal, M.D., Ph.D., Chairman and CEO of Verastem. “We have translated Dr. Bob Weinberg’s pioneering cancer stem cell research into clinical drug candidates, and Steve’s insights and guidance will be a key to our future success.”

Verastem is currently conducting a Phase 1/2 trial of lead focal adhesion kinase (FAK) inhibitor VS-6063 in combination with paclitaxel for patients with ovarian cancer and is planning a potentially pivotal trial in mesothelioma for midyear 2013.

“Verastem is well positioned to identify and develop novel agents for the treatment of cancer through the targeting of cancer stem cells,” said Dr. Sherwin. “Verastem’s innovative approach to the treatment of cancer has the potential to substantially improve patient outcomes. I am excited to become a part of the Verastem team and have the opportunity to contribute to the development of therapies for some of the most difficult to treat cancers that confront us today.”

Dr. Sherwin is Chairman of the Board and cofounder of Ceregene, Inc. and a director of Biogen Idec (NAS: BIIB) , BioSante Pharmaceuticals (NAS: BPAX) , Neurocrine Biosciences (NAS: NBIX) , and Rigel Pharmaceuticals (NAS: RIGL) . He is also a member of the Board and Chairman Emeritus of the Biotechnology Industry Organization and has recently served on the President’s Council of Advisors for Science and Technology (PCAST) Working Group on Advancing Innovation in Drug Development and Evaluation. Dr. Sherwin is a Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, and a volunteer Attending Physician in the Hematology/Oncology Division of San Francisco General Hospital. Dr. Sherwin holds a B.A. in biology summa cum laude from Yale University and an M.D. from Harvard Medical School, and is board-certified in internal medicine and medical oncology. He is a fellow of the American College of Physicians and a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American Association for Cancer Research.

About Verastem, Inc.

…read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance