Verastem, Inc. (NASDAQ:VSTM), focused on discovering and developing drugs to treat cancer by the targeted killing of cancer stem cells, today announced scheduled poster presentations at the 26th EORTC-NCI-AACR Symposium on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics taking place November 18 - 21, 2014, in Barcelona, Spain.
Verastem is presenting these clinical and preclinical data in support of its programs targeting cancer stem cells through inhibition of the focal adhesion kinase (FAK; VS-6063) 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 (CSC) survival and disease progression. CSCs represent a subpopulation of cancer cells that have tumor-initiating capability, are particularly resistant to chemotherapy and can mediate tumor recurrence both locally and at metastatic sites.
The details for the poster presentations are as follows:
Title: A first-in-Asian phase I dose escalation study to evaluate the safety and pharmacokinetics of VS-6063 (defactinib), a focal adhesion kinase inhibitor in subjects with non-hematologic malignancies Abstract #: 296 Poster Board #: 076 Date: Thursday, November 20, 2014 Time: 9:00am GMT Location: Exhibition Hall Title: FAK inhibitor VS-6063 (defactinib) targets mesothelioma cancer stem cells which are enriched by standard of care chemotherapy Abstract #: 302 Poster Board #: 082 Date: Thursday, November 20, 2014 Time: 9:00am GMT Location: Exhibition Hall Title: PI3K/mTOR inhibitor VS-5584 targets cancer stem cells and prevents tumor regrowth after chemotherapy in preclinical models of small cell lung cancer Abstract #: 439 Poster Board #: 011 Date: Friday, November 21, 2014 Time: 9:00am GMT Location: Exhibition Hall Title: The cancer stem cell inhibitors VS-6063 (defactinib) and VS-5584 exhibit synergistic anticancer activity in preclinical models of mesothelioma Abstract #: 446 Poster Board #: 018 Date: Friday, November 21, 2014 Time: 9:00am GMT Location: Exhibition Hall |
About VS-6063
VS-6063 (defactinib) is an orally available
compound designed to target cancer stem cells through the potent
inhibition of focal adhesion kinase (FAK). Cancer stem cells are an
underlying cause of tumor resistance to chemotherapy, recurrence and
ultimate disease progression. Research by Robert Weinberg, Ph.D.,
scientific cofounder and chair of Verastem’s Scientific Advisory Board,
and Verastem has demonstrated that FAK activity is critical for the
growth and survival of cancer stem cells. VS-6063 is currently being
studied in the registration-directed COMMAND trial in mesothelioma (www.COMMANDmeso.com),
a “Window of Opportunity” study in patients with mesothelioma prior to
surgery, a Phase 1/1b study in combination with paclitaxel in patients
with ovarian cancer, and a trial in patients with Kras-mutated non-small
cell lung cancer. VS-6063 has been granted orphan drug designation in
the U.S. and EU for use in mesothelioma.
About VS-5584
VS-5584 is an orally available compound that
has demonstrated potent and highly selective activity against class 1
PI3K enzymes and dual inhibitory actions against mTORC1 and mTORC2. In
preclinical studies, VS-5584 has been shown to reduce the percentage of
cancer stem cells and induce tumor regression in chemotherapy-resistant
models. Verastem is currently conducting a Phase 1 dose escalation trial
of VS-5584 in patients with advanced solid tumors.
About Verastem, Inc.
Verastem, Inc. (NASDAQ:VSTM) is
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:
This press release includes
forward-looking statements about the Company’s strategy, future plans
and prospects, including statements regarding the development and
activity of the Company’s product candidates. The words “anticipate,”
“appear,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,”
“predict,” “project,” “target,” “potential,” “will,” “would,” “could,”
“should,” “continue,” and similar expressions are intended to identify
forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements
contain these identifying words. Each forward-looking statement is
subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to
differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statement.
Applicable risks and uncertainties include the risks that the
preclinical testing of the Company’s product candidates and preliminary
or interim data from clinical trials may not be predictive of the
results or success of ongoing or later clinical trials, that data may
not be available when we expect it to be, that the Company will be
unable to successfully complete the clinical development of its product
candidates, that the development of the Company’s product candidates
will take longer or cost more than planned, and that the Company’s
product candidates will not receive regulatory approval or become
commercially successful products. Other risks and uncertainties include
those identified under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 and in
any subsequent SEC filings. The forward-looking statements contained in
this press release reflect the Company’s current views with respect to
future events, and the Company does not undertake and specifically
disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.
Contacts:
Brian Sullivan, 781-292-4214
bsullivan@verastem.com