CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apr. 3, 2013-- Verastem, Inc., (NASDAQ: 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

Date & Time: Sunday, April 7, 2013, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. ET
Poster Title: Cancer stem cell-selected patient-derived xenograft models with sensitivity to FAK and Pan-PI3K/mTOR inhibitors
Abstract Number: 221
Session ID: Tumor Biology 2
Location: Hall A-C, Poster Section 13

About Verastem, Inc.
Verastem, Inc. (NASDAQ: 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:
This press release includes forward-looking statements about the Company’s strategy, future plans and prospects, including statements regarding the development of the Company’s compounds, including VS-6063, VS-4718 and VS-5584, and the Company’s FAK, PI3K/mTOR and diagnostic programs generally, the timeline for clinical development and regulatory approval of the Company’s compounds, the structure of the Company’s planned clinical trials and estimates of the Company’s ability to fund operations. 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 compounds may not be predictive of the success of later clinical trials, that the Company will be unable to successfully complete the clinical development of its compounds, including VS-6063, VS-4718 and VS-5584, that the development of the Company’s compounds will take longer or cost more than planned, and that the Company’s compounds 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, 2012 and in any subsequent SEC filings. The forward-looking statements contained in this presentation 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.

Source: Verastem, Inc.

Verastem, Inc.
Investors:
Brian Sullivan, 617-252-9314
bsullivan@verastem.com
or
Media:
Kari Watson, 781-235-3060
kwatson@macbiocom.com