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Verastem Presents New Data on Mesothelioma Programs at the 12th International Mesothelioma Interest Group Meeting
-Results from a Window of Opportunity study in surgically-eligible patients demonstrate a reduction in pFAK, cancer stem cell markers and tumor size following 12 days of treatment with VS-6063-
Professor
An analysis of the preliminary data (n=10) showed that VS-6063 reduced
FAK activity (pFAK-
“These initial biopsy data show signs of activity against biomarkers of cancer stem cells as well as intriguing reductions in tumor size, after short-term exposure to single agent VS-6063,” said Dr. Bueno. “To follow up on these encouraging results, the protocol is being amended to explore more extended dosing in 10-15 additional patients with mesothelioma prior to surgery. The window of opportunity before elective surgery provides a novel platform for the clinical evaluation of promising new agents for the treatment of this devastating disease.”
“This study was designed to evaluate potential biomarkers of response to
VS-6063 treatment in patients with pleural mesothelioma,” said Dr.
In addition to the Window of Opportunity study,
A summary of the data presented by
Oral Presentations and Discussions
iMig Special Keynote Lecture: “Cancer Stem Cells as
Presenter:
Date
and time:
Link
to presentation: http://bit.ly/12otlcV
Presentation Title: “FAK Inhibitor VS-6063 (defactinib) Targets
Mesothelioma Cancer Stem Cells which are Enriched by Standard of Care
Chemotherapy”
Presenter: Paul Baas, M.D., Ph.D.,
Date
and time:
Link
to presentation: http://bit.ly/12otlcV
Presentation Title: “Determination of Biomarker Response in a
Phase II Window of Opportunity Study of Defactinib (VS-6063), a Focal
Adhesion Kinase (FAK) Inhibitor, in Subjects with Resectable MPM”
Presenter:
Raphael Bueno, M.D., Chief,
Date and time:
Link to presentation: http://bit.ly/12otlcV
Presentation Title: “The Cancer Stem Cell Inhibitors VS-6063
(defactinib) and VS-5584 Exhibit Synergistic Anticancer Activity in
Preclinical Models of Mesothelioma”
Presenter:
Date
and time:
Link
to presentation: http://bit.ly/12otlcV
Poster Presentation
Presentation Title: “COMMAND: A Phase 2 Randomized,
Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Multicenter Study of Defactinib as
Maintenance Therapy in Subjects with Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
which has not Progressed on at Least 4 cycles of Pemetrexed/Platinum
Therapy”
Presenter:
Date and time:
Link to poster: http://bit.ly/12otlcV
Several of the above-mentioned studies were selected to be featured in the “Best of iMig” series, which highlighted the most relevant studies from the conference. Video of the presentations can be found at http://bit.ly/12d3OU1
About Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
Malignant pleural mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer that
occurs in the mesothelium, the thin layer of tissue that covers the
lungs. Mesothelioma is associated with exposure to asbestos in most
cases. According to the
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
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.
About
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,
or defactinib, andVS-5584 and the Company’s FAK inhibition program and
PI3K/mTOR program generally, the timeline for clinical development and
regulatory approval of the Company’s compounds, the expected timing for
the reporting of data from ongoing trials, and the structure of the
Company’s planned or pending clinical trials. 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 and preliminary or
interim data from clinical trials, including the Window of Opportunity
study, 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 enrollment of clinical trials may take longer than expected,
that the Company will be unable to successfully complete the clinical
development of its compounds, including VS-6063 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
Source:
Verastem, Inc.
Brian Sullivan, 781-292-4214
bsullivan@verastem.com