CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mar. 26, 2012--
Verastem, Inc., (NASDAQ: VSTM) a biopharmaceutical company focused on
discovering and developing drugs to treat breast and other cancers by
targeting cancer stem cells (CSCs), congratulates Robert Weinberg,
Ph.D., Verastem co-founder and co-chair of the Scientific Advisory
Board, and announces the presentation of preclinical data at the
American Association for Cancer Research annual meeting being held March
31 to April 4, 2012, in Chicago, IL.
Dr. Weinberg has been awarded the 2012 Pezcoller Foundation-AACR
International Award for Cancer Research for his outstanding work in the
fields of cancer genetics and cell biology. Dr. Weinberg will deliver an
award lecture entitled “Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition, Cancer Stem
Cells and Metastasis” at the annual meeting on Monday, April 2, 2012.
Verastem will present data on its programs targeting the focal adhesion
kinase (FAK; VS-4718 and VS-5095) and Wnt/Beta-catenin (VS-507)
signaling pathways. Research on the FAK and Wnt/Beta-catenin signaling
pathways has revealed critical roles for each in the survival and
metastatic capability of CSCs. Verastem will present data on FAK and Wnt
inhibition in preclinical cancer models as well as data on the
development of biomarkers for companion diagnostic tests to identify
CSCs.
The schedule for Dr. Weinberg’s award address and Verastem’s poster
presentations is as follows:
Dr. Weinberg’s award lecture:
Date
& Time: Monday, April 2, 2012, at 5:30 p.m. (CT)
Title: Epithelial-Mesenchymal
Transition, Cancer Stem Cells and Metastasis
Location: Skyline
Ballroom of McCormick Place
Verastem’s poster presentations:
Date
& Time: Monday, April 2, 2012, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. (CT)
Poster
Title: The FAK Inhibitors VS-4718 and VS-5095 Attenuate Breast
Cancer Stem Cell Function In Vitro and Tumor Growth In Vivo
Abstract
Number: LB-192
Location: McCormick Place West (Hall F),
Poster Section 38
Date & Time: Monday, April 2, 2012, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
(CT)
Poster Title: The Wnt Inhibitor VS-507 Reduces Cancer
Stem Cell Function In Vitro and Tumorigenicity in Mice
Abstract
Number: LB-194
Location: McCormick Place West (Hall F),
Poster Section 38
Date & Time: Monday, April 2, 2012, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
(CT)
Poster Title: An Alternative Splicing Signature that
Identifies Breast Cancer Stem Cells
Abstract Number: LB-197
Location:
McCormick Place West (Hall F), Poster Section 38
About Verastem, Inc.
Verastem, Inc. (NASDAQ: VSTM) is a biopharmaceutical company focused on
discovering and developing drugs to treat breast and other cancers by
targeting cancer stem cells. Cancer stem cells are an underlying cause
of tumor recurrence and metastasis. 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
within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995. Forward-looking statements in this press release include
statements about the roles of FAK and Wnt/Beta-catenin signaling
pathways in survival and metastatic capability of CSCs. Actual results
may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking
statements as a result of various important factors, including the
unproven nature of our discovery and development approach and
uncertainties inherent in preclinical testing and clinical trials, among
other factors discussed in the "Risk Factors" section of the prospectus
for our recently completed initial public offering, which is on file
with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 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.
Source: Verastem, Inc.
Verastem, Inc.
Investor contact:
Brian Sullivan,
617-252-9314
bsullivan@verastem.com
or
Media
contact:
Kari Watson, 781-235-3060
kwatson@macbiocom.com
