Verastem to Present on Focal Adhesion Kinase Program at the 11th International Conference of the International Mesothelioma Interest Group

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Verastem, Inc., (NASDAQ: VSTM) a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing drugs to treat breast and other cancers by targeting cancer stem cells, announced the presentation of data at the International Conference of the International Mesothelioma Interest Group being held September 11 – 15, 2012, in Boston, MA.

“In Merlin-negative mesothelioma, we have demonstrated that the proportion of cancer stem cells increases in response to treatment with the standard of care agent pemetrexed”

Verastem will present data on the targeted inhibition of Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) in mesothelioma. Approximately 50% of patients with mesothelioma harbor a specific genetic lesion in the gene Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2), which results in the loss of the protein Merlin and increased sensitivity to FAK inhibition.

“In Merlin-negative mesothelioma, we have demonstrated that the proportion of cancer stem cells increases in response to treatment with the standard of care agent pemetrexed,” said Jonathan Pachter, Ph.D., Verastem Vice President and Head of Research. “In striking contrast, we have found that these cancer stem cells are particularly sensitive to targeted FAK inhibition. This translational research provides valuable information for the design of our upcoming clinical trials.”

The schedule for the Verastem poster presentation is as follows:

Date: Wednesday, September 12, 2012, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM (ET)
Poster Title: FAK inhibitor VS-4718 preferentially attenuates cell growth of malignant mesotheliomas with NF2 mutation: role of cancer stem cells
Abstract Number: 407
Location: Harborview Ballroom at the Seaport Hotel and World Trade Center in Boston, MA
Session: Novel Therapeutics

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:

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 and the Company’s FAK and diagnostic programs generally. The words “anticipate,” “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 and VS-4718, 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, 2011 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.