Verastem, Inc. has acquired the license to VS-4718 from Poniard Pharmaceuticals. The previous and future developmental, regulatory and commercial royalty milestones and payments associated with the development and potential future sales of VS-4718 due to Poniard Pharmaceuticals are now owned by Verastem. Verastem retains a license to VS-4718 from The Scripps Research Institute.

“Controlling ownership of our products is key to value creation,” said Robert Forrester, Verastem president and chief executive officer. “We believe that targeting the FAK pathway has the potential to decrease the cancer stem cell burden in a tumour and lead to improved patient outcomes. As we pursue clinical development and possible commercialization, we want to make sure that we maximize our flexibility for the future and retain the potential for a significant return on the development investment we are making for our shareholders.”

VS-4718 is an oral 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, Verastem and others have demonstrated that the FAK pathway is critical for the growth and survival of cancer stem cells.

VS-4718 is currently in a phase I clinical trial in patients with advanced solid tumors. The dose escalation portion of the phase I clinical trial is designed to determine the biologically active dose and the maximum tolerated dose. Additional patients may be enrolled to assess safety, tolerability and to evaluate initial signs of activity.

Under the terms of the Asset Purchase Agreement, Verastem acquired the existing and future developmental, regulatory and commercial royalty milestones and payments associated with the development and potential future sales of VS-4718 due to Poniard Pharmaceuticals. Verastem has issued 97,500 shares of common stock in the acquisition of the asset. In addition, Verastem is now the direct licensee of VS-4718 from The Scripps Research Institute with a potential obligation of up to $3m in developmental and regulatory milestones and a low single digit royalty on potential future sales.

VS-4718 is an orally available compound designed to target cancer stem cells through the potent inhibition of focal adhesion kinase (FAK). Research by Robert Weinberg, Ph.D., scientific cofounder and chair of Verastem’s Scientific Advisory Board, and Verastem has demonstrated that the FAK pathway is critical for the growth and survival of cancer stem cells. VS-4718 is currently being studied in a phase I dose escalation study in patients with advanced cancers.

Verastem, Inc. is focused on discovering and developing drugs to treat cancer by the targeted killing of cancer stem cells.