Verastem reports early results for pancreatic cancer drug

Verastem reported early results from a Phase 1/2 study of VS-7375 in patients with pancreatic cancer and other cancers. In the pancreatic cancer group, objective response rates, a measure of signs of cancer reduction, ranged from 36% to 50%, depending on how many lines of treatment patients had already received. The rate was 33% for colorectal cancer patients and 43% for patients with non-small cell lung cancer. BioPharma Dive reported that Wall Street analysts viewed the results as competitive.

Verastem said it has reached alignment with the FDA on a Phase 3 trial of VS-7375 as a first-line pancreatic cancer treatment, which will begin by the end of the year. The company expects to enroll the first patients in colorectal and lung cancer Phase 3 trials in the first half of next year. BioPharma Dive reported that Verastem also announced a $250 million stock offering and a transition plan for a new CEO. Endpoints News reported the company announced its CEO’s departure.