Verastem expands ambitions with strong pancreatic cancer data at ASCO

Verastem Oncology (Nasdaq: VSTM) has unveiled updated early-stage data from its RAMP 205 trial in metastatic pancreatic cancer, bolstering its efforts to broaden use of its dual-drug regimen, Avmapki Fakzynja Co-Pack, beyond its recently approved indication in a rare form of ovarian cancer.

The combination of Avmapki (avutometinib) and Fakzynja (defactinib) with gemcitabine and Nab-paclitaxel yielded an overall response rate of 83% among patients in the cohort selected as the recommended Phase II dose.

Ten of the twelve patients achieved partial responses, with eight confirmed and two ongoing. Across all five dosing regimens tested in the Phase I/II study, 92% of evaluable patients showed tumor shrinkage. Adverse events remained consistent with prior safety findings, and no new concerns emerged.