Verastem acquires cancer stem cell inhibitor VS-4718 rights from Poniard

US drug developer Verastem (Nasdaq: VSTM) has acquired the license to VS-4718, which targets cancer stem cells, held originally by fellow USA-based Poniard Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: PARD).

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 are now owned by Verastem, which retains a license to the compound from The Scripps Research Institute.

“Controlling ownership of our products is key to value creation,” said Robert Forrester, Verastem President and Chief Executive Officer, adding: “We believe that targeting the FAK pathway has the potential to decrease the cancer stem cell burden in a tumor 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.”