This segment focuses on developing therapies that target the RAS pathway, a critical signaling cascade involved in cancer cell growth and survival. Verastem's lead product candidate, avutometinib (VS-6766), a RAF/MEK clamp, is a key asset in this area. Research and development efforts are directed towards understanding the mechanisms of resistance to RAS pathway inhibitors and identifying novel combination strategies to enhance efficacy. The company is conducting clinical trials to evaluate avutometinib in various RAS-driven cancers, including low-grade serous ovarian cancer and KRAS-mutant non-small cell lung cancer. Success in this segment would provide new treatment options for patients with cancers driven by RAS mutations, which are often difficult to treat. Partnerships with companies like Amgen and Mirati are crucial for expanding the clinical evaluation of VS-6766 in combination with other targeted therapies.

This segment is centered around the development of therapies that inhibit focal adhesion kinase (FAK), a key regulator of cell adhesion, migration, and survival. Verastem's FAK inhibitor, defactinib, is being evaluated in combination with avutometinib in clinical trials. Research and development activities in this segment focus on understanding the role of FAK in tumor microenvironment remodeling and identifying patient populations that are most likely to benefit from FAK inhibition. The company is exploring the potential of defactinib to enhance the efficacy of other cancer therapies, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors. Success in this segment would provide new treatment options for patients with cancers that are resistant to conventional therapies due to dysregulation of cell adhesion and migration. The collaboration with Pfizer is significant for the research, development, and commercialization of FAK inhibitors.