Despite 'decent' data, Verastem rethinks options for approved oncology combo in pancreatic cancer

Verastem Oncology has reported "positive updated" survival data from its RAMP 205 Phase 1b/2a trial testing avutometinib plus defactinib in combination with gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel as a first-line treatment for metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

At the recommended Phase 2 dose (RP2D) of 29 patients, the combo achieved an 86% six-month overall survival (OS) rate, a 68% six-month progression-free survival (PFS) rate, and a 52% confirmed objective response rate (ORR), with 83% of patients showing tumor shrinkage.

Despite the encouraging benchmarks, Verastem has indicated it will "rethink options" for this combination—including potentially seeking new strategic partnerships or alternative development pathways—while prioritizing its newer KRAS G12D inhibitor VS-7375 and its TARGET-D registrations in pancreatic, lung, and colorectal cancers.