Verastem’s KRAS Inhibitor Shows Strong Early Data in Pancreatic and Lung Cancer Trials

Key points

• In a phase 1/2 trial of over 200 patients, VS-7375 achieved a 67% six-month progression-free survival rate and 80% overall survival in metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (mPDAC) patients receiving a 900 mg daily dose.
• For non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients receiving a 600 mg daily dose, the drug showed a 43% confirmed objective response rate and a 72% six-month progression-free survival rate.
• Verastem plans to launch a phase 3 trial by the end of 2026 to evaluate VS-7375 as a monotherapy and in combination with anti-EGFR therapy or chemotherapy.
• The company recently secured $250 million in new funding, according to Yahoo Finance, to support its development efforts after refocusing its R&D pipeline on VS-7375.
• CEO Dan Paterson described the results as a 'new benchmark' for PDAC, while Chief Scientific Officer Jonathan Pachter called the drug a 'true blockbuster,' highlighting the potential for future partnerships.

Background

The KRAS gene mutation, specifically G12D, accounts for 26% of all KRAS mutations and is historically difficult to target. The landscape shifted in August 2026 when the FDA approved daraxonrasib (Rasonque) from Revolution Medicines, which doubled median survival in metastatic pancreatic cancer to 13.2 months. Prior to this, Verastem’s approved ovarian cancer combination regimen, Avmapki and Fakzynja, underperformed in a PDAC study, prompting the company to pivot its resources toward VS-7375. Recent research also explores 'cancer interception' to treat pre-cancerous tissue, aiming to improve five-year survival rates from 13.7% to 50%.

How outlets are covering it

Fierce Biotech emphasizes the clinical efficacy of VS-7375, noting that its 67% six-month progression-free survival in mPDAC exceeds the 36% confirmed objective response rate seen with Rasonque in the second-line setting. Yahoo Finance highlights the financial aspect, reporting that Verastem secured $250 million in new funding to support the drug's advancement. While Fierce Biotech focuses on the scientific 'blockbuster' potential and the decision to partner with larger entities, Yahoo Finance frames the news around investor implications and the capital raised to sustain the company's pivot from its previous underperforming assets.

Why it matters

These results suggest that VS-7375 could become a significant therapeutic option for patients with KRAS G12D-mutated cancers, particularly in pancreatic and lung cancer, which have historically poor prognoses. The strong early data may accelerate the development of combination therapies and influence the competitive landscape against recently approved RAS inhibitors like Rasonque. For investors, the $250 million funding and potential for partnerships indicate that Verastem is positioning itself as a key player in the emerging RAS inhibitor market.

What to watch

Verastem aims to launch a phase 3 trial by the end of 2026 to further evaluate VS-7375. The company is also exploring partnership opportunities to leverage its nimble development capabilities. Investors will watch for the outcome of these trials and any announced deals, as the success of VS-7375 could validate the company's strategic pivot and drive future growth in the oncology sector.