Verastem, Inc. (VSTM) announced that it has acquired the license to VS-4718 held originally by Poniard Pharmaceuticals (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 Pharmaceuticals are now owned by Verastem. Verastem retains a license to VS-4718 from The Scripps Research Institute. VS-4718 is an oral compound designed to target cancer stem cells through the potent inhibition of focal adhesion kinase. VS-4718 is currently in a Phase 1 clinical trial in patients with advanced solid tumors. The dose escalation portion of the Phase 1 clinical trial is designed to determine the biologically active dose and the maximum tolerated dose. Additional patients may be enrolled to assess safety, tolerability and to evaluate initial signs of activity. Under the terms of the Asset Purchase Agreement, Verastem acquired the existing and future developmental, regulatory and commercial royalty milestones and payments associated with the development and potential future sales of VS-4718 due to Poniard Pharmaceuticals. Verastem has issued 97,500 shares of common stock in the acquisition of the asset. In addition, Verastem is now the direct licensee of VS-4718 from The Scripps Research Institute with a potential obligation of up to $3m in developmental and regulatory milestones and a low single digit royalty on potential future sales.