Verastem Oncology (Nasdaq: VSTM) released updated results from its RAMP 205 Phase 1b/2a study evaluating avutometinib plus defactinib combined with standard-of-care chemotherapy in first-line metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

The study enrolled 29 patients treated at the recommended Phase 2 dose. At diagnosis, 90% of patients presented with metastatic disease. As of a June 5, 2026 data cutoff, with a median follow-up of 9.8 months, the six-month overall survival rate was 86%, with survival data continuing to mature. The six-month progression-free survival rate was 68%, and the confirmed objective response rate was 52%, or 15 of 29 patients. Additionally, 83% of patients experienced tumor shrinkage, and nine patients remain on treatment.

Adverse events were described as consistent with the previously reported safety profile, with no new safety signals observed.

The RAMP 205 trial was supported by a $3.8 million PanCAN Therapeutic Accelerator Award granted to Verastem in May 2022 by the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN).

"The updated data from the RAMP 205 trial provide important clinical insights into the potential impact of combined RAF/MEK and FAK inhibition as a therapeutic option for pancreatic cancer," said John Hayslip, M.D., chief medical officer at Verastem Oncology.

Verastem stated it will continue evaluating the combination in metastatic pancreatic cancer and assess potential strategic collaborations, informed by final overall survival results and data from VS-7375, an investigational oral KRAS G12D inhibitor currently being evaluated in metastatic pancreatic cancer. The company also said it plans to present the data at a medical meeting.

Avutometinib and defactinib are not approved by the FDA for use in pancreatic cancer. The FDA approved the AVMAPKI FAKZYNJA CO-PACK combination on May 8, 2025, for adult patients with KRAS-mutated recurrent low-grade serous ovarian cancer who have received prior systemic therapy, under accelerated approval.