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INITIATING COVERAGE                                                                                                        March 7, 2012

                                         VERASTEM (VSTM)
                                                                                                                                         13.0
                                     RATING:                    BUY
BIOTECHNOLOGY                                                                                                                            12.5
                                     PRICE:                     $11.10
                                     PRICE TARGET:              $20                                                                      12.0
WILLIAM TANNER, PHD                  MARKET CAP:                $224.6 M
212-632-1512                                                                                                                             11.5
william.tanner@lazardcap.com         S&P 500:                   1,343

COLLEEN MACKEY
                                     NBI:                       1,209                                                                    11.0
212-632-6413
colleen.mackey@lazardcap.com                                                                                                             10.5
                                                                               Jan
MEREDITH CHENG                                                                 SOURCE: FactSet
212-632-1944
meredith.cheng@lazardcap.com
                                         VSTM: Attacking cancer at the root; initiating coverage with
                                         BUY rating and $20 price target
                                            We believe VSTM shares will appeal to investors by virtue of the company’s
                                            world-class scientific founders, highly experienced management team and a
                                            research focus that may possess the potential to dramatically change the
                                            manner in which cancer is treated.
                                            Targeting CSCs could improve treatment outcomes. Verastem is pioneering
                                            the development of therapies that target cancer stem cells (CSCs). Emerging
                                            evidence suggests that, while standard cancer treatments may be effective at
                                            killing cancer non-stem cells, CSCs may survive, providing opportunities for re-
                                            growth.
                                            Technology platform designed to provide steady supply of CSCs. Verastem’s
                                            proprietary technology platform allows for the production of stable CSCs.
                                            Identification of potent CSC-killing agents may be facilitated through standard
                                            high-throughput screening techniques.
                                            VS-507 likely first in man for treating TNBC. Human testing of lead drug
                                            candidate VS-507 is expected to begin in 2012. A modulator of the Wnt
                                            signaling pathway, VS-507 will initially be tested for treating triple-negative
                                            breast cancer (TNBC).
                                            Valuation and risks. Our $20 PT is derived from a DCF analysis that values
                                            VS-507 for treating TNBC. Risks include successful development and regulatory
                                            approval of drug candidates as well as market competition.
 DECEMBER YEAR                   2010                                      2011E                                               2012E
                                                 1Q11A        2Q11A         3Q11A                4Q11          YEAR
Revenue (M)                      $0.0                $0.0       $0.0           $0.0              $0.0           $0.0             $0.0
EBITDA (M)                        NM                   NM        NM               NM              NM           $(10)            $(16)
EPS                            $(0.59)                 NM        NM               NM              NM       $(1.75)             $(0.82)
FCF/S                             NM                   NM        NM               NM              NM            NM                NM


 CAPITALIZATION                                                       VALUATION                         2010           2011E     2012E


Shares Outstanding (M)                          20.2               P/E                                   NM              NM         NM
Total Net Debt (M)                              $(62)              Rel. to S&P 500                       NM              NM         NM
Enterprise Value (M)                            $163               EV/EBITDA                             NM              NM         NM
Total Debt / Capitalization                     NM                 FCF Multiple                          NM              NM         NM

Effective May 10, 2005, Lazard Frères & Co. LLC (“LF&Co.”) transferred its capital markets business (which includes
equity research, syndicate, sales and trading) to a new privately-held company, Lazard Capital Markets LLC, which is
neither owned nor controlled by LF&Co. LF&Co., which is part of publicly-traded Lazard Ltd, has retained, among
other things, its investment banking business (including its mergers and acquisitions and financial restructuring
practices). Please see pages 21-22 for important disclosures and analyst certification.
KEY DRIVERS TO MONITOR                                              TRADING / DIVIDEND DATA

1) Preclinical development of lead drug candidate VS-507             52-Week Range                              $12-$11
2) Initiation of human clinical testing of VS-507                    Avg. Daily Trading Volume (000)            17
3) Advancement of other candidates (VS4718 and VS-5095)              Dividend / Yield                           $0.00 / 0.0%
                                                                     Share Float (M)/% Sh. Out                  7 / 36.9%




 KEY RISKS TO MONITOR                                                BENCHMARKS

1) Successful clinical development of drug candidates                ROIC                                       NM
2) Regulatory approval of drug candidates                            Book Value P/S *                           NM
3) Ability to secure favorable reimbursement                         Price/Book *                               NM
                                                                     Free Cash Flow Yield *                     NM
                                                                     Projected 3-year EPS Growth Rate           NM
                                                                     Institutional Ownership                    6%

                                                                     * Last actual quarter



FOREC AST PERCENT CH ANGE (Y/Y)
 DECEMBER YEAR        2010                                           2011E                                       2012E
                                                    1Q11A   2Q11A       3Q11A            4Q11          YEAR
Revenue                             NM                NM      NM            NM               NM         NM           NM
EBITDA                              NM                NM      NM            NM               NM         NM           NM
EPS                                 NM                NM      NM            NM               NM         NM           NM
FCF/S                               NM                NM      NM            NM               NM         NM           NM




 COMPANY DESCRIPTION

 Verastem debuted in the public equity markets through an IPO completed in January 2012. The company is leveraging
 expertise in molecular and cellular biology to develop therapies intended to kill cancer stem cells (CSCs). The approach
 may address a potential shortcoming of typical cancer therapies that, while somewhat effective at killing differentiated
 cancer cells, may spare progenitor stem cells that can allow for tumor re-growth. A key element of Verastem’s effort is a
 platform technology that allows for creation of CSCs with which drug candidates are screened. The ability to generate
 stable CSCs is fundamentally important for the discovery and development of more effective cancer treatments. The
 company is well funded and should have capital resources adequate to reach human proof of concept. Verastem is
 headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts.




                                                                                                                               2
INVESTMENT THESIS

Founded by world-class cancer biologists and experienced venture capitalists,
Verastem is developing small-molecule drugs for the treatment of cancer, with
the specific focus of targeting cancer stem cells (CSCs). The underpinning theory
behind Verastem’s approach is that, while typical cancer therapies may be
effective in killing mature and differentiated cancer cells, ineffective killing of
CSCs may provide the means for the tumors to re-grow. To facilitate
development of CSC-targeting therapies, Verastem’s founders developed
technologies to manipulate the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) to
create CSCs. With them, standard high-throughput screening processes are
applied to identify promising leads. Capital raised in the company’s IPO should
support activities through to potential human proof of concept (POC). If
Verastem is successful in the development of drugs that target CSCs, we believe
there may be a high level of interest from other biopharma industry companies
focused on developing cancer therapies.

REASONS TO BUY

VSTM shares are undervalued. As detailed in the Valuation section of this
report, we believe VSTM shares are undervalued. Our financial analysis assumes
that Verastem successfully develops VS-507 and that the drug reaches the market
and is used for treating so-called triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). If the
CSC theory is valid and if killing CSCs yields a more effective treatment for
cancer, Verastem could define a new paradigm in medical management of the
disease.

Platform technology may provide means to accomplish what might have
been challenging before. Hampering the ability to develop drugs that kill CSCs
has been the inability to obtain the cells in sufficient quantities for screening of
drug candidates. Verastem scientists discovered methods to create CSCs by
manipulating the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Obviously, if
targeting CSCs does not alter the course of the disease, then the ability to
generate the cells may have limited utility, especially as it relates to their use for
drug candidate screening.

Companion diagnostics could provide insight into how cancers should be
treated and provide another revenue stream. The importance of having
companion diagnostics to “marry” with the use of therapies cannot be overstated,
particularly when the genetic/phenotypic profile is predictive of whether a patient
should be treated with the drug at all and if a prediction as to the likelihood of an
acceptable outcome can be made. Because Verastem’s therapies would likely
function mostly through the killing of CSCs, it will be important to ensure that
the patients treated have tumors populated with them. It may also be important to
ensure that the specific therapy is matched to the cellular defect(s) characteristic
of the cancer.

Verastem’s founders are world renowned cancer biologists. We are mindful
that numerous companies have been founded by accomplished scientists, yet
achievement of the primary business goals has not occurred. Still, we believe that




                Verastem (VSTM)                                                      3
having a fundamentally solid understanding of the biology of CSCs is important.
Co-founders Robert Weinberg, Ph.D., Eric Lander, Ph.D. and Piyush Gupta,
Ph.D. have demonstrated expertise as it relates to cancer biology and CSCs and
their work in the area has been published in prestigious scientific journals.

Verastem’s CEO has a strong track record of identifying technologies that
may generate broad interest within the biopharma industry. In the current
capital markets environment, the ability to go public at a pre-clinical stage could
likely be attributed to the fact that the company is pursuing a potentially
revolutionary way to treat cancer, a truly “big idea” in an industry that often
presents relatively undifferentiated ones. We believe investors may also have
been attracted to the caliber of the company’s founders. A unique element to the
Verastem story may be prior investor experiences in companies founded by CEO
Christoph Westphal. Companies he has co-founded include Alnylam, a leading
developer of RNA-interfering technologies; Momenta, a developer of novel
drugs based on a fundamental understanding of sugar biology; and Sirtris, a
developer of drugs that may alter the aging process. Sirtris may resonate most
strongly with investors given that the company was sold slightly over a year after
going public (at $10 per share) for $22.50 per share. Whether Verastem could be
sold remains to be determined. If, however, the company’s strategy gains greater
validity (e.g., through demonstration of human POC), we believe numerous
business development opportunities could unfold.

RISKS

As with practically any development-stage biotechnology company, the
primary risk relates to the feasibility of technical success. Verastem is seeking
to prove a hypothesis for which no clear-cut human clinical study data exist to
support it. If targeting CSCs does not improve treatment outcomes, then
Verastem may have to modify its business model/strategy to more closely
resemble the prototypical small-cap biotech companies that develop new (if not
differentiated) cancer treatments.

For pre-commercial-stage biotech companies, the need for additional capital
should always be considered a risk, in our opinion. Based on Verastem’s
expectations regarding capital requirements to reach human POC, we believe
investors may not face a significant risk of dilution before a value-creating event
could occur. If POC is established and the company needs to raise additional
capital, we believe it likely that the raise would occur at a valuation above the
level at which the stock currently trades.

VALUATION

Our valuation of VSTM shares is based on a DCF analysis of the commercial
opportunity for treating TNBC. Until human POC has been demonstrated, therein
potentially highlighting the power of Verastem’s technology, we are disinclined
to attribute much value to it. Obviously, if the technology’s fidelity supports a
reproducible drug development effort, we believe it would be reasonable to
consider some value for the platform over and above the intrinsic value of the
drugs developed using it.




               Verastem (VSTM)                                                   4
As of 2011, the total breast cancer population, defined as women alive today who
                       have or had breast cancer, was approximately 2.6M patients (National Cancer
                       Institute). In 2011, an estimated 230,500 new cases of invasive breast cancer
                       were diagnosed, in addition to 58,000 non-invasive cases (American Cancer
                       Society, Surveillance Research, 2011), representing an incidence rate of ~2% of
                       the U.S. female population. Of the newly diagnosed patients, we assume a
                       survival rate of 85% based on current five-year relative survival rates of 99% for
                       localized disease, 84% for regional disease and 23% for distant-stage disease in
                       all ages and races (American Cancer Society). Approximately 39,500 women
                       will die in the same year from the disease, which represents 1.3% of the total
                       breast cancer population (American Cancer Society, Surveillance Research,
                       2011). Lastly, of the net breast cancer population, about 15% of those will have
                       TNBC. We maintained this net growth trajectory to 2017, the year in which we
                       believe Verastem could launch the first drug candidate from the ongoing
                       development efforts.

                       By 2017, we project a population of approximately 400,000 TNBC patients, 15%
                       of the projected ~2.7M breast cancer patients in the U.S. With a market
                       penetration rate of 1%, and an initial price of $65,000/year for treatment, we
                       estimate that lead drug candidate VS-507 will capture around $260M of sales in
                       its first year on the market. From 2017 to 2021, we project market penetration
                       growing to 10% and, with 5% price increases taken each year, annual sales
                       growing to $3.2B. We assume cost of sales will be 30% in 2017, falling to 25%
                       by 2019. Exhibit 1 depicts our revenue estimates for VS-507.

Exhibit 1. Verastem Revenue Model




Source: LCM Research




                                      Verastem (VSTM)                                                  5
Our DCF analysis is depicted in Exhibit 2. We used a weighted average cost of
                            capital (WACC) of 25% and a probability of technical success (pTS) of 25%.
                            Based on our analysis, we estimate a fair value for the stock at $20 per share.

Exhibit 2. Verastem Discounted Cash Flow Analysis




Source: LCM Research
                            A sensitivity analysis around the per annum cost of therapy and pTS is depicted
                            in Exhibit 3. We assumed prices and probabilities ranging from $55,000 to
                            $85,000 and 15% to 30%, respectively. Based on these inputs, we estimate a fair
                            value range of $11-$35.

                            Exhibit 3. Verastem Valuation Sensitivity




                            Source: LCM Research

                            TARGETING CANCER AT ITS ROOT

                            The existence of stem cells in normal tissues has been known for some time, and
                            they are believed to play an important role in tissue-specific functions. Stem cells
                            are capable of self renewal as well as creation of “committed” progenitor cells
                            that may ultimately differentiate into the cells that carry out necessary activities
                            characteristic of the organ or tissue. Stem cells have also been identified in
                            tumors, where they exist as a minor component of the tumor but are,
                            nevertheless, important because they are believed to have the ability to seed new
                            tumors.




                                              Verastem (VSTM)                                                 6
The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a process that is believed to
allow epithelial cells that typically interact with basement membranes and are,
therefore, immobile, to resemble mesenchymal cells. Loss of need for adhesion
to a basement membrane, for example, allows the mesenchymal cells to be
mobile and disseminate throughout the body. Cancer cells that have undergone
the EMT process, therefore, may be uniquely suited for giving rise to metastases.

Verastem is pioneering the treatment of cancer by focusing on the role of CSCs
in the disease pathology. The underpinning theory is simple but elegant: Typical
therapies may kill the differentiated tumor cells but may be relatively ineffective
at killing CSCs. As a consequence, although the tumor may be de-bulked, the
resident CSCs that remain, because they are not killed by the therapy, are
available to repopulate the tumor (and perhaps metastasize to other parts of the
body). Verastem scientists believe that the combination of CSC-targeting agents
with typical therapies could produce a more robust treatment effect than either
treatment alone.

CSC CREATION − A KEY TECHNOLOGY

Tumor cell lines/models that may be useful for screening drug candidates exist
but, likely in part because the CSC theory has only recently been put forward,
suitable tools are less prevalent for identifying compounds that effectively kill
them. Consequently, the ability to create CSCs in adequate quantity is of
paramount importance to the drug development process. In a paper in the journal
Cell (“The epithelial-mesenchymal transition generates cells with properties of
stem cells”, 2008, 133, 704-715), Verastem scientists and collaborators describe
a means of transforming immortalized, but not tumorigenic, human mammary
epithelial cells (HMLE cells) into cells with a genotypic and phenotypic profile
that resembled neoplastic mammary stem cells. Specifically, expression of
mRNA of epithelial markers was downregulated and mRNA of mesenchymal
markers was upregulated. Cell-surface expression of the CD44 antigen increased
whereas expression of the CD24 antigen decreased.

The altered genotype/phenotype was effected by expression of nuclear
transcription factors Snail or Twist. Verastem scientists have developed a process
wherein stable CSCs can be created from cancer “non-stem” cells. Verastem
believes that the stability of the CSCs is amenable to high-throughput screening.
Obviously, instability that led to genetic drift and perhaps differential response to
experimental agents would undercut the reproducibility or comparability of
results.

Exhibit 4 depicts the general schema for Verastem’s drug development efforts.
Accessing chemical libraries and establishing high-throughput screening assays
should be relatively routine as there is an abundance of compounds and cell-
killing assays should be straightforward to develop. Key to the process, then, is
likely the ability to generate CSCs.




                Verastem (VSTM)                                                   7
Exhibit 4. Verastem Proprietary Technology




Source: Company filings and presentation.


INITIAL EFFORTS TARGET TNBC

Verastem’s initial drug development efforts are focused on the treatment of
triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). For background, breast cancer is typically
categorized by the presence of the estrogen receptor (ER), the progesterone
receptor (PR) or the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). Cells
that express none of these receptors are considered “triple negative” and the
diagnosis is triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Approximately 15% of all
breast cancers are considered to be of the TNBC variety and a poorer prognosis
and lower survival rate is typically observed as compared with cancers for which
some of the receptors are expressed. Owing to the absence of the receptors, and
because they are drug targets themselves, traditional chemotherapy is typically
not effective. Importantly, with respect to targeting CSCs, TNBC also has the
proclivity to recur more often and cause patients to relapse.

Exhibit 5. TNBC growth after chemotherapy




Source: www.triplestepforthecure.org




                    Verastem (VSTM)                                           8
Wnt Pathway is Focus of Initial Efforts

VS-507 is Verastem’s lead drug candidate and the compound is a small-molecule
inhibitor of the so-called Wnt pathway. Activation of the pathway is believed to
be important for normal development but a role in cancer biology is also believed
to exist. As depicted in Exhibit 6 (left side of the graphic), Wnt proteins bind to a
cell surface receptor called Frizzled and a complex is formed with the LRP6
protein (which may serve to stabilize the complex). VS-507, a proprietary
formulation of the antibiotic salinomycin, is believed to disrupt the complex,
thereby inhibiting signaling of the Wnt pathway.

Exhibit 6. VS-507 mechanism of action




Source: Verastem presentation


In vitro data supporting the cell-killing ability of VS-507 were published in the
journal Cell in 2009 (“Identification of selective inhibitors of cancer stem cells
by high-throughput screening”, 138, 1-15). Using HMLE cells that had been
modified to produce E-cadhedrin at a lower level than normal, an EMT ensued
and acquisition of a mesenchymal phenotype emerged. As described in the
journal article, 16,000 compounds were screened for their ability to reduce cell
viability. The authors reported that 10% of the compounds that were tested
reduced the viability of the modified HMLEshEcad cells but that 98% also inhibited
the viability of control HMLEshCntrl cells, meaning that the compounds might not
be selective for CSCs. Eight of 32 compounds that showed selective toxicity to
HMLEshEcad cells were selected for additional testing. From the subsequent
screening attempts, only salinomycin consistently showed cell-killing ability
across a range of concentrations. The authors reported that the three other
compounds tested − abamectin, etoposide and nigericin − exhibited more modest
selective toxicity (2X) as compared with salinomycin (8X).

Exhibit 7 depicts results from in vitro testing of HMLER cells (HMLE cells
transformed with V12H-Ras oncogene). The data depicted in the three panels on
the left side of the Exhibit represent the relative levels of CD44 and CD24
antigens. As noted previously, CSCs are believed to highly express CD44
relative to CD24 and non-stem cell cancer cells are believed to express high
levels of CD24 and low levels of CD44. “High” expressing CD44 cells and
“low” expressing CD24 cells are framed by the pentagon shapes on the left side



                    Verastem (VSTM)                                               9
of each graphic. Noteworthy is the fact that expression of CD24 was higher
relative to cells treated with placebo as compared with cells treated with
paclitaxel. The interpretation may be that the relatively low number of CSCs in
placebo-treated cells (vs. non-CSCs) reflects the normal stoichiometry and that
the high number in paclitaxel-treated cells merely reflects the effectiveness of
paclitaxel at killing non-CSCs and the relative insensitivity of CSCs to the drug.
By comparison, the vast majority of cells treated with VS-507 that survive are
non-CSCs. On the surface, these data support the notion that VS-507, combined
with paclitaxel, might be useful for eradicating CSCs and non-CSCs.

Exhibit 7. VS-507 vs. placebo and paclitaxel




Source: Gupta et al., Cell 2009

VS-507 is currently in preclinical toxicity testing. It is anticipated that an IND
will be filed by YE12 and that Phase I clinical testing will commence in early
2013. The Phase I trial will likely be a typical dose-escalation study to assess the
drug’s safety and tolerability. Verastem has also discussed plans to conduct a
small Phase Ib trial (n = 10-15 patients) that will primarily focus on CSC-
enriched TNBC patients. Patients with tumors known to over-express the focal
adhesion kinase (FAK) including ovarian, lung and prostate tumors, may be
included in the trials. The efficacy endpoints of this study may include
biomarkers and RECIST measurements. Exhibit 8 depicts the preliminary design
of the VS-507 studies.




                     Verastem (VSTM)                                              10
Exhibit 8. Verastem clinical trial design




VS-4718 IS VERASTEM’S NEXT SHOT ON GOAL

VS-4718 is a small molecule inhibitor of the FAK enzyme. Exhibit 9 depicts the
putative role of FAK in intracellular signaling processes, particularly as they
relate to a possible intersection/overlap with the Wnt pathway. Note that FAK is
believed to lie downstream of RTKs (receptor tyrosine kinases or growth factor
receptors). To the extent that growth factors are involved in aberrant cancer cell
growth, inhibition of FAK might be predicted to have an effect.

Exhibit 9. VS-4718 mechanism of action




Source: Company presentation




Results of in vitro testing of VS-4718 were published in the journal Cancer
Biology and Therapy in 2010 (“PND-1186 FAK inhibitor selectively promotes
tumor cell apoptosis in three-dimensional environments”, vol. 9, no. 10, 764-



                   Verastem (VSTM)                                              11
777). In those experiments, VS-4718 (designated as PND-1186 in the journal
            article) was shown to be effective at killing 4T1 breast carcinoma cells and ID8
            ovarian carcinoma cells. The 4T1 cell line was derived from a spontaneously
            arising mammary tumor in BALB/c mice and is regarded as a model that
            resembles human breast cancer. The ID8 cell line was derived from mouse
            ovarian surface epithelial cells from C57B6 mice.

            Exhibit 10 depicts results from a so-called scratch-wound motility assay, a
            measure of cell migration. 4T1 cells were seeded on fibronectin-coated plates and
            then “wounded” with a pipette tip. The cells were cultured with VS-4718 or
            without (placebo) and migration was assessed by the degree to which the cells
            repopulated the cleared area. Evident in the micrographs at the top of Exhibit 10
            is that VS-4718 inhibited migration.

            The bottom figures highlight the outcome of experiments of Balb/C mice, in
            which 4T1 cells were injected into the hindflank, treated with VS-4718.
            Noteworthy is that treatment resulted in fewer metastases and smaller tumor
            volume than mice treated with a placebo (PEG: PBS).


Exhibit 10. VS-4718 inhibition of 4T1 cell migration and metastasis




Source: Tanjoni et al., Cancer Bio & Ther. 2010.




            Exhibit 11 depicts results from experiments testing the ability of VS-4718 to kill
            4T1 tumors in Balb/c mice. In the experiments, mice were treated with VS-4718
            or placebo and the viability of the tumors was assessed. In the photomicrographs
            at the top of the panel, the green fluorescence represents cleaved caspase-3, an
            enzyme the presence of which is generally believed to be indicative of apoptosis
            (programmed cell death).




                                 Verastem (VSTM)                                            12
Exhibit 11. VS-4718 treatment results in 4T1 cell apoptosis




   Source: Tanjoni et al., Cancer Bio & Ther. 2010


                      Exhibit 12 depicts Verastem’s pipeline and anticipated milestones related to the
                      advancement of the assets.

Exhibit 12. Verastem Pipeline




Source: Company filings




                                          Verastem (VSTM)                                            13
Exhibit 13. Verastem Upcoming Milestones




COMPETITION

Verastem may face competition from at least three other companies that are
developing therapies targeting CSCs.

OncoMed Pharmaceuticals’ lead development compound is OMP-21M18
(demcizumab), a MAb currently in Phase Ib development that targets CSCs
through the Delta-like ligand (DLL4). DLL4 is believed to be an activator of
Notch, a signaling pathway important in stem cells and cancer. OMP-21M18 has
exhibited single-agent activity in a Phase I study in heavily pretreated solid tumor
patients. Phase Ib combination studies with chemotherapy in advanced non-small
cell lung and pancreatic cancers are also ongoing. A second drug candidate,
OMP-18R5, is in Phase I testing and it is an antibody that binds to the Frizzled
receptor. By binding to Frizzled, OMP-18R5 could be predicted to have a similar
effect as VS-507.

Boston Biomedical’s lead compound is BBI608, a compound that
simultaneously inhibits multiple key cancer stemness pathways. The drug is in
preparation for Phase III testing in patients with colorectal cancer and in various
Phase II and Ib trials for multiple solid tumors. On February 29, 2012, Dainippon
Sumitomo Pharma Co. announced that it reached an agreement to acquire Boston
Biomedical for up to $2.63B.

Stemline Therapeutics’ drug candidates target myeloid leukemia (AML) and
myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). A multi-center Phase I/II trial of SL-401 was
recently completed and single-agent activity, including durable complete
responses and overall survival benefits, were observed. In addition, the drug was
well tolerated by patients and non-toxic to their bone marrow. SL-401 is
currently advancing into later-stage clinical trials in patients with advanced
AML.




                Verastem (VSTM)                                                  14
Exhibit 14. Verastem Competition




                            PATENT PORTFOLIO

                            Verastem’s intellectual property portfolio is composed mostly of patents licensed
                            from other entities including The Whitehead Institute, The Broad Institute and
                            Poniard Pharmaceuticals. Verastem has filed two patent applications pertaining
                            to VS-507. Verastem has licensed patents around its technology for screening for
                            CSCs, EMT induction and biomarkers and inhibitors of CSC survival.
                            Verastem’s patents and patent applications protect various parts of its technology
                            and drugs from the mid-2020s to the early 2030s.

                            Exhibit 16 pictorially depicts the general nature of Verastem’s patents. Note that
                            the patents include processes of creating CSCs, methods of screening for drug
                            targets and the pharmacophores (or uses) themselves. Thus, we believe that the
                            company has created a robust patent portfolio that covers all of the key aspects of
                            the drug development process.




                                           Verastem (VSTM)                                                  15
Exhibit 15. Verastem patents and their applications




         Source: Company materials
                                     Exhibit 17 depicts the specific patents licensed by Verastem. Note that the
                                     company licensed patents related to FAK inhibitors. That IP could provide
                                     protection for drug candidates that follow VS-507 and function through the
                                     inhibition of that pathway.

Exhibit 16. Verastem patents




                                     FINANCIAL FORECAST

                                     Our financial model for Verastem includes revenue for only one product, VS-
                                     507, which we estimate will reach the market in the 2017 time frame. We assume
                                     that the company has adequate financial resources to reach human POC and



                                                    Verastem (VSTM)                                                16
would likely raise additional capital after that. In our model, we forecast the next
                                        equity raise occurring in 2016, one year before the projected launch of VS-507.
                                        R&D is projected to grow by 50% in 2012 and 20% in 2013, with SG&A
                                        projected to grow by 100% and 93% in the same periods, respectively. We
                                        believe these expenses will increase significantly in both 2016 and 2017 in
                                        preparation for the drug’s launch and filing of an NDA. We currently project EPS
                                        of $(0.82) and $(1.19) for 2012 and 2013, respectively.

Exhibit 17. Verastem Income Statement




Source: Company reports, LCM Research estimates




                                                        Verastem (VSTM)                                                  17
Exhibit 18. Verastem Balance Sheet




Source: Company reports, LCM Research estimates




                                                  Verastem (VSTM)   18
Exhibit 19. Verastem Statement of Cash Flows




Source: Company reports, LCM Research estimates




                                        VERASTEM EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT

                                        Exhibit 21 lists senior Verastem management. As we noted previously,
                                        Verastem’s CEO has substantial experience founding biopharma companies that
                                        possess unique assets such as technology platforms (e.g., Alnylam) or companies
                                        that may be at the forefront of certain aspects of biology (e.g., Sirtris).

     Exhibit 21. Verastem Executive Management




    Source: Verastem and LCM Research




                                                       Verastem (VSTM)                                              19
VERASTEM SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY BOARD

                                Exhibit 22 lists Verastem’s Scientific Advisory Board. In our opinion, the
                                strength and experience of the SAB is relatively peerless in the industry for
                                companies the size of Verastem. As noted previously, we believe investors are
                                apt to gravitate towards the quality of the SAB, particularly given the relatively
                                early stage of development of the theory of cancer stem cells and their viability
                                as drug targets.

Exhibit 22. Verastem Scientific Advisory Board




Source: Verastem and LCM Research

                                VERASTEM BOARD OF DIRECTORS

  Exhibit 23. Verastem Board of Directors




  Source: Verastem and LCM Research




                                                Verastem (VSTM)                                                  20
ANALYST CERTIFICATION

All of the recommendations and views about the securities and companies in this report accurately reflect
the personal views of the research analyst named on the cover of this report. No part of this research
analyst’s compensation was, is, or will be directly or indirectly related to the specific recommendations or
views expressed by the research analyst in this research report.

IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES

Lazard Frères & Co. LLC has received compensation for investment banking services
from VSTM within the past twelve (12) months.
Lazard Capital Markets LLC has acted as manager or co-manager of a securities
offering on behalf of VSTM within the past twelve (12) months.
Lazard Capital Markets LLC makes a market in VSTM securities.


                                            VSTM - Current Rating: BUY, Price Target: $20


                21

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                15

                14

                13

                12

                11

                10
               Dec 11                                    Jan 12                                   Feb 12                                       Mar 12

                                                                                 Data source: FactSet prices / LCM ratings and target prices

                               DISTRIBUTION OF INVESTMENT RATINGS (AS OF 03/05/12)
                      OVERALL DISTRIBUTION                      BANKING CLIENT DISTRIBUTION*
          BUY              NEUTRAL            SELL           BUY           NEUTRAL         SELL
          59%                 40%              1%            15%               5%            0%
* Indicates the percentage of each category in the Overall Distribution that were banking clients of Lazard Frères in the previous 12 months.




RATING                     GUIDELINE          (return targets may be modified by risk or liquidity issues)
BUY                        Expected to produce a positive total return of more than 10% in the next 12 months.
NEUTRAL                    Fairly valued; expected to product a total return of ±10% in the next 12 months.
SELL                       Expected to product a negative total return of more than 10% in the next 12 months.




                                                                   Verastem (VSTM)                                                                      21
DISCLAIMERS

This report has been prepared by Lazard Capital Markets LLC (“LCM”) in New York. It may not be
reproduced, redistributed or copied in whole or in part for any purpose. This report has been approved by, and
is being distributed in the US or to US persons, by LCM, which accepts responsibility for its contents in the US.
Transactions undertaken in the US in any security mentioned herein must be effected through LCM or another
US-registered broker-dealer, in conformity with SEC Rule 15a-6.

Neither this report nor any copy or part thereof may be distributed in any other jurisdictions where its
distribution may be restricted by law and persons into whose possession this report comes should inform
themselves about, and observe, any such restrictions. Distribution of this report in any such other jurisdictions
may constitute a violation of US securities laws, or the law of any such other jurisdictions.

This report does not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities referred to herein. It should
not be so construed, nor should it or any part of it form the basis of, or be relied on in connection with, any
contract or commitment whatsoever. The information in this report, or on which this report is based, has been
obtained from sources that LCM believes to be reliable and accurate. However, it has not been independently
verified and no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made as to the accuracy or completeness of
any information obtained from third parties. The information or opinions are provided as at the date of this
report and are subject to change without notice. The information and opinions provided in this report take no
account of the investors’ individual circumstances and should not be taken as specific advice on the merits of
any investment decision. Investors should consider this report as only a single factor in making any investment
decisions. Further information is available upon request. LCM may provide specialized research products or
services to certain customers focusing on the prospects for individual covered stocks as compared to other
covered stocks over varying time horizons or under differing market conditions. While the views expressed in
these situations may not always be directionally consistent with the long-term views expressed in the analyst's
published research, the analyst has a reasonable basis and any inconsistencies can be reasonably explained.
LCM does not accept any liability whatsoever for any direct or consequential loss howsoever arising, directly or
indirectly, from any use of this report or its contents.

By accepting this report you agree to be bound by the foregoing limitations.

Lazard Capital Markets LLC
30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10020
Member NYSE and FINRA
Copyright 2012 Lazard Capital Markets LLC. All rights reserved.



                                                 Verastem (VSTM)                                                    22

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Initiating Coverage on Verastem - March 2012

  • 1. INITIATING COVERAGE March 7, 2012 VERASTEM (VSTM) 13.0 RATING: BUY BIOTECHNOLOGY 12.5 PRICE: $11.10 PRICE TARGET: $20 12.0 WILLIAM TANNER, PHD MARKET CAP: $224.6 M 212-632-1512 11.5 william.tanner@lazardcap.com S&P 500: 1,343 COLLEEN MACKEY NBI: 1,209 11.0 212-632-6413 colleen.mackey@lazardcap.com 10.5 Jan MEREDITH CHENG SOURCE: FactSet 212-632-1944 meredith.cheng@lazardcap.com VSTM: Attacking cancer at the root; initiating coverage with BUY rating and $20 price target We believe VSTM shares will appeal to investors by virtue of the company’s world-class scientific founders, highly experienced management team and a research focus that may possess the potential to dramatically change the manner in which cancer is treated. Targeting CSCs could improve treatment outcomes. Verastem is pioneering the development of therapies that target cancer stem cells (CSCs). Emerging evidence suggests that, while standard cancer treatments may be effective at killing cancer non-stem cells, CSCs may survive, providing opportunities for re- growth. Technology platform designed to provide steady supply of CSCs. Verastem’s proprietary technology platform allows for the production of stable CSCs. Identification of potent CSC-killing agents may be facilitated through standard high-throughput screening techniques. VS-507 likely first in man for treating TNBC. Human testing of lead drug candidate VS-507 is expected to begin in 2012. A modulator of the Wnt signaling pathway, VS-507 will initially be tested for treating triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Valuation and risks. Our $20 PT is derived from a DCF analysis that values VS-507 for treating TNBC. Risks include successful development and regulatory approval of drug candidates as well as market competition. DECEMBER YEAR 2010 2011E 2012E 1Q11A 2Q11A 3Q11A 4Q11 YEAR Revenue (M) $0.0 $0.0 $0.0 $0.0 $0.0 $0.0 $0.0 EBITDA (M) NM NM NM NM NM $(10) $(16) EPS $(0.59) NM NM NM NM $(1.75) $(0.82) FCF/S NM NM NM NM NM NM NM CAPITALIZATION VALUATION 2010 2011E 2012E Shares Outstanding (M) 20.2 P/E NM NM NM Total Net Debt (M) $(62) Rel. to S&P 500 NM NM NM Enterprise Value (M) $163 EV/EBITDA NM NM NM Total Debt / Capitalization NM FCF Multiple NM NM NM Effective May 10, 2005, Lazard Frères & Co. LLC (“LF&Co.”) transferred its capital markets business (which includes equity research, syndicate, sales and trading) to a new privately-held company, Lazard Capital Markets LLC, which is neither owned nor controlled by LF&Co. LF&Co., which is part of publicly-traded Lazard Ltd, has retained, among other things, its investment banking business (including its mergers and acquisitions and financial restructuring practices). Please see pages 21-22 for important disclosures and analyst certification.
  • 2. KEY DRIVERS TO MONITOR TRADING / DIVIDEND DATA 1) Preclinical development of lead drug candidate VS-507 52-Week Range $12-$11 2) Initiation of human clinical testing of VS-507 Avg. Daily Trading Volume (000) 17 3) Advancement of other candidates (VS4718 and VS-5095) Dividend / Yield $0.00 / 0.0% Share Float (M)/% Sh. Out 7 / 36.9% KEY RISKS TO MONITOR BENCHMARKS 1) Successful clinical development of drug candidates ROIC NM 2) Regulatory approval of drug candidates Book Value P/S * NM 3) Ability to secure favorable reimbursement Price/Book * NM Free Cash Flow Yield * NM Projected 3-year EPS Growth Rate NM Institutional Ownership 6% * Last actual quarter FOREC AST PERCENT CH ANGE (Y/Y) DECEMBER YEAR 2010 2011E 2012E 1Q11A 2Q11A 3Q11A 4Q11 YEAR Revenue NM NM NM NM NM NM NM EBITDA NM NM NM NM NM NM NM EPS NM NM NM NM NM NM NM FCF/S NM NM NM NM NM NM NM COMPANY DESCRIPTION Verastem debuted in the public equity markets through an IPO completed in January 2012. The company is leveraging expertise in molecular and cellular biology to develop therapies intended to kill cancer stem cells (CSCs). The approach may address a potential shortcoming of typical cancer therapies that, while somewhat effective at killing differentiated cancer cells, may spare progenitor stem cells that can allow for tumor re-growth. A key element of Verastem’s effort is a platform technology that allows for creation of CSCs with which drug candidates are screened. The ability to generate stable CSCs is fundamentally important for the discovery and development of more effective cancer treatments. The company is well funded and should have capital resources adequate to reach human proof of concept. Verastem is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts. 2
  • 3. INVESTMENT THESIS Founded by world-class cancer biologists and experienced venture capitalists, Verastem is developing small-molecule drugs for the treatment of cancer, with the specific focus of targeting cancer stem cells (CSCs). The underpinning theory behind Verastem’s approach is that, while typical cancer therapies may be effective in killing mature and differentiated cancer cells, ineffective killing of CSCs may provide the means for the tumors to re-grow. To facilitate development of CSC-targeting therapies, Verastem’s founders developed technologies to manipulate the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) to create CSCs. With them, standard high-throughput screening processes are applied to identify promising leads. Capital raised in the company’s IPO should support activities through to potential human proof of concept (POC). If Verastem is successful in the development of drugs that target CSCs, we believe there may be a high level of interest from other biopharma industry companies focused on developing cancer therapies. REASONS TO BUY VSTM shares are undervalued. As detailed in the Valuation section of this report, we believe VSTM shares are undervalued. Our financial analysis assumes that Verastem successfully develops VS-507 and that the drug reaches the market and is used for treating so-called triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). If the CSC theory is valid and if killing CSCs yields a more effective treatment for cancer, Verastem could define a new paradigm in medical management of the disease. Platform technology may provide means to accomplish what might have been challenging before. Hampering the ability to develop drugs that kill CSCs has been the inability to obtain the cells in sufficient quantities for screening of drug candidates. Verastem scientists discovered methods to create CSCs by manipulating the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Obviously, if targeting CSCs does not alter the course of the disease, then the ability to generate the cells may have limited utility, especially as it relates to their use for drug candidate screening. Companion diagnostics could provide insight into how cancers should be treated and provide another revenue stream. The importance of having companion diagnostics to “marry” with the use of therapies cannot be overstated, particularly when the genetic/phenotypic profile is predictive of whether a patient should be treated with the drug at all and if a prediction as to the likelihood of an acceptable outcome can be made. Because Verastem’s therapies would likely function mostly through the killing of CSCs, it will be important to ensure that the patients treated have tumors populated with them. It may also be important to ensure that the specific therapy is matched to the cellular defect(s) characteristic of the cancer. Verastem’s founders are world renowned cancer biologists. We are mindful that numerous companies have been founded by accomplished scientists, yet achievement of the primary business goals has not occurred. Still, we believe that Verastem (VSTM) 3
  • 4. having a fundamentally solid understanding of the biology of CSCs is important. Co-founders Robert Weinberg, Ph.D., Eric Lander, Ph.D. and Piyush Gupta, Ph.D. have demonstrated expertise as it relates to cancer biology and CSCs and their work in the area has been published in prestigious scientific journals. Verastem’s CEO has a strong track record of identifying technologies that may generate broad interest within the biopharma industry. In the current capital markets environment, the ability to go public at a pre-clinical stage could likely be attributed to the fact that the company is pursuing a potentially revolutionary way to treat cancer, a truly “big idea” in an industry that often presents relatively undifferentiated ones. We believe investors may also have been attracted to the caliber of the company’s founders. A unique element to the Verastem story may be prior investor experiences in companies founded by CEO Christoph Westphal. Companies he has co-founded include Alnylam, a leading developer of RNA-interfering technologies; Momenta, a developer of novel drugs based on a fundamental understanding of sugar biology; and Sirtris, a developer of drugs that may alter the aging process. Sirtris may resonate most strongly with investors given that the company was sold slightly over a year after going public (at $10 per share) for $22.50 per share. Whether Verastem could be sold remains to be determined. If, however, the company’s strategy gains greater validity (e.g., through demonstration of human POC), we believe numerous business development opportunities could unfold. RISKS As with practically any development-stage biotechnology company, the primary risk relates to the feasibility of technical success. Verastem is seeking to prove a hypothesis for which no clear-cut human clinical study data exist to support it. If targeting CSCs does not improve treatment outcomes, then Verastem may have to modify its business model/strategy to more closely resemble the prototypical small-cap biotech companies that develop new (if not differentiated) cancer treatments. For pre-commercial-stage biotech companies, the need for additional capital should always be considered a risk, in our opinion. Based on Verastem’s expectations regarding capital requirements to reach human POC, we believe investors may not face a significant risk of dilution before a value-creating event could occur. If POC is established and the company needs to raise additional capital, we believe it likely that the raise would occur at a valuation above the level at which the stock currently trades. VALUATION Our valuation of VSTM shares is based on a DCF analysis of the commercial opportunity for treating TNBC. Until human POC has been demonstrated, therein potentially highlighting the power of Verastem’s technology, we are disinclined to attribute much value to it. Obviously, if the technology’s fidelity supports a reproducible drug development effort, we believe it would be reasonable to consider some value for the platform over and above the intrinsic value of the drugs developed using it. Verastem (VSTM) 4
  • 5. As of 2011, the total breast cancer population, defined as women alive today who have or had breast cancer, was approximately 2.6M patients (National Cancer Institute). In 2011, an estimated 230,500 new cases of invasive breast cancer were diagnosed, in addition to 58,000 non-invasive cases (American Cancer Society, Surveillance Research, 2011), representing an incidence rate of ~2% of the U.S. female population. Of the newly diagnosed patients, we assume a survival rate of 85% based on current five-year relative survival rates of 99% for localized disease, 84% for regional disease and 23% for distant-stage disease in all ages and races (American Cancer Society). Approximately 39,500 women will die in the same year from the disease, which represents 1.3% of the total breast cancer population (American Cancer Society, Surveillance Research, 2011). Lastly, of the net breast cancer population, about 15% of those will have TNBC. We maintained this net growth trajectory to 2017, the year in which we believe Verastem could launch the first drug candidate from the ongoing development efforts. By 2017, we project a population of approximately 400,000 TNBC patients, 15% of the projected ~2.7M breast cancer patients in the U.S. With a market penetration rate of 1%, and an initial price of $65,000/year for treatment, we estimate that lead drug candidate VS-507 will capture around $260M of sales in its first year on the market. From 2017 to 2021, we project market penetration growing to 10% and, with 5% price increases taken each year, annual sales growing to $3.2B. We assume cost of sales will be 30% in 2017, falling to 25% by 2019. Exhibit 1 depicts our revenue estimates for VS-507. Exhibit 1. Verastem Revenue Model Source: LCM Research Verastem (VSTM) 5
  • 6. Our DCF analysis is depicted in Exhibit 2. We used a weighted average cost of capital (WACC) of 25% and a probability of technical success (pTS) of 25%. Based on our analysis, we estimate a fair value for the stock at $20 per share. Exhibit 2. Verastem Discounted Cash Flow Analysis Source: LCM Research A sensitivity analysis around the per annum cost of therapy and pTS is depicted in Exhibit 3. We assumed prices and probabilities ranging from $55,000 to $85,000 and 15% to 30%, respectively. Based on these inputs, we estimate a fair value range of $11-$35. Exhibit 3. Verastem Valuation Sensitivity Source: LCM Research TARGETING CANCER AT ITS ROOT The existence of stem cells in normal tissues has been known for some time, and they are believed to play an important role in tissue-specific functions. Stem cells are capable of self renewal as well as creation of “committed” progenitor cells that may ultimately differentiate into the cells that carry out necessary activities characteristic of the organ or tissue. Stem cells have also been identified in tumors, where they exist as a minor component of the tumor but are, nevertheless, important because they are believed to have the ability to seed new tumors. Verastem (VSTM) 6
  • 7. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a process that is believed to allow epithelial cells that typically interact with basement membranes and are, therefore, immobile, to resemble mesenchymal cells. Loss of need for adhesion to a basement membrane, for example, allows the mesenchymal cells to be mobile and disseminate throughout the body. Cancer cells that have undergone the EMT process, therefore, may be uniquely suited for giving rise to metastases. Verastem is pioneering the treatment of cancer by focusing on the role of CSCs in the disease pathology. The underpinning theory is simple but elegant: Typical therapies may kill the differentiated tumor cells but may be relatively ineffective at killing CSCs. As a consequence, although the tumor may be de-bulked, the resident CSCs that remain, because they are not killed by the therapy, are available to repopulate the tumor (and perhaps metastasize to other parts of the body). Verastem scientists believe that the combination of CSC-targeting agents with typical therapies could produce a more robust treatment effect than either treatment alone. CSC CREATION − A KEY TECHNOLOGY Tumor cell lines/models that may be useful for screening drug candidates exist but, likely in part because the CSC theory has only recently been put forward, suitable tools are less prevalent for identifying compounds that effectively kill them. Consequently, the ability to create CSCs in adequate quantity is of paramount importance to the drug development process. In a paper in the journal Cell (“The epithelial-mesenchymal transition generates cells with properties of stem cells”, 2008, 133, 704-715), Verastem scientists and collaborators describe a means of transforming immortalized, but not tumorigenic, human mammary epithelial cells (HMLE cells) into cells with a genotypic and phenotypic profile that resembled neoplastic mammary stem cells. Specifically, expression of mRNA of epithelial markers was downregulated and mRNA of mesenchymal markers was upregulated. Cell-surface expression of the CD44 antigen increased whereas expression of the CD24 antigen decreased. The altered genotype/phenotype was effected by expression of nuclear transcription factors Snail or Twist. Verastem scientists have developed a process wherein stable CSCs can be created from cancer “non-stem” cells. Verastem believes that the stability of the CSCs is amenable to high-throughput screening. Obviously, instability that led to genetic drift and perhaps differential response to experimental agents would undercut the reproducibility or comparability of results. Exhibit 4 depicts the general schema for Verastem’s drug development efforts. Accessing chemical libraries and establishing high-throughput screening assays should be relatively routine as there is an abundance of compounds and cell- killing assays should be straightforward to develop. Key to the process, then, is likely the ability to generate CSCs. Verastem (VSTM) 7
  • 8. Exhibit 4. Verastem Proprietary Technology Source: Company filings and presentation. INITIAL EFFORTS TARGET TNBC Verastem’s initial drug development efforts are focused on the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). For background, breast cancer is typically categorized by the presence of the estrogen receptor (ER), the progesterone receptor (PR) or the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). Cells that express none of these receptors are considered “triple negative” and the diagnosis is triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Approximately 15% of all breast cancers are considered to be of the TNBC variety and a poorer prognosis and lower survival rate is typically observed as compared with cancers for which some of the receptors are expressed. Owing to the absence of the receptors, and because they are drug targets themselves, traditional chemotherapy is typically not effective. Importantly, with respect to targeting CSCs, TNBC also has the proclivity to recur more often and cause patients to relapse. Exhibit 5. TNBC growth after chemotherapy Source: www.triplestepforthecure.org Verastem (VSTM) 8
  • 9. Wnt Pathway is Focus of Initial Efforts VS-507 is Verastem’s lead drug candidate and the compound is a small-molecule inhibitor of the so-called Wnt pathway. Activation of the pathway is believed to be important for normal development but a role in cancer biology is also believed to exist. As depicted in Exhibit 6 (left side of the graphic), Wnt proteins bind to a cell surface receptor called Frizzled and a complex is formed with the LRP6 protein (which may serve to stabilize the complex). VS-507, a proprietary formulation of the antibiotic salinomycin, is believed to disrupt the complex, thereby inhibiting signaling of the Wnt pathway. Exhibit 6. VS-507 mechanism of action Source: Verastem presentation In vitro data supporting the cell-killing ability of VS-507 were published in the journal Cell in 2009 (“Identification of selective inhibitors of cancer stem cells by high-throughput screening”, 138, 1-15). Using HMLE cells that had been modified to produce E-cadhedrin at a lower level than normal, an EMT ensued and acquisition of a mesenchymal phenotype emerged. As described in the journal article, 16,000 compounds were screened for their ability to reduce cell viability. The authors reported that 10% of the compounds that were tested reduced the viability of the modified HMLEshEcad cells but that 98% also inhibited the viability of control HMLEshCntrl cells, meaning that the compounds might not be selective for CSCs. Eight of 32 compounds that showed selective toxicity to HMLEshEcad cells were selected for additional testing. From the subsequent screening attempts, only salinomycin consistently showed cell-killing ability across a range of concentrations. The authors reported that the three other compounds tested − abamectin, etoposide and nigericin − exhibited more modest selective toxicity (2X) as compared with salinomycin (8X). Exhibit 7 depicts results from in vitro testing of HMLER cells (HMLE cells transformed with V12H-Ras oncogene). The data depicted in the three panels on the left side of the Exhibit represent the relative levels of CD44 and CD24 antigens. As noted previously, CSCs are believed to highly express CD44 relative to CD24 and non-stem cell cancer cells are believed to express high levels of CD24 and low levels of CD44. “High” expressing CD44 cells and “low” expressing CD24 cells are framed by the pentagon shapes on the left side Verastem (VSTM) 9
  • 10. of each graphic. Noteworthy is the fact that expression of CD24 was higher relative to cells treated with placebo as compared with cells treated with paclitaxel. The interpretation may be that the relatively low number of CSCs in placebo-treated cells (vs. non-CSCs) reflects the normal stoichiometry and that the high number in paclitaxel-treated cells merely reflects the effectiveness of paclitaxel at killing non-CSCs and the relative insensitivity of CSCs to the drug. By comparison, the vast majority of cells treated with VS-507 that survive are non-CSCs. On the surface, these data support the notion that VS-507, combined with paclitaxel, might be useful for eradicating CSCs and non-CSCs. Exhibit 7. VS-507 vs. placebo and paclitaxel Source: Gupta et al., Cell 2009 VS-507 is currently in preclinical toxicity testing. It is anticipated that an IND will be filed by YE12 and that Phase I clinical testing will commence in early 2013. The Phase I trial will likely be a typical dose-escalation study to assess the drug’s safety and tolerability. Verastem has also discussed plans to conduct a small Phase Ib trial (n = 10-15 patients) that will primarily focus on CSC- enriched TNBC patients. Patients with tumors known to over-express the focal adhesion kinase (FAK) including ovarian, lung and prostate tumors, may be included in the trials. The efficacy endpoints of this study may include biomarkers and RECIST measurements. Exhibit 8 depicts the preliminary design of the VS-507 studies. Verastem (VSTM) 10
  • 11. Exhibit 8. Verastem clinical trial design VS-4718 IS VERASTEM’S NEXT SHOT ON GOAL VS-4718 is a small molecule inhibitor of the FAK enzyme. Exhibit 9 depicts the putative role of FAK in intracellular signaling processes, particularly as they relate to a possible intersection/overlap with the Wnt pathway. Note that FAK is believed to lie downstream of RTKs (receptor tyrosine kinases or growth factor receptors). To the extent that growth factors are involved in aberrant cancer cell growth, inhibition of FAK might be predicted to have an effect. Exhibit 9. VS-4718 mechanism of action Source: Company presentation Results of in vitro testing of VS-4718 were published in the journal Cancer Biology and Therapy in 2010 (“PND-1186 FAK inhibitor selectively promotes tumor cell apoptosis in three-dimensional environments”, vol. 9, no. 10, 764- Verastem (VSTM) 11
  • 12. 777). In those experiments, VS-4718 (designated as PND-1186 in the journal article) was shown to be effective at killing 4T1 breast carcinoma cells and ID8 ovarian carcinoma cells. The 4T1 cell line was derived from a spontaneously arising mammary tumor in BALB/c mice and is regarded as a model that resembles human breast cancer. The ID8 cell line was derived from mouse ovarian surface epithelial cells from C57B6 mice. Exhibit 10 depicts results from a so-called scratch-wound motility assay, a measure of cell migration. 4T1 cells were seeded on fibronectin-coated plates and then “wounded” with a pipette tip. The cells were cultured with VS-4718 or without (placebo) and migration was assessed by the degree to which the cells repopulated the cleared area. Evident in the micrographs at the top of Exhibit 10 is that VS-4718 inhibited migration. The bottom figures highlight the outcome of experiments of Balb/C mice, in which 4T1 cells were injected into the hindflank, treated with VS-4718. Noteworthy is that treatment resulted in fewer metastases and smaller tumor volume than mice treated with a placebo (PEG: PBS). Exhibit 10. VS-4718 inhibition of 4T1 cell migration and metastasis Source: Tanjoni et al., Cancer Bio & Ther. 2010. Exhibit 11 depicts results from experiments testing the ability of VS-4718 to kill 4T1 tumors in Balb/c mice. In the experiments, mice were treated with VS-4718 or placebo and the viability of the tumors was assessed. In the photomicrographs at the top of the panel, the green fluorescence represents cleaved caspase-3, an enzyme the presence of which is generally believed to be indicative of apoptosis (programmed cell death). Verastem (VSTM) 12
  • 13. Exhibit 11. VS-4718 treatment results in 4T1 cell apoptosis Source: Tanjoni et al., Cancer Bio & Ther. 2010 Exhibit 12 depicts Verastem’s pipeline and anticipated milestones related to the advancement of the assets. Exhibit 12. Verastem Pipeline Source: Company filings Verastem (VSTM) 13
  • 14. Exhibit 13. Verastem Upcoming Milestones COMPETITION Verastem may face competition from at least three other companies that are developing therapies targeting CSCs. OncoMed Pharmaceuticals’ lead development compound is OMP-21M18 (demcizumab), a MAb currently in Phase Ib development that targets CSCs through the Delta-like ligand (DLL4). DLL4 is believed to be an activator of Notch, a signaling pathway important in stem cells and cancer. OMP-21M18 has exhibited single-agent activity in a Phase I study in heavily pretreated solid tumor patients. Phase Ib combination studies with chemotherapy in advanced non-small cell lung and pancreatic cancers are also ongoing. A second drug candidate, OMP-18R5, is in Phase I testing and it is an antibody that binds to the Frizzled receptor. By binding to Frizzled, OMP-18R5 could be predicted to have a similar effect as VS-507. Boston Biomedical’s lead compound is BBI608, a compound that simultaneously inhibits multiple key cancer stemness pathways. The drug is in preparation for Phase III testing in patients with colorectal cancer and in various Phase II and Ib trials for multiple solid tumors. On February 29, 2012, Dainippon Sumitomo Pharma Co. announced that it reached an agreement to acquire Boston Biomedical for up to $2.63B. Stemline Therapeutics’ drug candidates target myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). A multi-center Phase I/II trial of SL-401 was recently completed and single-agent activity, including durable complete responses and overall survival benefits, were observed. In addition, the drug was well tolerated by patients and non-toxic to their bone marrow. SL-401 is currently advancing into later-stage clinical trials in patients with advanced AML. Verastem (VSTM) 14
  • 15. Exhibit 14. Verastem Competition PATENT PORTFOLIO Verastem’s intellectual property portfolio is composed mostly of patents licensed from other entities including The Whitehead Institute, The Broad Institute and Poniard Pharmaceuticals. Verastem has filed two patent applications pertaining to VS-507. Verastem has licensed patents around its technology for screening for CSCs, EMT induction and biomarkers and inhibitors of CSC survival. Verastem’s patents and patent applications protect various parts of its technology and drugs from the mid-2020s to the early 2030s. Exhibit 16 pictorially depicts the general nature of Verastem’s patents. Note that the patents include processes of creating CSCs, methods of screening for drug targets and the pharmacophores (or uses) themselves. Thus, we believe that the company has created a robust patent portfolio that covers all of the key aspects of the drug development process. Verastem (VSTM) 15
  • 16. Exhibit 15. Verastem patents and their applications Source: Company materials Exhibit 17 depicts the specific patents licensed by Verastem. Note that the company licensed patents related to FAK inhibitors. That IP could provide protection for drug candidates that follow VS-507 and function through the inhibition of that pathway. Exhibit 16. Verastem patents FINANCIAL FORECAST Our financial model for Verastem includes revenue for only one product, VS- 507, which we estimate will reach the market in the 2017 time frame. We assume that the company has adequate financial resources to reach human POC and Verastem (VSTM) 16
  • 17. would likely raise additional capital after that. In our model, we forecast the next equity raise occurring in 2016, one year before the projected launch of VS-507. R&D is projected to grow by 50% in 2012 and 20% in 2013, with SG&A projected to grow by 100% and 93% in the same periods, respectively. We believe these expenses will increase significantly in both 2016 and 2017 in preparation for the drug’s launch and filing of an NDA. We currently project EPS of $(0.82) and $(1.19) for 2012 and 2013, respectively. Exhibit 17. Verastem Income Statement Source: Company reports, LCM Research estimates Verastem (VSTM) 17
  • 18. Exhibit 18. Verastem Balance Sheet Source: Company reports, LCM Research estimates Verastem (VSTM) 18
  • 19. Exhibit 19. Verastem Statement of Cash Flows Source: Company reports, LCM Research estimates VERASTEM EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT Exhibit 21 lists senior Verastem management. As we noted previously, Verastem’s CEO has substantial experience founding biopharma companies that possess unique assets such as technology platforms (e.g., Alnylam) or companies that may be at the forefront of certain aspects of biology (e.g., Sirtris). Exhibit 21. Verastem Executive Management Source: Verastem and LCM Research Verastem (VSTM) 19
  • 20. VERASTEM SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY BOARD Exhibit 22 lists Verastem’s Scientific Advisory Board. In our opinion, the strength and experience of the SAB is relatively peerless in the industry for companies the size of Verastem. As noted previously, we believe investors are apt to gravitate towards the quality of the SAB, particularly given the relatively early stage of development of the theory of cancer stem cells and their viability as drug targets. Exhibit 22. Verastem Scientific Advisory Board Source: Verastem and LCM Research VERASTEM BOARD OF DIRECTORS Exhibit 23. Verastem Board of Directors Source: Verastem and LCM Research Verastem (VSTM) 20
  • 21. ANALYST CERTIFICATION All of the recommendations and views about the securities and companies in this report accurately reflect the personal views of the research analyst named on the cover of this report. No part of this research analyst’s compensation was, is, or will be directly or indirectly related to the specific recommendations or views expressed by the research analyst in this research report. IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES Lazard Frères & Co. LLC has received compensation for investment banking services from VSTM within the past twelve (12) months. Lazard Capital Markets LLC has acted as manager or co-manager of a securities offering on behalf of VSTM within the past twelve (12) months. Lazard Capital Markets LLC makes a market in VSTM securities. VSTM - Current Rating: BUY, Price Target: $20 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 Dec 11 Jan 12 Feb 12 Mar 12 Data source: FactSet prices / LCM ratings and target prices DISTRIBUTION OF INVESTMENT RATINGS (AS OF 03/05/12) OVERALL DISTRIBUTION BANKING CLIENT DISTRIBUTION* BUY NEUTRAL SELL BUY NEUTRAL SELL 59% 40% 1% 15% 5% 0% * Indicates the percentage of each category in the Overall Distribution that were banking clients of Lazard Frères in the previous 12 months. RATING GUIDELINE (return targets may be modified by risk or liquidity issues) BUY Expected to produce a positive total return of more than 10% in the next 12 months. NEUTRAL Fairly valued; expected to product a total return of ±10% in the next 12 months. SELL Expected to product a negative total return of more than 10% in the next 12 months. Verastem (VSTM) 21
  • 22. DISCLAIMERS This report has been prepared by Lazard Capital Markets LLC (“LCM”) in New York. It may not be reproduced, redistributed or copied in whole or in part for any purpose. This report has been approved by, and is being distributed in the US or to US persons, by LCM, which accepts responsibility for its contents in the US. Transactions undertaken in the US in any security mentioned herein must be effected through LCM or another US-registered broker-dealer, in conformity with SEC Rule 15a-6. Neither this report nor any copy or part thereof may be distributed in any other jurisdictions where its distribution may be restricted by law and persons into whose possession this report comes should inform themselves about, and observe, any such restrictions. Distribution of this report in any such other jurisdictions may constitute a violation of US securities laws, or the law of any such other jurisdictions. This report does not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities referred to herein. It should not be so construed, nor should it or any part of it form the basis of, or be relied on in connection with, any contract or commitment whatsoever. The information in this report, or on which this report is based, has been obtained from sources that LCM believes to be reliable and accurate. However, it has not been independently verified and no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made as to the accuracy or completeness of any information obtained from third parties. The information or opinions are provided as at the date of this report and are subject to change without notice. The information and opinions provided in this report take no account of the investors’ individual circumstances and should not be taken as specific advice on the merits of any investment decision. Investors should consider this report as only a single factor in making any investment decisions. Further information is available upon request. LCM may provide specialized research products or services to certain customers focusing on the prospects for individual covered stocks as compared to other covered stocks over varying time horizons or under differing market conditions. While the views expressed in these situations may not always be directionally consistent with the long-term views expressed in the analyst's published research, the analyst has a reasonable basis and any inconsistencies can be reasonably explained. LCM does not accept any liability whatsoever for any direct or consequential loss howsoever arising, directly or indirectly, from any use of this report or its contents. By accepting this report you agree to be bound by the foregoing limitations. Lazard Capital Markets LLC 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10020 Member NYSE and FINRA Copyright 2012 Lazard Capital Markets LLC. All rights reserved. Verastem (VSTM) 22