Mizuho noted that Verastem said the interim analysis from the COMMAND study of its lead candidate, VS-6063, is expected in Q3. The firm said the analysis will be the most significant near-term focus for the stock and a major potential catalyst. Futility would be a "substantial blow" to the stock, but the firm sees this as the least likely result of the analysis, adding that it sees having to enrich the study population based upon merlin status as the most likely scenario. Mizuho is reiterating its Buy rating and $21 price target on Verastem ahead of the COMMAND analysis.

Verastem Oncology "announced the appointment of John Hayslip, M.D., an accomplished oncologist with deep clinical research, development, and commercialization experience, to chief medical officer where he will lead the Company's clinical and medical strategy. Dr. Hayslip succeeds Louis J. Denis, M.D., who recently departed the company. Dr. Hayslip has more than 25 years of oncology and research and development experience across industry and academia, most recently serving as the chief medical officer at I-MAB Biopharma. "