As previously reported, JonesTrading analyst Matthew Cross downgraded Verastem to Hold from Buy after news that CEO Robert Forrester will be leaving the company. While this setback would have been "unexpected but manageable" by itself, the fact that this is the third major management departure gives him reason to pause and re-evaluate his view on the company, Cross tells investors. Despite Copiktra's initial difficulty, his talks with management leave him with reasons to be optimistic about a turnaround if the company can hit some of its goals in the next six months, added Cross.