Verastem is  focusing on a portfolio of small molecule drugs inhibiting critical signaling pathways in cancer, including the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) pathways. These signaling pathways are abnormal in cancer and promote tumor survival. Preclinical research has shown these pathways also contribute to the protective nature of the tumor microenvironment, thereby limiting the effectiveness of existing cancer treatments.