Verastem has named Jonathan Pachter, Ph.D., vice president and head of research.

Pachter joins Verastem with more than 20 years of experience discovery programs in small molecule and monoclonal antibody therapeutics for the treatment of cancer. He previously served as head of cancer biology at OSI Pharmaceuticals (acquired by Astellas). His team was responsible for the development of EMT (epithelial-mesenchymal transition) models to discover drugs that inhibit this process and the cancer stem cells that result. Pachter has an impressive record of successfully translating novel discoveries into the clinic for the treatment of cancer.

“Jon has been instrumental in progressing the science of EMT and cancer stem cells into the clinic,” said Robert Weinberg, Ph.D., Verastem co-founder and co-chair of the Scientific Advisory Board. “His ability to drive research will help Verastem deliver on the promise of new treatments for patients with incurable cancer.”