[S-3] Verastem, Inc. Shelf Registration Statement
Verastem, Inc. (Nasdaq: VSTM) has filed a Form S-3 shelf registration permitting the sale of up to $300 million of common stock, preferred stock, warrants and debt.
Verastem, Inc. (Nasdaq: VSTM) has filed a Form S-3 shelf registration permitting the sale of up to $300 million of common stock, preferred stock, warrants and debt.
An accompanying at-the-market (ATM) prospectus supplement allows Cantor Fitzgerald to distribute up to $100 million in common shares at prevailing prices for a 3 % sales commission. The filing provides capital flexibility without a defined timetable or minimum issuance.
Anticipated uses of proceeds include:
- U.S. launch and post-marketing commitments for the newly FDA-approved AVMAPKI FAKZYNJA CO-PACK (avutometinib + defactinib) for KRAS-mutant recurrent low-grade serous ovarian cancer.
- Continued development of the RAF/MEK, FAK and KRAS-G12D programs (RAMP-201/203/205/301).
- Working capital, milestone obligations, potential licensing or M&A.
Key facts: last reported share price 7 Aug 2025 was $5.62; 61.5 m shares outstanding with a further ~26 m issuable under options, RSUs and warrants (14.1 m at $3.50 and 9.8 m pre-funded near-zero strike), implying notable dilution if the shelf is fully tapped. Verastem is a non-accelerated, smaller-reporting company, and states that investing involves a high degree of risk.
Implication: The shelf shores up liquidity ahead of commercial rollout but signals continued reliance on external financing; shareholder dilution risk increases as shares are sold into the market.
Positive
- Enhanced funding flexibility: $300 m shelf and $100 m ATM provide rapid access to capital without separate offerings.
- Regulatory momentum: Recent FDA accelerated approval of AVMAPKI FAKZYNJA CO-PACK underpins near-term commercial revenue potential.
- Orphan designations: Multiple orphan drug statuses may support pricing power and exclusivity.
Negative
- Dilution risk: Full utilisation of the ATM could increase the share count by ~18 % at current prices, in addition to 26 m dilutive instruments already outstanding.
- Continued cash burn: Proceeds are earmarked for R&D and launch costs, indicating ongoing negative operating cash flow.
- Accelerated-approval uncertainty: Continued FDA approval contingent on confirmatory trial success, creating revenue durability risk.
Insights
TL;DR – Shelf offers liquidity for launch, but ATM could dilute; neutral credit signal.
The $300 m shelf and $100 m ATM give Verastem tactical funding for the AVMAPKI launch and RAMP studies without the delay of a marketed follow-on. Capital access is positive for operations and mitigates near-term cash-burn risk, yet executing the ATM at market prices could expand the float by ~18 % at current levels, capping upside. No financial guidance is provided, so runway extension depends on utilisation pace and clinical outlays. Overall impact is financing-driven and largely valuation-neutral, leaning modestly dilutive until product revenue visibility improves.
TL;DR – Filing raises dilution, liquidity improves; risk profile unchanged.
The shelf increases balance-sheet flexibility but does not alter fundamental risk: single-asset dependence, accelerated-approval uncertainty and heavy R&D commitments persist. Investors should monitor ATM draw-down velocity versus trading volume (avg. ~500 k shares/day); aggressive issuance could pressure price. Creditors gain marginal comfort from optional debt shelf, although no terms are fixed. Action is routine for early-commercial biotechs—impact classified as not material to credit or default risk, yet equity holders face incremental dilution.
FAQ
AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
What is Verastem (VSTM) registering under the Form S-3?
How large is the at-the-market program for VSTM shares?
What will Verastem do with the proceeds?
How much will Cantor Fitzgerald be paid for ATM sales?
What dilution could existing shareholders face?
Why is the FDA approval of AVMAPKI FAKZYNJA CO-PACK significant?
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
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Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation or organization) |
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27-3269467
(I.R.S Employer
Identification No.) |
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Needham, Massachusetts 02494
(781)292-4200
Chief Executive Officer
Verastem, Inc.
117 Kendrick Street, Suite 500
Needham, Massachusetts 02494
(781)292-4200
Thomas Danielski
Ropes & Gray LLP
Prudential Tower
800 Boylston St.
Boston, Massachusetts 02199
(617) 951-7000
(Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public)
Preferred Stock
Warrants
Debt Securities
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Page
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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS
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ABOUT THE COMPANY
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RISK FACTORS
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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
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USE OF PROCEEDS
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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
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DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK
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DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK
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DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS
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DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
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INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
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LEGAL MATTERS
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EXPERTS
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Verastem, Inc.
117 Kendrick Street, Suite 500
Needham, Massachusetts 02494
(781) 292-4279
email address: investors@verastem.com
Common Stock
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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
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PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT SUMMARY
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THE OFFERING
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RISK FACTORS
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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
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USE OF PROCEEDS
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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
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DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK
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LEGAL MATTERS
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EXPERTS
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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
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INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
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Verastem, Inc.
117 Kendrick Street, Suite 500
Needham, Massachusetts 02494
(781) 292-4279
email address: investors@verastem.com
Common Stock
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Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee
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Printing and engraving expenses
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Legal fees and expenses
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Accounting fees and expenses
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Transfer Agent and Registrar fees
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Trustee’s fees and expenses
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Miscellaneous
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Total
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Exhibit
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Description
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| | 1.1 | | | Form of Underwriting Agreement* | |
| | 1.2 | | |
Sales Agreement, dated August 8, 2025, by and between the Company and Cantor Fitzgerald & Co.
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| | 3.1 | | | Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 as filed with the SEC on March 12, 2019) | |
| | 3.2 | | | Certificate of Amendment to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed by the Registrant on March 12, 2019) | |
| | 3.3 | | | Certificate of Amendment to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Verastem, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Form 8-K filed by the Registrant with the SEC on May 21, 2020) | |
| | 3.4 | | | Certificate of Amendment to Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Verastem, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Form 8-K filed by the Registrant with the SEC on May 31, 2023) | |
| | 3.5 | | | Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to Amendment No. 3 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 as filed with the SEC on January 13, 2012) | |
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Exhibit
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Description
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| | 3.6 | | | Certificate of Designation of Preferences, Rights and Limitations of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Form 8-K filed by the Registrant with the SEC on November 7, 2022) | |
| | 3.7 | | | Certificate of Designation of Preferences, Rights and Limitations of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Form 8-K filed by the Registrant with the SEC on January 25, 2023) | |
| | 4.1 | | | Specimen certificate evidencing shares of common stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Amendment No. 3 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 as filed with the SEC on January 13, 2012) | |
| | 4.2 | | |
Description of Securities (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed by the Registrant on March 20, 2025)
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| | 4.3 | | | Form of Pre-Funded Warrant to Purchase Common Stock (incorporated by referenced to Exhibit 10.3 to the Form 8-K filed by the Registrant with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 25, 2025) | |
| | 4.4 | | | Registration Rights Agreement, dated April 25, 2025, by and among Verastem, Inc. and the investors party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Form 8-K filed by the Registrant with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 25, 2025) | |
| | 4.5 | | | Form of Common Stock Warrant Agreement and Warrant Certificate* | |
| | 4.6 | | | Form of Preferred Stock Warrant Agreement and Warrant Certificate* | |
| | 4.7 | | | Form of Debt Securities Warrant Agreement and Warrant Certificate* | |
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Form of Indenture (filed herewitth)
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| | 5.1 | | |
Opinion of Ropes & Gray LLP relating to the base prospectus (filed herewith)
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Opinion of Ropes & Gray LLP relating to the at-the-market offering prospectus supplement (filed herewith)
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Consent of Ropes & Gray LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1)
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Consent of Ropes & Gray LLP (included in Exhibit 5.2)
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Consent of Ernst & Young LLP (filed herewith)
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Power of Attorney (incorporated by reference to the signature page hereto)
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Statement of Eligibility of Trustee Under Debt Indenture (filed herewith)
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Filing Fee Table (filed herewith)
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President and Chief Executive Officer
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SIGNATURES
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TITLE
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DATE
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/s/ Daniel W. Paterson
Daniel W. Paterson
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President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
(Principal executive officer) |
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August 8, 2025
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/s/ Daniel Calkins
Daniel Calkins
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Chief Financial Officer
(Principal financial and accounting officer) |
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August 8, 2025
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/s/ Brian M. Stuglik
Brian M. Stuglik
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| | Director | | |
August 8, 2025
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/s/ Paul A. Bunn, M.D.
Paul A. Bunn, M.D.
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| | Director | | |
August 8, 2025
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/s/ Robert Gagnon
Robert Gagnon
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| | Director | | |
August 8, 2025
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/s/ John H. Johnson
John H. Johnson
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| | Director | | |
August 8, 2025
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SIGNATURES
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TITLE
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DATE
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/s/ Anil Kapur
Anil Kapur
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| | Director | | |
August 8, 2025
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/s/ Michael Kauffman, M.D., Ph.D.
Michael Kauffman, M.D., Ph.D.
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| | Director | | |
August 8, 2025
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/s/ Michelle Robertson
Michelle Robertson
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| | Director | | |
August 8, 2025
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/s/ Eric Rowinsky, M.D.
Eric Rowinsky, M.D.
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| | Director | | |
August 8, 2025
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Karin Tollefson
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| | Director | | |
August 8, 2025
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