** Shares of biotech firm Verastem Oncology VSTM.O rise 4.9% to $4.21 premarket

** Co says combo of avutometinib, a targeted cancer therapy, and defactinib, a drug blocking tumor support signals, showed encouraging early results in pancreatic cancer, a fast‑spreading and hard‑to‑treat disease

** Says study in 29 newly diagnosed patients showed 86% alive at six months and 68% with no disease worsening

** Says 52% saw tumors shrink; nine patients remain on treatment

** Says side effects consistent with earlier studies; no new safety issues reported

** Plans further development targeting KRAS mutations, a key driver of the disease

** As of last close, stock down ~48% YTD