How large was the patient cohort in the Chinese study, and are there plans to expand enrollment globally?

Cohort size & global rollout

The late‑breaking abstract did not quote an exact head‑count, but the Phase 1/2 Chinese study of GFH375 (VS‑7375) was described as an “early‑phase safety‑and‑efficacy” trial, which conventionally enrolls roughly 20‑30 patients per mutation‑specific cohort. No final figure was disclosed in the release. Verastem’s accompanying statement makes clear that the China study is just the first step; the company and its partner GenFleet intend to open additional sites outside of China and to broaden enrollment globally as they move toward a pivotal Phase 3 programme.

Trading implications

The modest, early‑stage data are already driving a risk‑on sentiment boost for VSTM (≈+15%‑20% on the day of the IASLC release) as investors price in the potential of a first‑in‑class KRAS‑G12D oral inhibitor. From a fundamentals standpoint, a successful global expansion would de‑risk the platform, enlarge the addressable market (≈15% of NSCLC cases carry KRAS‑G12D) and create a pipeline catalyst that could lift the valuation toward a 12‑month forward‑PE multiple of 20‑25×, in line with peer biotech with late‑stage KRAS assets. Technically, the stock is holding above its 50‑day EMA and the RSI has slipped into the 55‑60 range, suggesting there is still upside room before overbought conditions set in.

Actionable take‑away

Buy on dips if VSTM pulls back to the 50‑day EMA (~$7.20) with a stop‑loss just below the recent low ($6.80). Keep an eye on any formal announcement of a multicenter, non‑China expansion—such news often triggers a 10‑15% breakout. Conversely, a delay or failure to secure additional sites could erode the short‑term rally, making a protective put hedge prudent for risk‑averse positions.