Verastem Oncology Announces First Recipient of the Care Differently Award for Excellence in Patient Support and Education

December 19, 2018 |

3 min read

Dr. Koffman is also the founder and volunteer Medical Director of the nonprofit CLL Society

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Verastem, Inc. (Nasdaq:VSTM) (Verastem Oncology or the Company), a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing medicines to improve the survival and quality of life of cancer patients, awarded the first annual Care Differently Award to Brian Koffman, M.D., a retired physician and clinical professor, who is a well-known educator in the chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) community. Dr. Koffman is also the founder and volunteer Medical Director of the nonprofit CLL Society (CLLS).

“We are pleased to announce Dr. Koffman as the inaugural recipient of the Care Differently Award, which recognizes individuals who go the extra mile to positively impact the lives of people living with cancer,” said Robert Forrester, President and Chief Executive Officer of Verastem Oncology. “Dr. Koffman exemplifies the spirit of Care Differently, which is that true change comes about through a personal investment in patients’ battles against this disease.”

Since his own CLL diagnosis in 2005, Dr. Koffman has dedicated himself to teaching and advocating on behalf of the CLL community. His group, the CLLS, is dedicated to addressing the unmet needs of people living with CLL. One of the group’s mottos is “Smart Patients Get Smart Care.” To that end, it focuses on patient education, supports and builds patient networks and engages in research that highlights the patient perspective. Dr. Koffman also shares his personal story and unique perspective on blood cancers with fellow patients, physicians and researchers around the world through his blog and speaking engagements.

“Having lived the dual status of a physician and patient, I recognize that it takes a village to make a difference in the lives of those who are battling cancer – from healthcare providers to researchers to educators,” said Dr. Koffman, who received the award at a ceremony in San Diego, CA, attended by physicians, industry advocates and friends. “I am pleased to see Verastem Oncology recognize the important role of each individual in patients’ circles of care, and am honored to accept this award on behalf of all those who are living this fight every day.”

The Care Differently Award was created by Verastem Oncology and will be awarded annually to recognize individuals or organizations that improve the lives of patients with cancer. Additional information about the award will be available at www.verastem.com.

About Verastem Oncology

Verastem Oncology (Nasdaq:VSTM) is a commercial biopharmaceutical company committed to the development and commercialization of medicines to improve the lives of patients diagnosed with cancer. We are driven by the strength, tenacity and courage of those battling cancer – single-minded in our resolve to deliver new therapies that not only keep cancer at bay, but improve the lives of patients diagnosed with cancer. Because for us, it’s personal.

Our first FDA approved product is now available for the treatment of patients with certain types of indolent non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (iNHL). Our pipeline comprises product candidates that seek to treat cancer by modulating the local tumor microenvironment. For more information, please visit www.verastem.com.