Judge Vacates Part of $90 M Verdict in Asbestos Case

Posted on December 11, 2016 by Admin

Bloomington – A jury award in relation with a last year verdict against 4 firms has been reduced from $90 M to $8.4 M by a judge in McLean County. The companies were blamed for allegedly exposing a man negligently to toxic fibers of asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral found in nature. Once it was widely mined because of its various useful properties. Asbestos has great insulating properties. It is durable and cheap as well. For all these reasons, it became the most favorite industrial and construction material. But after the 1980s, some hazards associated with the material started to become known. Its use became restricted and regulated then. Though the material is not extensively used now-a-days, asbestos can be still found in many of our old buildings. Asbestos removal is a very expensive and skill-required process. Before the 1980s, many industries also used the material and exposed their employees to the dangerous carcinogen. Charles Gillenwater worked as a pipe fitter at various sites such as IL State University, The Eureka Company, and Bridgestone Firestone, according to a suit filed by the attorneys of the asbestos victim. He developed malignant mesothelioma in 1970s. Gillenwater was 59 years old when he died. Scott Drazewski, the federal judge, ruled on 31st August that verdicts against Honeywell International, Owens-Illinois and Pneumo Abex are vacated. However, the ruling against the company John Crane, which was for $8.4 M, was permitted to stand. Gillenwater’s widow and attorneys said they are really disappointed with the ruling of Drazewski that proof was inadequate to demonstrate a possible conspiracy among the defendant companies for keeping information regarding the dangerous features of asbestos material from employees and the public. “The twelve jurors in the case had unanimously found that a conspiracy was there. Additionally, 10 other juries consist of residents of McLean County have equally determined that the companies had engaged in a conspiracy, resulting in other community members to develop asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma. Gillenwater died from mesothelioma,” the plaintiff’s attorney said. The plaintiff was awarded $9.6 M as compensatory damages against Honeywell, Owens-Illinois and Pneumo Abex. The jury also awarded $20 M in punitive damages against Honeywell and $40 M against Owens-Illinois. Drazewski also dismissed a motion filed by John Crain requesting a new trial. The plaintiff’s lawyers say they are going to appeal the ruling.

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Danvers High Wing Demolition Delayed after the Discovery of Asbestos

Posted on December 6, 2016 by Admin

Danvers – Demolition of a 3-story Danvers High Dunn Wing has been postponed because of the finding of asbestos material in the adhesives used for gluing in windows. The plan was to tear down the building prior to the beginning of school. However, now the demolition will take more time. It could be finished by the end of September, according to Wayne Marquie, the Town Manager. Now efforts are ongoing to get rid of asbestos prior to the demolition of the building. The wing was constructed as a middle school in the 1970s. It has had constant issues with walls, windows and ventilation systems. For the last 2 years, it has also housed the high school though work is continuing on the US$71 M construction and renovation program. The wing should be demolished for making way to the last phase of construction of the high school. Once the dangerous mineral was found in the adhesive material for windows, a licensed asbestos professional was hired by the contractor for coming up with plan to remove it. The asbestos abatement plan has to be submitted to the state DEP (Environmental Protection), said Marquis. The report has been completed. Marquis says he believes the tearing down to start in 7 days. The asbestos material was used as additive in the adhesive, which was holding the windows of the Dunn Wing in place. One bricks row, which is attached to windows, is affected by it. Differently from the asbestos-containing ceiling tiles, the asbestos present in window adhesive is not dry and it can’t be airborne so easily. Asbestos in the ceiling tiles can become airborne quickly. The plan for handling the asbestos present in the glue is absolutely simple, according to Marquis. The bricks holding the windows are going to be pulled out as one unit. Then it will be stored away from all other demolition substances. After that they will be separately disposed of. In structures before the 1980s, asbestos was a common presence in various products like this. Asbestos is strong, flexible, heat- and fire-resistant, durable, and cheap mineral. All these wonderful properties made it a very popular industrial and construction material. Despite all these good features, several hazards also are linked to asbestos that were revealed in the 1980s. Asbestos can cause fatal diseases including cancer. Once the risks became known, the use of the substance also became restricted. Now asbestos is a highly regulated material. If asbestos is present in a structure, it should be removed by a licensed company before proceeding with the demolition process.

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Opdivo (nivolumab) Price: $143,000

Posted on December 1, 2016 by Admin

Payers beware: Bristol-Myers prices PD-1 cancer med at $143,000 in Japan In this article published September 4, 2014 By Tracy Staton it is reported that the cost for a new cancer drug will be $143k. Not sure if that is for just one dose or a complete cure. The listed price is for patients in Japan, but when available here it is expected to cost even more.

Bristol-Myers Squibb and Celgene Enter Clinical Collaboration Agreement to Evaluate Immunotherapy and Chemotherapy Combination Regimen Phase I study to evaluate OPDIVO (nivolumab), Bristol-Myers Squibb’s investigational PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor, with Celgene’s ABRAXANE® for multiple cancers NEW YORK & SUMMIT, N.J. August 20 — Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY) and Celgene Corporation (Nasdaq:CELG) announced today the establishment of a clinical tri al collaboration to evaluate the safety, tolerability and preliminary efficacy of a combination regimen of Bristol-Myers Squibb’s investigational PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor, OPDIVO (nivolumab), and Celgene’s nab® technology-based chemotherapy ABRAXANE® (paclitaxel protein-bound particles for injectable suspension) (albumin-bound), in a Phase I study. Multiple tumor types will be explored in the study including HER-2 negative metastatic breast cancer, pancreatic cancer and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The proprietary name OPDIVO has been proposed in the U.S. and other countries, but remains subject to health authority approval. “Through this collaboration, Bristol-Myers Squibb and Celgene will work together to advance the science and understanding of how the body’s own immune system and chemotherapy might work together to fight cancer.” OPDIVO is part of a new class of cancer treatments known as immunotherapies that are designed to harness the body’s own immune system in fighting cancer. OPDIVO targets distinct regulatory components of the immune system, while ABRAXANE works by interfering with the ability of cancer cells to divide. By combining an immunotherapy with a standard chemotherapy, the companies will explore whether these two agents may lead to an enhanced anti-tumor response compared to either agent alone. “Bristol-Myers Squibb continues to forge partnerships focused on exploring the effects of combination regimens that utilize promising therapies from our immuno-oncology portfolio,” said Michael Giordano, senior vice president, Oncology Development, Bristol-Myers Squibb. “Through this collaboration, Bristol-Myers Squibb and Celgene will work together to advance the science and understanding of how the body’s own immune system and chemotherapy might work together to fight cancer.” “Our collaboration with Bristol-Myers Squibb further underscores our commitment to understanding and modulating the immune system to advance the treatment paradigm in cancer,” said Markus Renschler, MD, Senior Vice President, Global Head of Hematology & Oncology Medical Affairs, Celgene. “We believe that ABRAXANE is appropriate as a combination partner for novel immuno-oncology therapies due to its proven anti-tumor activity and that it can be administered without steroid premedication.” The study, which is expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2014, will be conducted by Celgene. Patients with HER-2 negative breast cancer will be treated with ABRAXANE and OPDIVO, patients with NSCLC will be treated with the combination of ABRAXANE, carboplatin and OPDIVO, and patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma will be treated with ABRAXANE, gemcitabine and OPDIVO. Additional details of the collaboration were not disclosed. About OPDIVO (nivolumab) Cancer cells may exploit “regulatory” pathways, such as checkpoint pathways, to hide from the immune system and shield the tumor from immu ne attack. OPDIVO is an investigational human PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor that binds to the checkpoint receptor PD-1 (programmed death-1) expressed on activated T-cells. The company is investigating whether by blocking this pathway, OPDIVO would enable the immune system to resume its ability to recognize, attack and destroy cancer cells. OPDIVO was approved in Japan on July 4, 2014 for the treatment of patients with unresectable melanoma and is studied in multiple tumor types consisting of more than 35 trials – as monotherapy or in combination with other therapies – in which more than 7,000 patients have been enrolled worldwide. Among these are several potentially registrational trials in NSCLC, melanoma, renal cell carcinoma (RCC), head and neck cancer, glioblastoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. In 2013, the FDA granted Fast Track designation for OPDIVO in NSCLC, melanoma and RCC. In May 2014, the FDA granted OPDIVO Breakthrough Therapy Designation for the treatment of patien ts with Hodgkin lymphoma after failure of autologous stem cell transplant and brentuximab. On July 4, Ono Pharmaceutical Co. announced that OPDIVO received manufacturing and marketing approval in Japan for the treatment of patients with unresectable melanoma, making OPDIVO the first PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor to receive regulatory approval anywhere in the world. About ABRAXANE® ABRAXANE is an albumin-bound form of paclitaxel that is manufactured using patented nab® technology. ABRAXANE is formulated with albumin, a human protein, and is free of solvents. About Bristol-Myers Squibb Bristol-Myers Squibb is a global biopharmaceutical company whose mission is to discover, develop and deliver innovative medicines that help patients prevail over serious diseases. For more information, please visit www.bms.com or follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/bmsnews. About Celgene Celgene Corporation, headquartered in Summit, New Jersey, is an integrated global biopharmaceutical company engaged primarily in the discovery, development and commercialization of novel therapies for the treatment of cancer and inflammatory diseases through gene and protein regulation. For more information, please visit www.celgene.com. Follow us on Twitter @Celgene as well. Bristol-Myers Squibb Forward-Looking Statement This press release contains “forward-looking statements” as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding the research, development and commercialization of pharmaceutical products. Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and involve inherent risks and uncertainties, including factors that could delay, divert or change any of them, and could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from current e xpectations. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Among other risks, there can be no guarantee that nivolumab will receive regulatory approval in the U.S. either as a single agent or in a combination regimen, or, if approved, that it will become a commercially successful product. Forward-looking statements in this press release should be evaluated together with the many uncertainties that affect Bristol-Myers Squibb’s business, particularly those identified in the cautionary factors discussion in B ristol-Myers Squibb’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and our Current Reports on Form 8-K. Bristol-Myers Squibb undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Celgene Forward-Looking Statement This press release contains forward-looking statements, which are generally statements that are not his torical facts. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the words “expects,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “intends,” “estimates,” “plans,” “will,” “outlook” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current plans, estimates, assumptions and projections, and speak only as of the date they are made. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement in light of new information or future events, except as otherwise required by law. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and are generally beyond our control. Actual results or outcomes may differ materially from those implied by the forward-looking statements as a result of the impact of a number of factors, many of which are discussed in more detail in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and our other reports filed wi th the Securities and Exchange Commission. Contacts Bristol-Myers Squibb Media: La ura Hortas, 609-252-4587 laura.hortas@bms.com Investors: Ranya Dajani, 609-252-5330 ryan.asay@bms.com Celgene Investors: 908-673-9628 investors@celgene.com

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University Removes Asbestos-containing Vinyl Tiles

Posted on November 29, 2016 by Admin

Vinyl composition tiles that had been tested positive for the presence of asbestos are being removed now from Elliott Hall Bldg. A. The renovation project is still ongoing. The university is working to inspect as well as test every university building that contains or may possibly contain asbestos materials as part of an effort for maintaining the safety and health of staff, faculty and students. Structures built before 1980 may possibly contain asbestos or asbestos products. Hornsby, Arnold, Laurel halls and Burleson are some of the buildings constructed before 1980. Don Compton, the associate director of Facilities Planning, Design & Construction, agreed the talk that asbestos is present in many on-campus buildings is not just a rumor, but a fact. “It is a fact that now most of us are well aware of the substance. But it does not imply that none of us are being exposed to asbestos,” Compton said. In the case of Elliott Hall, it is not sure whether the tile of the buildin g had been damaged physically or whether the glue of the tile had become exposed. Kyle Estes, the associate director of Housing & Residential Life, said asbestos and asbestos-containing substances have been removed earlier from the B Building of Elliott Hall. According to the United States EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), vinyl floor tiles and sheet floorings are very common ACMs (asbestos-containing material). According to Estes, first campus-wide asbestos testing in buildings started 10 to 15 years back, and it has been constantly updated since that time. Compton says testing reports are there for every on-campus building, which contains asbestos or materials containing asbestos. Katie Eskridge, a Texas alumna, said that she stayed in the Elliott Hall Bldg as a fresher. “I was moved in by my parents and told that something had been wrong,” said Eskridge. According to Eskridge, she was sick the whole time she stayed in dormitory, and for the very first time, she wa s diagnosed with a lung disease (bronchitis). Eskridge said she could find a connection between her diseases and her (former) living place after moving to College Inn from the Elliott Hall. She said the symptoms of the disease remained for one month, but she didn’t inform it to any hall officials. Compton suggested concerned residents to report any health problems that they think to have a connection with the hall building to a hall staff.

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Bloomingdale Schools to Upgrade Facilities over the Summer

Posted on November 25, 2016 by Admin

Bloomingdale – A large number of facility projects are going to be finished over this summer. The projects include paving, roof replacement and removal of asbestos. George Hagl, the business administrator of the school district, says work has started already at the Samuel Donald School where floor tiles containing asbestos are being removed from stairwells and hallways of the 1938 portion of school and from a classroom. The education board hired an Iselin company (called Fine Wall Corporation) for the work. The company had submitted a $34,800 bid for installing latest vinyl flooring in the Samuel Donald School. In addition, Fine Wall Corporation will carry out other flooring works in the school district, which will cost the district approximately $16,000. Apart from this, a damaged ceiling in basement maintenance office and a plaster wall will be torn down. Asbestos-containing pipe covering also will be eliminated from that area. The wall demolition task and the asbestos abatement project is said to be finished by 13th July, Hagl said. According to Hagl, the flat roof portions at the school also are going to be replaced. The district has hired a Farmingdale company called ‘Roof Maintenance’ for the work. The company submitted a $242,500 base bid for roofing project. The school district also approved alternate roofing. As part of the work, 2 other roof portions will be replaced at an expense of $32,000 and an addition portion of roof will be replaced, along with related canopy repairs, for $10,000. Broken storm lines would be replaced from the school. The school will also repave the parking lot as the installation of new lines is completed. Mike Fitzpatrick and Son of Oak Ridge has won the contract for this, after submitting a $128,700 base bid. Bathroom renovations also will be there at the Samuel Donald School. The winning bidder is Rockaway Company called TQM Construction, which submitted a 67,600 base bid. TQM will install a new ceiling track as wel l, to be used for a mechanical lift. The job will cost $5,000. Walter Bergen School will install new backstops, poles and basketball hoops, Hagl said. It will also replace a chain link section. The job will be handled by Mike Fitzpatrick and Son. The cost for those would be $4,500 each. The company, which submitted a 41,300 bid, has also won the contract for installing a sewer line at the school and for paving the school’s lower parking lot. The basketball court portion also will be paved by the company.

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Waste Recycling Begins Asbestos Removal at Demolition Site

Posted on November 23, 2016 by Admin

Wilton – After getting a last opportunity from the state DEP (Department of Environmental Protection), Wilton Waste Recycling has started working dynamically for protecting public from dangerous asbestos present in a Depot Street demolition site owned by the company. A written repair plan for the work site is due for submission to the DEP today. Since 2011 July, the former Forster Mill site has been the center of enforcement efforts by the DEP. It was in last July that the OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) initially documented elevated levels of hazardous, carcinogenic substance. Ryan Blyther (currently DBA Downeast Construction), of Scarborough, was the contractor who was mainly liable for the tearing down project. Blyther intentionally pulled workers from the demolition site in last July. However, he is facing penalties from OSHA, which has cited him for several violations of workplace safety. Blyther was sentenced in May to 6 months in federal prison for ste aling almost $50,000 from the American Legion. This happened during a different building project. In June, Wilton Recycling’s Adam Mack met with city officials, the DEP and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and discussed the issue. Depending on the meeting, he was provided with a timetable which set up immediate, solid deadlines for primary steps, DEP spokeswoman Samantha Depoy Warren said. “The owner of the site is given one final chance to start the remediation process, in accordance with a schedule developed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the DEP. Mack started actively working on the demolition site on Tuesday. “We recently spent $4,000 for boarding up certain windows and doing some other works agreed by us. We are trying to come forward with a plan. Our firm plans to go ahead and deal with the cleanup,” Mack said on Friday. Checklist of things which was due to be finished by 4th July included items designed for protecting the pu blic by making the site inaccessible. The doors and windows have been boarded up, a dumpster and a debris pile have been covered with tarps, and the way has been blocked. “Those have been completed. The site is completely secured. They have done all they had been supposed to do. Our asbestos specialist went to the building and he has confirmed it,” Depoy-Warren said. Being a dangerous carcinogen, asbestos is a highly regulated material. Asbestos removal is essential prior to any building demolition process.

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Disabled Veterans National Foundation

Posted on November 20, 2016 by Admin

Disabled Veterans National Foundation Adds Three New Board Members Three new volunteer board members have been added to the organization as part of DVNF’s new leadership and direction. Washington, DC – August 08 – The Disabled Veterans National Foundation (http://www.dvnf.org), a nonprofit veterans service organization that provides critically needed support to disabled and at-risk veterans who leave the military wounded—physically or psychologically—after defending our safety and our freedom, is announcing the addition of three new board members to serve the organization. DVNF recently announced that it appointed Mr. Benny Bachand as the organization’s new president. One of Bachand’s initial tasks in that role was to help the CEO add new board members. Three qualified candidates have been selected to fill the necessary roles and will offer oversight and direction to the organization. Tashawnya McCullough will serve as DVNF’s Vice Presi dent. McCullough served in the Army for 20 years, and has since been extremely active in the veterans’ community through her positions as a veterans outreach coordinator and veterans volunteer coordinator with Texas-based nonprofit organizations. Mike Yates will serve as the new DVNF Treasurer. Yates is a Vietnam veteran of the U.S. Army, and a retired CPA with 38 years of experience of corporate finance. He will serve as the board treasurer, and will help oversee all financial aspects of DVNF’s operations. Tom Milner is the third new member of the board. Milner has many years of experience working in both financial and IT capacities for public and private entities. He is a forward-thinking, tech-savvy individual whose broad experiences will be extremely valuable. “All three of these new board members have the qualifications and experience to help bring about the necessary changes I have been emphasizing since my arrival at DVNF,” said DVNF CEO Joseph VanFonda (USMC SgtMaj R et.). “I thank them for their willingness to be a part of DVNF, and their commitment to the veterans we serve.” All board members are volunteers and will be tasked with oversight of the organizational operations. In addition, they will help VanFonda foster in new programs, as well as new accountability and fundraising measures so the organization remains transparent in all of its functions. About DVNF: The Disabled Veterans National Foundation exists to provide critically needed support to disabled and at-risk veterans who leave the military wounded—physically or psychologically—after defending our safety and our freedom. We achieve this mission by: Providing personalized counseling to assist veterans in navigating the complex process of seeking benefits that they are entitled to as a result of their military service. Offering direct financial support to veterans and other veteran organizations to address the issues that align with the DVNF mission. Providin g supplemental assistance through the Health & Comfort program and Empowerment Webinars. Serving as a thought leader on critical policy issues within the veteran community. For more, go to http://www.dvnf.org. Contact Information Doug Walker Disabled Veterans National Foundation http://www.dvnf.org +1 202.737.0522

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Verastem Supports Rare Diseases Worldwide

Posted on November 16, 2016 by Admin

Verastem Supports Worldwide Rare Disease Day on February 28, 2014 CAMBRIDGE, MA -Feb. 28 — Verastem, Inc. (NASDAQ:VSTM), focused on discovering and developing drugs to treat cancer by the targeted killing of cancer stem cells, today announced its support of the rare disease awareness events being held globally. Verastem’s lead compound targeting cancer stem cells, VS-6063, is currently in the registration-directed COMMAND study and has been granted orphan drug designation in the U.S. and E.U. for use in mesothelioma. Researchers, advocates, patients and companies will come together with a reception and presentation to be held at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, England. Boston-based pharmaceutical companies will unite with a coalition of local Massachusetts-based patient advocacy groups and state legislators at the Massachusetts State House in recognition of Rare Disease Day. This event is being coordinated by the National Organization of Rare Disorders (NORD), which includes patients and patient groups, biopharmaceutical companies, government agencies, caregivers, and medical researchers. There are many events occurring globally to work towards a united front in addressing the significant need in rare diseases. Verastem is committed to working with patient advocacy groups that support rare cancers worldwide. On March 5, Professor Dean Fennell, Chair of Thoracic Oncology, University of Leicester, incoming President of the International Mesothelioma Interest Group and Principal Investigator of the COMMAND trial, will deliver the keynote presentation at the International Symposium on Malignant Mesothelioma, hosted by the Meso Foundation, in Washington, D.C. The COMMAND (Control Of Mesothelioma with MAiNtenance Defactinib) study is a registration-directed, multinational, placebo-controlled trial of Verastem’s lead cancer stem cell inhibitor, VS-6063, in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a highly aggressive cancer with limited treatment options. Verastem has been granted orphan drug status for VS-6063 for the treatment of mesothelioma. In addition to Professor Fennell’s address, Verastem representatives will present at the conference in support of the company’s mission to foster research, patient advocacy and legislative initiatives for improved treatment in mesothelioma. The Meso Foundation is organizing a legislative walk-up session to the houses of Congress for March 5th, 2014 in Washington, D.C. “The heightened awareness presented by these rare disease events reminds us that, although these illnesses affect smaller patient populations, effective treatments remain an acute global health need,” said Robert Forrester, Verastem President and Chief Executive Officer. “We are developing drugs to treat diseases where there is a significant unmet medical need and bringing forth new treatment options for patients. We are committed to fostering the development of potentially life-changing medicines in the pursuit of a more optimistic and positive outcome for patients.” <h2>About VS-6063</h2> VS-6063 (defactinib) is an orally available compound designed to target cancer stem cells through the potent inhibition of focal adhesion kinase (FAK). Cancer stem cells are an underlying cause of tumor resistance to chemotherapy, recurrence and ultimate disease progression. Research by Robert Weinberg, Ph.D., scientific cofounder and chair of Verastem’s Scientific Advisory Board, and Verastem has demonstrated that the FAK pathway is critical for the growth and survival of cancer stem cells. VS-6063 is currently being studied in the registration-directed COMMAND trial in mesothelioma (www.COMMANDmeso.com), a Phase 1/1b study in combination with paclitaxel for patients with ovarian cancer, a Phase 1 study in Japan in patients with advanced solid tumors and a Phase 2 trial in patients with Kras-mutated non-small cell lung cancer. VS-6063 has been granted orphan drug designation in the U.S. and E.U. for use in mesothelioma. <h2>About Verastem, Inc.</h2> Verastem, Inc. (NASDAQ:VSTM) is discovering and developing drugs to treat cancer by the targeted killing of cancer stem cells. Cancer stem cells are an underlying cause of tumor recurrence and metastasis. Verastem is developing small molecule inhibitors of signaling pathways that are critical to cancer stem cell survival and proliferation: FAK, PI3K/mTOR and Wnt. For more information, please visit www.verastem.com. Forward-looking statements: This press release includes forward-looking statements about the Company’s strategy, future plans and prospects, including statements regarding the development of the Company’s compounds, including VS-6063, or defactinib, the Company’s FAK inhibition program and potential indications for clinical development. The words “anticipate,” “appear,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “predict,” “project,” “target,” “potential,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “continue,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Each forward-looking statement is subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statement. Applicable risks and uncertainties include the risks that the preclinical testing of the Company’s compounds and preliminary data from clinical trials may not be predictive of the results or success of ongoing or later clinical trials, that data may not be available when we expect it to be, that the Company will be unable to successfully complete the clinical development of its compounds, including VS-6063, that the development of the Company’s compounds will take longer or cost more than planned, and that the Company’s compounds will not receive regulatory approval or become commercially successful products. Other risks and uncertainties include those identified under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 and in any subsequent SEC filings. The forward-looking statements contained in this release reflect the Company’s current views with respect to future events, and the Company does not undertake and specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements. Verastem, Inc. Brian Sullivan, 617-252-9314 bsullivan@verastem.com

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New Miami Cancer Institute

Posted on November 14, 2016 by Admin

Robins & Morton Breaks Ground on Miami Cancer Institute at Baptist Health South Florida Robins & Morton celebrated groundbreaking last Friday for the new Miami Cancer Institute at Baptist Health South Florida. The $430 Million facility is scheduled to open in 2016 with construction value estimated at $177 Million. USA – August 13 – Robins & Morton celebrated groundbreaking last Friday for the new Miami Cancer Institute at Baptist Health South Florida. The new facility will consolidate under one roof outpatient clinical services, a dedicated cancer research facility and signature technology platforms, including the first proton therapy center in South Florida. It will also offer diagnostic imaging, infusion chemotherapy and bone marrow transplant services. The $430 Million facility is scheduled to open in 2016 with construction value estimated at $177 Million. “The Miami Cancer Institute at Baptist Health South Florida will be recognized as a world-class destination for providing evidence-based, individualized care for our patients. It will be a state-of-the-art facility that will be unmatched in our region in terms of clinical excellence and advanced cancer care, and we are recruiting nationally renowned experts to lead the Institute” said Brian E. Keeley, president and CEO of Baptist Health South Florida. The 444,000-square-foot cancer institute will include a 295,000-square-foot clinical cancer center and a 149,000-square-foot research facility. Designed especially for cancer patients, a brand-new inpatient floor will connect between Baptist Hospital and the Cancer Institute. There also will be two parking garages with 1,200 spaces for the convenience of patients and their families. The stunning, four-story facility is designed by Miami-based MGE Architects and Portland-based ZGF Architects, both renowned for creating healthcare spaces that are beautiful and patient-centered. About Baptist Health South Florida Baptist Health South Florida is the largest healthcare organization in the region, with seven hospitals (Baptist Hospital, Baptist Children’s Hospital, Doctors Hospital, Homestead Hospital, Mariners Hospital, South Miami Hospital and West Kendall Baptist Hospital) and more than 30 outpatient and urgent care facilities spanning three counties. The not-for-profit, faith-based Baptist Health has more than 15,000 employees and 2,200 affiliated physicians, and also includes Baptist Health Medical Group, Baptist Outpatient Services and internationally renowned centers of excellence. Baptist Health Foundation, the organization’s fundraising arm, supports services at all hospitals and facilities. Baptist Health was just listed by Fortune magazine as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America (#19 in the nation and #1 in Florida) and has remained on the list for 14 consecutive years. It was also recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for the third year in a ro w by the Ethisphere Institute. Visit BaptistHealth.net. About Robins & Morton Founded in 1946, Robins & Morton is a privately held engineering and construction firm that consistently ranks among the 100 largest U.S. contractors in Engineering News-Record Magazine and Modern Healthcare magazine’s list of Top five Healthcare Contractors. The company has also been named one of the best mid-sized companies to work for in America because of its worker-friendly and family-friendly practices. Robins & Morton is based in Birmingham, Ala. with offices in Dallas, Texas; Huntsville, Ala.; Orlando, Fla.; Nashville, Tenn.; Charlotte and Raleigh-Durham, N.C. For more information, visit http://www.robinsmorton.com. Contact Information Jacquie Harty Robins & Morton http://www.robinsmorton.com/ +1 (205) 803-0163

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OSHA Inspector Makes Surprise Visit to Asbestos Removal Site at

Posted on November 10, 2016 by Admin

A state investigator made an unexpected visit on Tuesday to Hillman HealthCare Clinic, Tulare, where an asbestos removal project is ongoing. Patients are still coming to the hospital. After almost 2 hours, he said that everything was in line and there were no violations at all. Ted Phipps, Tulare County’s principal projects manager, said the inspector was satisfied in the way the work was being carried out. The hospital building was constructed before the 1930 when asbestos was a very popular building material. There were asbestos-containing tiles in the building. “The inspector found the work site to be totally safe and sound,” Phipps said. The surprise inspection was a part of a current complaint-initiated investigation made by the California OSHA (Occupational Safety Health Administration), according to spokeswoman Erika Monterroza. She was not ready to reveal who did complain or when that complaint got filed. Due to the complaint, the employees of the county were offere d  checkups such as chest X-rays, according to county spokesman Jed Chernabaeff. “A concern had been expressed, and therefore the protocol naturally followed,” he said. Asbestos abatement is the initial phase of a renovation project at the historic hospital building in Tulare. The old, 50000 sq. ft. structure is going to get latest carpet and fresh paint, in addition to reconfigured cubicles. The estimated cost for the remodeling is $167,000, excluding the $70,000 expense for asbestos removal. Asbestos abatement is a very expensive project. However, it is a must before the demolition or renovation of any building containing the substance. The reason is that asbestos can be hazardous if it is disturbed or broken during the remodeling or demolition work. That will cause asbestos fibers to be released into the air. Exposure to these fibers could result in severe respiratory problems and deadly diseases such as cancer. Asbestos-related diseases usually take decades to show their symptoms. But, once appeared, they don’t allow victims to live long. Mesothelioma, a rare but incurable cancer, is caused by inhalation of asbestos fibers. Around 25 employees of Health & Human Services Administration in Tulare County were shifted 2 weeks back for next 12-16 weeks The Regional Medical Center, Tulare, has been notified on Monday regarding the asbestos abatement project which started on 13th August. The medical center is very close to the asbestos removal site.

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