Description Poniard Pharmaceuticals has been focused on developing better cancer therapies, but wants to take a stab at new therapeutic areas. The firm was focused on the development of picoplatin, an injectable and oral chemotherapy drug that it was investigating as a treatment for solid tumors, including lung, colorectal, and prostate cancers. However, due to financial difficulties, Poniard has laid off most of its workforce and is exploring strategic options, including a possible sale or merger of the company.