Moderna and Merck cancer vaccine cuts melanoma recurrence risk in late-stage trial
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Moderna and Merck cancer vaccine cuts melanoma recurrence risk in late-stage trial
Moderna and Merck report mRNA cancer vaccine cuts melanoma recurrence risk in late-stage trial
ContinuationModerna shares surge over 150% after positive melanoma vaccine trial results: U.S. Treasury doubles bond buybacks
Merck and Moderna announced on Wednesday that their experimental mRNA-based cancer vaccine, Intismeran, demonstrated positive results in a late-stage clinical trial for patients with advanced melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. The trial involved over 1,100 patients whose tumors had been surgically removed but carried a high risk of recurrence. The vaccine, used in combination with Merck’s immunotherapy drug Keytruda, reduced the risk of melanoma recurrence and metastasis compared to Keytruda alone, according to the companies’ joint statement .
The companies described the results as the first positive Phase 3 data for an mRNA-based cancer therapy. In earlier Phase 2 trials, the combination therapy reduced the risk of recurrence by 49% and the risk of distant metastasis by 59%, they said . Moderna and Merck plan to present detailed findings at an upcoming medical conference.
The trial’s success triggered a surge in stock prices. Moderna’s shares rose 177% on Wednesday, climbing from $62.96 to $174.38, while Merck’s stock increased by 13%. BioNTech, a German biotechnology company also working on mRNA-based cancer therapies, saw its shares jump nearly 22% .
The personalized vaccine, Intismeran, is designed to train the immune system to target mutations specific to a patient’s tumor. Dr. Ryan Sullivan, director of the Center for Melanoma at Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute, called the trial results “a big deal for the field in general,” adding that the approach could potentially transform cancer treatment . Dr. Julie Gralow, chief medical officer of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, described the outcome as “a monumental leap forward” for mRNA technology in oncology .
Moderna and Merck are expanding trials to other cancer types, including non-small cell lung, bladder, kidney, pancreatic, and stomach cancers, with additional results expected in the next one to two years, according to Moderna President Stephen Hoge . Roche and BioNTech are also testing a similar mRNA-based treatment, autogene cevumeran, in mid-stage studies for colon and pancreatic cancers, with colon cancer trial results anticipated in 2027 .
Professor Georgina Long of Australia’s Melanoma Institute, a lead researcher in the trial, stated that the results represent “a landmark moment for adjuvant melanoma treatment” . The American Cancer Society estimates 112,000 melanoma cases and 8,510 deaths in the U.S. this year, with melanomas accounting for the majority of skin cancer fatalities despite representing only 1% of diagnoses .
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