Cancer vaccine from Moderna, Merck shows promise in late-stage trial; both stocks soar
The combination regimen significantly extended the time patients lived without their melanoma returning, compared with Keytruda alone.
TL;DR
- Merck and Moderna's mRNA-based personalized cancer vaccine combined with Keytruda showed positive initial results in a Phase 3 trial for melanoma.
- The combination regimen met the main goal of significantly extending the time patients lived without their melanoma returning compared to Keytruda alone.
- The treatment also reduced the risk of the cancer spreading to distant parts of the body.
- Merck's shares climbed over 12% and Moderna's stock soared about 177% following the announcement.
- The personalized vaccine targets specific mutations in each patient's tumor to train the immune system, paired with Keytruda for enhanced efficacy.
- The companies plan to present data and discuss potential regulatory submissions with agencies in the coming months.
- Further trials are underway for the vaccine in other cancer types, including lung, bladder, and renal cell carcinoma.