health
Moderna's and Merck's personalized mRNA vaccine shows real promise against deadly skin cancer melanoma in late stage trial and sends stocks soaring
Moderna and Merck said Wednesday their personalized mRNA cancer vaccine met its main goals in a Phase 3 trial targeting melanoma, marking the first time a therapy of its kind has succeeded at that stage of testing. The news sent Moderna’s stock up more than 100% and lifted Merck shares as well, as investors bet on a new era for a company long defined by its Covid-19 vaccine.
TL;DR
- Moderna and Merck's personalized mRNA cancer vaccine, intismeran autogene, has achieved its main goals in a Phase 3 trial for high-risk melanoma.
- The vaccine, which teaches the immune system to target specific tumor mutations, was tested in combination with Merck's Keytruda.
- Patients receiving the vaccine plus Keytruda showed longer recurrence-free survival compared to Keytruda alone.
- The trial results have led to a significant increase in Moderna's stock value and positive market reaction for Merck.
- Experts believe this development could potentially double the survival rates for advanced melanoma patients and redefine cancer treatment.