BioNTech Abandons Colorectal Cancer Vaccine Trial Citing Lack of Efficacy
BioNTech's momentum in the mRNA cancer vaccine space came to an abrupt halt when it terminated its Phase 2 study of autogene cevumeran in treating colorectal cancer. The decision, made on August 28, was due to a lack of efficacy, according to BioNTech and its partner Roche's Genentech unit. This setback raises questions about the mRNA vaccine's prospects in treating pancreatic cancer.
BioNTech's shares had surged following the impressive late-stage results for personalized messenger RNA (mRNA) cancer vaccine intismeran autogene in combination with Keytruda from Moderna and Merck. The company is developing its own mRNA cancer vaccines, including autogene cevumeran targeting colorectal and pancreatic cancers.
BioNTech's pipeline continues to advance other experimental mRNA cancer vaccines targeting head and neck cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. Özlem Türeci, co-founder and Chief Medical Officer, stated that the company remains committed to mRNA as a key pillar in its oncology strategy.