BioNTech Cancels Colorectal Cancer Vaccine Trial Amid Lack of Efficacy

BioNTech announced it will discontinue its mid-stage trial of personalized mRNA vaccine autogene cevumeran in colorectal cancer, citing a lack of efficacy.

The company's shares dropped as much as 8% to around $103 per share after the decision. BMO Capital Markets wrote that the termination is a 'clear setback' for BioNTech's individualized neoantigen therapy platform.

This news comes on the heels of positive data from Moderna and Merck's Phase 3 trial of their own personalized mRNA cancer vaccine intismeran autogene, which included the larger partner's blockbuster checkpoint inhibitor Keytruda. The combination showed a significant improvement in recurrence-free survival for melanoma patients.