Merck and Moderna Collaborate on Personalized Cancer Therapy

Cancer research is shifting towards a more personalized approach, one that acknowledges each person's unique experience and genetic makeup. By understanding the distinct 'fingerprint' of each tumor, researchers can develop targeted therapies to help the immune system recognize and destroy cancer cells.

Merck and Moderna are collaborating on an innovative individualized neoantigen therapy (INT) approach, which leverages mRNA technology to train a patient's immune cells to identify and attack specific cancer 'fingerprints'. This personalized treatment is designed for each patient's unique biology, moving away from one-size-fits-all solutions.

According to Dr. Vassiliki Karantza, Associate Vice President of Global Clinical Development at Merck Research Laboratories, 'because the genetic makeup of a patient's cancer is unique to that person, we believe there is a need for innovative therapies that can be tailored to a patient's tumor with the potential to enhance immune surveillance for each person's specific cancer.'