Merck and Moderna Melanoma Vaccine Shows Promising Results

US pharmaceutical giants Merck and Moderna announced promising results from a trial of their experimental vaccine against melanoma, potentially paving the way for approval.

The vaccine, called intismeran autogene, showed 'statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements' in skin cancer patients when used with Merck's Keytruda treatment, the companies said in a statement.

This is a breakthrough for therapeutic vaccines, which treat rather than prevent diseases by training the body's immune system against tumours or other invaders.

The news sent shares in biotech specialist Moderna soaring to over 90% in early New York trading, reaching around US$120 per share, while Merck's stock rose 10%.