Merck-Moderna Cancer Vaccine Combo Meets Key Trial Goals

Merck and Moderna have announced positive results from their Phase 3 trial of an investigational personalised mRNA cancer vaccine, Intismeran. The trial combined this new vaccine with Keytruda, a well-established immunotherapy drug already used in cancer treatment. This readout marks the first successful Phase 3 trial for an individualised neoantigen therapy and an mRNA-based oncology vaccine.

The trial enrolled 1,137 patients who received either Intismeran every three weeks for up to nine doses alongside Keytruda every six weeks for approximately one year, or Keytruda monotherapy. The researchers will continue to track the patients over several years to measure overall survival and confirm whether the treatment extends life span.

Melanoma is a highly aggressive form of skin cancer with high rates of recurrence, even after primary tumour removal. The partners will present detailed findings at an upcoming medical congress and begin discussions with regulatory bodies regarding marketing authorisation submissions.