Merck Stock Surges on Strong Results from Personalized Cancer Vaccine Trial
Merck stock surged by over 13% after the company announced strong results from its first-ever late-stage trial of a personalized cancer vaccine in partnership with Moderna. The Phase 3 study of over 1,100 melanoma patients showed that the combination of Merck's Keytruda and the experimental vaccine significantly extended the time patients went without their melanoma returning. This build on positive Phase 2 data shared earlier this year, which showed a similar approach was effective in treating melanoma.
The personalized vaccine targets specific mutations found in each patient's tumor, training the immune system to recognize and destroy those unique markers. When paired with Keytruda, it helps the body fight cancer more effectively. Dr. Jane Healy of Merck called the results 'very exciting', noting that patients tolerated the treatment well and side effects were similar to common vaccines.
Merk's stock price has risen 24% in the past six months, with a current price of $152 per share. Analysts see real upside tied to the company's oncology pipeline beyond Keytruda alone, with a large pipeline of new treatments expected to drive growth for years.