Moderna and Merck Breakthrough: Cancer Vaccine Shows Promise After Century-Long Struggle

Moderna and Merck have achieved a breakthrough in cancer vaccine development after over a century of failed attempts.

The companies' mRNA cancer vaccine, intismeran autogene, has shown success in late-stage testing against localized melanoma, with the treatment keeping tumors from coming back or spreading.

The trial, which involved over 1,000 patients, was a culmination of 10 years of work between Moderna and Merck, who partnered to develop the vaccine in 2016.

Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel compared the moment of success to the announcement of their COVID-19 vaccine trial results, saying 'It's the same with cancer... we knew what was at stake for the planet.'