Moderna and Merck Develop Vaccine for Deadliest Skin Cancer

A new vaccine called Intismeran appears to prevent the recurrence of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. The vaccine is designed for people who have had melanoma and uses mRNA technology, similar to certain coronavirus vaccines. Moderna and Merck say they are pairing Intismeran with Keytruda in current studies.

The companies cite Phase 3 trial results suggesting that the vaccine can stop the disease from returning or spreading. The vaccine is individualized, tailored to each patient based on unique mutations within their tumors.