Moderna and Merck's Melanoma Treatment Shows Positive Results in Phase III Trial

Moderna and Merck's experimental treatment for melanoma, called intismeran in combination with Keytruda, has shown promising results in a Phase III trial. The international INTerpath-001 trial involved over 1,100 patients with stage IIB, IV skin melanoma who had undergone complete surgical removal of the tumour.

The treatment is custom-made for each patient following an analysis of mutations in the resected tumour and encodes up to 34 tumour-specific neoantigens to train the immune system to recognise residual cancer cells. This therapeutic vaccine does not prevent the development of melanoma, but aims to reduce the likelihood of its recurrence.

The researchers have announced positive preliminary results, with patients who received intismeran in combination with Keytruda living longer without their melanoma returning or developing distant metastases. However, the full results of the trial are not yet available, and detailed data are due to be presented at an upcoming international medical conference.

The study is ongoing, and the companies plan to discuss the results with regulatory authorities. Intismeran remains an experimental therapy without marketing authorisation.