Moderna and Merck's mRNA Cancer Vaccine Posts Promising Trial Results
Moderna and Merck have achieved a major breakthrough in cancer treatment with their mRNA vaccine, Intismeran. In a study combining this personalized vaccine with Keytruda, an immunotherapy drug, researchers observed a significant reduction in skin cancer recurrence and spread compared to using Keytruda alone.
The trial involved 1,137 high-risk stage IIB-IV melanoma patients who had undergone surgical removal. The treatment met both its primary goal of reducing cancer recurrence and its secondary aim of preventing the spread of cancer.
Intismeran uses Merck's Keytruda alongside a bespoke mRNA vaccine developed by Moderna, tailored to the mutations in each patient's tumor. This novel approach has shown promising results, marking the first positive late-stage trial for an mRNA cancer vaccine.
The market responded positively to these findings, with Moderna shares surging 40% and Merck seeing a 2% uptick in premarket trading.