Moderna Shares Soar 159% on Promising Cancer Vaccine Trial Results

Moderna shares skyrocketed by nearly 160% on Wednesday after their personalized mRNA cancer vaccine, developed in collaboration with Merck, demonstrated promising results in a late-stage trial. The treatment, known as Intismeran, showed significant reductions in melanoma recurrence and spread when combined with Keytruda, a widely used immunotherapy medication.

The trial involved 1,137 high-risk patients with stage IIB to stage IV melanoma who had undergone surgical removal of the tumor. Participants received up to nine doses of the personalized vaccine alongside Keytruda or the medication alone for about one year. The results marked the first successful late-stage trial of an mRNA cancer vaccine and provided a glimmer of hope for future growth beyond COVID-19 vaccines.

Moderna's stock price surged from $62.96 to as high as $163.47 before settling at $143.51 later in the day. Merck shares also gained 11% to $150.14 in early trading. Analysts see the findings as a significant step forward for both companies, with potential sales of around $3 billion by 2035.

William Blair analyst Myles Minter praised the results, saying they put both companies in a strong position to seek regulatory approval. Merck's research and development chief Dean Li also expressed optimism, stating that discussions with regulators are expected within the next few months.