Tempus AI Soars on Landmark Cancer Trial Win
Shares of Tempus AI Inc (NASDAQ:TEM) are surging on Wednesday as investors connect the dots between a landmark clinical trial win and its recent acquisition deal. The rally follows Phase 3 trial results released by Merck & Co Inc and Moderna Inc, which revealed that their INTerpath-001 trial evaluating intismeran autogene significantly improved recurrence-free survival in resected melanoma patients.
The news marks the first successful Phase 3 readout for a custom mRNA-based cancer treatment. While Merck and Moderna lead the drug development, Personalis Inc's advanced genomic tumor-profiling technology is the underlying engine powering the personalized vaccine. Tempus AI has partnered with Personalis to commercialize minimal residual disease tests and agreed to acquire it for $1.5 billion last month.
By acquiring Personalis, Tempus inherits the critical sequencing infrastructure supporting Moderna's therapeutic program just as it passes its biggest regulatory and clinical milestone to date. Tempus CEO Eric Lefkofsky highlighted the connection on social media, congratulating Moderna and Merck on the Phase 3 victory while noting Tempus's pride in partnering with Moderna.