Moderna and Merck report Phase III results for mRNA cancer vaccine
A clinical trial involving 1,137 patients found that an mRNA-based vaccine combined with immunotherapy reduced the risk of melanoma recurrence or death by 42%.
Pharmaceutical companies Moderna and Merck have released results from a Phase III clinical trial for an mRNA-based melanoma vaccine, known as intismeran. When administered alongside the drug Keytruda, the treatment reduced the risk of cancer recurrence or mortality by 42% in high-risk patients who had undergone surgery.
The vaccine utilizes mRNA technology to target the specific mutational signature of a patient’s tumor. According to researchers, this individualized approach aims to trigger a stronger anti-tumor immune response compared to generic treatment methods. The study, which monitored 1,137 patients, focused on recurrence-free survival as the primary indicator of efficacy.
Following the publication of the findings, Moderna’s stock price experienced volatility as investor expectations for the technology remained high. Beyond melanoma, the company is evaluating the application of mRNA vaccines for other cancers, including breast, lung, and pancreatic tumors, aiming to expand the scope of precision oncology.