Moderna Adds $44 Billion To Its Market Cap. Was It Too Bullish?

Bio-Techne (TECH) shareholders approved its acquisition by Merck KGaA (MKKGY.PK). The deal is expected to close by early 2027, with TECH shares up 0.06% to $72.60. The acquisition aims to combine complementary life sciences organizations and deliver cash value to TECH shareholders.

Bio-Techne (TECH) shareholders approved a merger with Merck KGaA. The deal, expected to close by early 2027, requires regulatory approvals. Bio-Techne reported $1.2B in net sales for fiscal 2025. The transaction aims to combine life sciences operations and deliver cash value to shareholders.

Moderna (MRNA) closed at $182.56, up 5.56%, after hitting a 52-week high of $187.20. The rally follows strong Phase 3 results for its melanoma vaccine, developed with Merck. Analysts have raised targets, with Wolfe Research estimating peak sales of $9.2B for its cancer platform. Moderna priced a $2.6B convertible notes offering and received FDA approvals for new vaccines. The stock's support is around $168–$172, with resistance near $187.

BioNTech (BNTX) reported mixed clinical trial results. Its colorectal cancer vaccine, autogene cevumeran, failed in a Phase 2 trial, causing a 10% stock drop. However, its lung cancer treatment, Gotistobart, showed promising early Phase 3 results with a median overall survival of 18.5 months. The company's future depends on upcoming clinical trials, including BNT113 for head and neck cancer, which has received FDA Fast Track designation.

Moderna's stock rose 5.56% after successful Phase 3 melanoma study results, potentially expanding its reach beyond COVID-19 vaccines. Investors question if this marks the start of a sustainable oncology franchise or if the market has overreacted to the early evidence.

A phase 3 trial found that a combo of pembrolizumab, chemotherapy, and olaparib improved progression-free survival in advanced ovarian cancer patients. The study, funded by Merck, showed a 37% risk reduction in disease progression or death for certain patients. Pembrolizumab alone did not show significant benefits. The findings were published in The Lancet Oncology.