Merck and Moderna announced on 19 August 2026 that a personalised mRNA cancer vaccine had succeeded in a Phase 3 trial — the first time a vaccine built from a patient's own tumour mutations has cleare

Moderna (MRNA) and Merck (MRK) cancer vaccine reduced melanoma recurrence risk 49%, boosting MRNA +177% on readout. Revolution Medicines (RVMD) drug doubled pancreatic cancer survival, RVMD +163% YTD. AbbVie (ABBV) acquired Apogee for $10.9B. Barclays' Emily Field notes biotech M&A freeze is over, citing capital market reopening and oncology innovation.

Merck & Co. and Moderna Inc. reported positive results from a Phase 3 trial of their mRNA cancer vaccine, intismeran, combined with Keytruda, showing it delayed melanoma recurrence. Moderna's stock more than doubled on the news. The companies plan to share full data soon, and are testing the vaccine in other cancers. The trial marks a significant milestone for mRNA technology beyond infectious diseases.

A federal court dismissed Merck's lawsuit against the Medicare drug price negotiation program, ruling that its involvement in federal drug programs invalidates its constitutional claim. The decision upholds the program's ability to negotiate drug prices.

A federal court dismissed Merck's lawsuit against the Medicare drug price negotiation program, ruling the company's voluntary participation in federal drug programs invalidates its claim. The decision may impact pharmaceutical companies' pricing strategies and legal approaches to government drug pricing policies.

Moderna (MRNA) and Merck reported positive Phase 3 results for their mRNA cancer therapy, showing improved survival rates in melanoma patients. This marks the first successful Phase 3 outcome for an mRNA-based cancer treatment, potentially expanding Moderna's portfolio beyond vaccines. The company reaffirmed its 2026 revenue guidance, projecting $3.7 billion in revenue and $695.7 million in earnings by 2029.

Moderna (MRNA) stock surged 13.65% after positive Phase 3 trial results for its mRNA cancer vaccine in partnership with Merck. The trial met primary and key secondary endpoints, improving recurrence-free and distant metastasis-free survival in melanoma patients. Moderna reported Q2 revenue of $145M and a net loss of $782M, with $5.1B in cash reserves. Analysts upgraded MRNA, citing the trial's success and potential expansion into other tumor types.