Bernstein reiterates Moderna stock rating on mRNA platform progress

Moderna's mFlusiva, the first mRNA-based flu vaccine, is now available in the U.S. for people 50 and older. According to the company, it was 27% more effective than standard vaccines in clinical trials. The FDA approved it for ages 50-64 via the standard process and for 65+ via an accelerated process. Side effects were mostly mild and temporary.

The FDA approved Moderna's mRNA-based flu vaccine, mFlusiva, for adults 50+. It's now available at 13,000+ US locations. The vaccine showed 27% higher effectiveness than standard shots in trials, with mild side effects. Moderna must conduct further studies for those 65+.

Merck and Moderna's mRNA cancer vaccine, intismeran autogene, showed positive results in a late-stage trial, extending survival time without cancer recurrence or spread. The vaccine, tested on melanoma patients, trains the immune system to target cancer cells. Full results will be presented at the 2026 European Society for Medical Oncology meeting. The trial involved 1,137 participants, with two-thirds receiving the vaccine alongside Keytruda, a standard immunotherapy.

Moderna (MRNA) shares rose 6.9% today, driven by investor enthusiasm for its cancer vaccine program after positive Phase 3 melanoma results were disclosed in August. The company plans to present data at a medical meeting and share it with regulators. Recent conference appearances have also highlighted its oncology pipeline and broader mRNA platform. Analysts have set various price targets for the stock, with a median of $46.5.

Moderna's stock (MRNA) rose 43% in June, driven by its focus on mRNA pipeline for cancer, autoimmune diseases, and AI-powered research. The company outlined future plans at its Science Day event, including programs like mRNA-4194 for cancer prevention and mRNA-6007 for autoimmune diseases. Moderna's flu vaccine candidate, mRNA-1010, received a positive FDA advisory committee vote. The stock has gained 144% over the past year.

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.