Mod­er­na, Neu­ro­crine bring back fa­mil­iar faces; Pharm­ing CEO ex­its af­ter clash­ing with board

Neurocrine Biosciences (NBIX) began a Phase 2 trial for NBI-1117567, an Alzheimer’s drug candidate. The study will evaluate 135 adults with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s over 12 weeks. Primary efficacy is measured by changes in a Neuropsychological Test Battery composite score. Neurocrine aims to develop new treatments for Alzheimer’s disease.

Merck and Moderna plan to seek FDA approval for their personalized mRNA melanoma vaccine, intismeran autogene, combined with Keytruda, after Phase 3 trial results showed improved recurrence-free and distant metastasis-free survival. The vaccine is tailored to each patient's tumor and is being explored for other cancers. Full data is not yet public, and no filing date has been set.

Moderna (MRNA) shares rose 4.4% to $227.61 on anticipation of Phase 3 melanoma data presentation with Merck at ESMO Congress on Oct 24. BofA raised its price target to $220 from $200, maintaining a Neutral rating. The stock rebounded from a 10% drop on Friday. Jefferies expects peak melanoma sales to exceed $3 billion. Moderna reports Q3 results on Nov 6.

Moderna (MRNA) stock rose 4.4% to $227.50 as investors anticipate Phase 3 trial results for its cancer vaccine, set to be presented at the ESMO Congress. Bank of America raised its price target to $220, and the stock is rebounding from a recent dip. The Nasdaq-100 inclusion also supports demand. The broader market is up, with the Nasdaq gaining 1.0% and the S&P 500 adding 0.5%.

Moderna (MRNA) shares fell 10% on Friday, erasing part of October's 25% gains. Goldman Sachs raised its price target to $137 but maintained a Neutral rating. Investors await detailed clinical data for Moderna's cancer treatment with Merck. The stock had risen nearly 700% over the past year, driven by progress in cancer research.

Novavax (NVAX) fell 12% to $11.23, Moderna (MRNA) dropped 10% to $212.80, while Pfizer (PFE) rose 0.5% to $29.59. Citi maintained a Sell rating on NVAX but raised its price target. NVAX's revenue depends on Sanofi's (SNY) Nuvaxovid sales and milestones, creating uncertainty.