BioNTech's mRNA cancer therapy misses first goal in head and neck trial

BioNTech's experimental mRNA cancer treatment, BNT113, combined with Merck's Keytruda, failed to meet the primary endpoint in a clinical trial for head and neck cancer. The drug did not show a statistically significant improvement in progression-free survival compared to Keytruda alone. BioNTech's U.S.-listed shares fell nearly 6% in premarket trading. The trial will continue to assess overall survival.

BioNTech's (BNTX) shares dropped 5% after its cancer therapy BNT113 failed to meet the primary endpoint of improving progression-free survival in a clinical trial for HPV-associated head and neck cancer. The trial will continue to assess overall survival, a key objective. BioNTech remains blinded to ongoing data, and no timeline for final results was provided.

BioNTech SE shares fell 6% in pre-market trading after its BNT113 cancer immunotherapy failed to meet the primary endpoint in a Phase 2/3 trial. The company's co-founders plan to leave by 2026, adding to investor uncertainty. The stock dropped to $90.15, near its 52-week low, amid a broader market sell-off in biotech and AI-related stocks.

BioNTech (BNTX) shares dropped 5% after its cancer drug BNT113 missed a key trial endpoint, failing to improve progression-free survival in HPV-linked head and neck cancer. The trial will continue to assess overall survival. BioNTech's Chief Medical Officer emphasized the potential of mRNA cancer treatments for long-term benefits. BNT113 is the first treatment designed to specifically target HPV in tumor cells.

BioNTech SE (BNTX) reported that its Phase 3 trial of BNT113 with pembrolizumab did not meet the primary endpoint of progression-free survival in HPV16-positive head and neck cancer. The trial will continue to evaluate overall survival, which could still yield positive results. BNT113 is an investigational mRNA cancer immunotherapy. The stock is down 6.08% in pre-market trading.

BioNTech's stock fell after its AHEAD-MERIT trial combining cancer vaccine BNT113 with Merck’s pembrolizumab missed a key endpoint, disappointing investors. The study will continue tracking overall survival. BioNTech has a strong balance sheet and pipeline, but shrinking COVID-19 revenues and operating losses limit its margin for error.