Here’s what Moderna’s latest mRNA cancer vaccine data actually show

Moderna (MRNA) shares fell 17.6% on Oct. 22 after Phase 3 trial results for its cancer vaccine were leaked. The drop occurred despite positive results for the vaccine, developed with Merck (MRK). Analysts attributed the decline to a 'sell the news' event, with Bernstein maintaining a $45 price target and Wells Fargo suggesting concerns may be overdone. Merck shares also dropped 1.76%.

Moderna shares dropped 25% after leaked cancer vaccine data, despite positive results. The vaccine, developed with Merck, reduced recurrence or death risk by 42% in melanoma patients. Analysts noted the data was positive but investors had high expectations. Merck shares fell 1%.

Moderna's shares dropped 17.57% on Oct. 22, closing at $202.63. Despite the decline, the stock is up 587.11% year-to-date. ETMarkets ranked Moderna first among U.S.-listed stocks for gains, with a 733.54% increase through Oct. 21. The company and Merck reported positive Phase 3 trial results for a melanoma treatment.

Moderna and Merck shares fell after leaked data on their personalized melanoma vaccine underwhelmed investors. The companies had previously reported promising results in August, leading to a surge in their stock prices. According to the report, the new data did not confirm the initial optimism.

Moderna and Merck reported that their mRNA cancer vaccine, intismeran, reduced death or recurrence risk by 42% in a late-stage melanoma trial. The vaccine, combined with Merck's Keytruda, showed improved recurrence-free and metastasis-free survival rates compared to Keytruda alone. The companies plan to seek regulatory approval and presented the data at a medical conference.

Moderna and Merck's mRNA cancer vaccine, intismeran, reduced melanoma recurrence risk by 42% in a study. The vaccine, tailored to each patient's tumor, was tested on 1,100+ high-risk melanoma patients. Moderna shares dropped 18% after results were released, despite being 200% higher since August.