Why is Merck stock sliding today?

Moderna's shares fell 25.2% to $183.88, losing $24B in market value, after late-stage trial data for its melanoma vaccine showed a 42% reduction in cancer recurrence or death. Analysts attributed the drop to a 'sell-the-news' reaction. Merck, its partner, saw a 1% decline. Both companies plan to discuss results further at an oncology meeting.

Moderna's stock fell 25% on Thursday despite positive leaked data showing its cancer vaccine, developed with Merck, reduced melanoma recurrence risk by over 40% when combined with Keytruda. The vaccine also reduced cancer spread risk by 38%. Moderna's stock has risen over 500% this year on vaccine expectations. The trial focused on personalized treatment for melanoma, with experts calling it a landmark in cancer research.

Merck (MRK) reported positive Phase 3 trial results for its mRNA-based therapy intismeran autogene combined with KEYTRUDA, showing reduced risk of recurrence or death in melanoma patients. The company has a 2.41% dividend yield but a high payout ratio of 1.11, raising sustainability concerns. MRK's GF Score is 79/100, with strong profitability but weak momentum. Insiders have sold $71.4M in shares, and gurus are trimming positions. The stock is trading 22.5% above its GF Value of $121.00.

Merck (MRK) gains investor attention after Phase 3 INTerpath-001 trial shows promising recurrence-free survival data for intismeran autogene in melanoma treatment. Wells Fargo maintains an Overweight rating with a $165 price target. Merck's dividend yield is 2.41%, but its payout ratio is high at 111%, raising sustainability concerns. The stock trades 22.5% above its intrinsic value of $121, indicating modest overvaluation.

Moderna and Merck's cancer vaccine, intismeran autogene, combined with Keytruda, met its main goal in a late-stage trial, reducing the risk of disease recurrence or death by 42% compared to Keytruda alone. Despite this, shares of both companies fell, with Moderna down nearly 25% and Merck around 1%. Analysts defended the results, calling them compelling and practice-changing.

Moderna's (MRNA) stock dropped sharply after leaked data from a melanoma vaccine trial showed a 42% reduction in cancer recurrence or death, lower than an earlier trial. The stock is on track for its biggest drop on record, erasing over $23 billion in market value. Merck (MRK), Moderna's partner, confirmed the early release of the data. The full results are set for release on Saturday. Moderna's stock had nearly quadrupled since mid-August.