Merck and Moderna cancer vaccine cuts melanoma recurrence risk

Moderna and MSD (Merck & Co) released early data for their melanoma vaccine, INTerpath-001, showing a 42% reduction in recurrence or death risk when combined with Keytruda. The study met expectations, with 82.2% recurrence-free survival at 24 months. Shares fell after a data leak but partially recovered. ESMO is investigating the breach. Analysts suggest potential billion-dollar sales if approved.

Moderna (MRNA) shares dropped 17.6% after early data leak from its melanoma vaccine trial with Merck. The vaccine, combined with Keytruda, reduced recurrence or death risk by 42%. Despite positive results, shares fell due to high expectations. UBS and BMO analysts noted strong data but acknowledged inflated expectations. Volume reached 49.9m shares.

Moderna and Merck's personalized mRNA cancer vaccine, combined with Merck's Keytruda, reduced melanoma recurrence or death risk by 42% in a Phase 3 trial with 1,100+ patients. Two-year recurrence-free rates were 82.2% with the vaccine vs. 70% with Keytruda alone. The companies aim for US approval by 2027 and are testing the treatment in other cancers.

Moderna and Merck's experimental cancer vaccine, intismeran, reduced melanoma recurrence risk by 42% in a study. The vaccine uses mRNA technology and is personalized for each patient's tumor. Results were measured over two years post-surgery, according to the drugmakers.

A clinical trial showed a 42% reduction in melanoma recurrence or death risk with a personalized mRNA vaccine (intismeran autogene) and Keytruda, compared to Keytruda alone. The vaccine, developed by Merck and Moderna, uses mRNA technology to target cancer cells. The companies plan to seek regulatory approval, with analysts expecting FDA approval in 2024. The trial results were presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology meeting.

Moderna's stock fell 17.6% to $202.63 after leaked Phase 3 data for its melanoma vaccine showed a 42% risk reduction, below investor expectations. The data showed a 58% risk reduction after six months. Moderna and Merck, which shares costs and profits, are awaiting full data presentation at ESMO. Analysts consider the data approvable but are reassessing commercial potential.