Moderna, Merck’s experimental cancer vaccine cuts melanoma recurrence risk by 42%: Report

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.

Merck (MRK) and Moderna (MRNA) reported Phase III trial results showing their cancer vaccine reduced melanoma recurrence or death risk by 42% when combined with pembrolizumab. Overall survival data is not yet mature, requiring further follow-up.

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.

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.