Personalized mRNA Vaccine Cuts Melanoma Death Or Recurrence Risk 42%

Moderna (MRNA) and Merck (MRK) stocks diverged after early release of their partnered cancer vaccine test results. RBC Capital Markets analyst Luca Issi noted impressive but slightly weaker Phase 3 results than Phase 2, attributing this to earlier-stage patient enrollment.

Moderna (MRNA) fell 17% after phase 3 data for its cancer vaccine showed less improvement than expected. Analysts are divided on its potential, with some citing concerns over efficacy, cost, and complexity. Merck's (MRK) Keytruda was part of the trial.

Merck (MRK) CEO Rob Davis downplayed cost concerns over Intismeran, a personalized cancer vaccine developed with Moderna (MRNA). The drug, combined with Keytruda, reduced melanoma recurrence or death risk by 58% in six months. Merck and Moderna aim for approval by 2027. MRNA shares fell 17% after Phase 3 trial data was leaked, while MRK shares were down 2.2%.

Moderna and Merck's personalized cancer vaccine, intismeran autogene, showed a 42% reduction in melanoma recurrence or death in a Phase 3 trial. Doctors praised the results, but investors reacted negatively, causing Moderna's stock to drop 25%. The vaccine is not yet approved, and the companies aim for regulatory approval next year. Keytruda, Merck's immunotherapy, was used in combination with the vaccine.

Moderna and Merck's experimental cancer vaccine reduced melanoma relapse risk by 42% in a Phase 3 trial. Despite positive results, Moderna's shares fell over 17% due to high expectations. The vaccine, personalized for each patient, is under regulatory review. Merck's shares were less affected.

Moderna's stock fell 2.3% after early release of Phase 3 trial data for its melanoma vaccine showed a 42% risk reduction, below prior expectations. Analysts reacted with mixed views, and the stock is down from its 52-week high. The broader market and sector peers are largely unaffected.