Moderna CEO on what’s next after success in cancer vaccine

Moderna (MRNA) shares fell 8% despite Phase 3 data showing its melanoma vaccine, developed with Merck (MRK), reduced recurrence or death risk by 42%. The lead investigator called the results transformational, but the stock had already dropped 19% earlier in the week. Moderna trades at 39x forward sales, above its 5-year average of 7.7x. Analysts expect $3.3B in 2028 revenue. Further data is awaited from both companies.

Amgen and AstraZeneca reported a 58% reduction in death risk for a lung cancer treatment in trials. Merck and Moderna's cancer vaccine showed a 42% lower recurrence rate. Halloween candy sales fell 6.7% YoY. Dow dropped 600+ points as oil prices rose. Trump announced a $275M nursing initiative. Six Flags to add seatbelts after a fatality.

At ESMO '26, Moderna and Merck's cancer vaccine intismeran showed a 42% reduction in melanoma recurrence risk, but Moderna's stock fell. Roche's divarasib outperformed competitors in KRAS-mutated lung cancer. Amgen's Imdelltra combo therapy reduced lung cancer death risk by 58%.

Merck (MRK) and Moderna (MRNA) presented Phase 3 trial data for their cancer vaccine, showing a 42% reduction in recurrence or death risk. Analysts now view the results positively, despite initial market selloff. The treatment combo includes Keytruda and intismeran autogene. Moderna's stock fell 7% premarket but is up 700% year-to-date. Additional data is expected in other cancer types.

Moderna's CEO, Stéphane Bancel, announced that their personalized cancer vaccine, intismeran, succeeded in a Phase 3 trial. The company, along with partner Merck, plans to seek FDA approval by 2027 and will test the vaccine in other cancers.

Moderna's stock fell 7% to $185.74 after its cancer vaccine trial met the main goal but underperformed on distant spread. Merck, its partner, dropped 0.2%. BioNTech declined 3%, while Pfizer remained steady. The iShares Biotechnology ETF rose 0.2%.