Merck/Moderna cancer vaccine cuts melanoma death or recurrence risk by 42%, shares fall
MRNA•Merck and Moderna said their cancer vaccine combined with Keytruda cut the risk of melanoma death or recurrence by 42% and cancer spread by 38% in a Phase 3 trial of more than 1,100 patients. Moderna expects a 2027 launch as the companies prepare a US regulatory filing.
1. Trial results
The Phase 3 trial found that adding Moderna’s personalized mRNA vaccine, intismeran, to Merck’s Keytruda cut the risk of melanoma death or recurrence by 42% and the risk of cancer spread by 38%. After two years, 82.2% of patients who received the combination were cancer-free, compared with 70% of those treated with Keytruda alone.
2. Filing plans
The companies are preparing to file for US approval, and Moderna expects the vaccine to launch in 2027, CEO Stephane Bancel said. The trial tested nine vaccine doses beginning 13 weeks after surgery to remove melanoma lesions.
3. Shares fall
Moderna shares closed more than 17% lower after the results leaked earlier in the day; Merck shares fell about 1.8%. The results are scheduled to be presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology meeting in Madrid.
