Personalized Melanoma Vaccine Shows Promise in Preventing Cancer’s Return
In a Phase 3 trial, more than 1,100 advanced melanoma patients stayed cancer-free longer after receiving the personalized shot with Keytruda, Moderna said.
- Moderna and Partner Merck announced positive Phase 3 trial results for an individualized melanoma vaccine designed to work alongside the immunotherapy Keytruda in patients following surgery. The study involved over 1,100 people with advanced melanoma.
- Like other mRNA vaccines, the treatment delivers synthetic mRNA to stimulate immune responses against 34 unique protein markers on tumor surfaces. LaPook explained the combination acts as a "one-two punch," with Keytruda removing the cloak of invisibility cancer uses to evade immune detection.
- Following the news, Moderna stock rose more than 170% on Wednesday morning, adding nearly $45 billion to its market capitalization. Partner Merck and rival BioNTech also experienced double-digit gains.
- Gounder called the trial "a big win for mRNA vaccines against cancer." Melanoma is the fifth most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States, with The American Cancer Society projecting about 8,500 deaths this year among 112,000 cases.
- Multiple ongoing trials now investigate the vaccine in kidney, bladder, and lung cancers, with results potentially coming later this year or in 2027. Several market observers warned the stock reaction may have overestimated commercial potential, and Concerns persist that manufacturing costs could exceed standard biologics.
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Cancer vaccine win restores Wall Street’s faith in Moderna
Moderna and Merck announced positive Phase 3 trial results for intismeran, an individualized cancer vaccine designed to work alongside the immunotherapy Keytruda in melanoma patients following surgery. The announcement triggered substantial market enthusiasm, with Moderna shares rising more than 170% in a single day, adding nearly $45 billion to the company’s market capitalization. Partner Merck’s shares and those of rival BioNTech, which develo…
The custom melanoma vaccine from Moderna and Merck has exceeded the main objective of their phase 3 trial, but the company announcement still leaves an essential question unanswered: how much does it really benefit patients? The results reported so far confirm a statistically significant reduction in relapses and ... Continue reading "The custom melanoma vaccine faces the definitive test: the complete data will arrive in October"
Vaccine trial is 'very promising' for cancer patients
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — A vaccine trial is showing promising results in treating skin cancer. Doctors at Sanford Health are researching and testing a new vaccine from Merck and Moderna that could prevent the recurrence of melanoma, a type of skin cancer. "It actually takes those melanoma cells, profiles it, looks at the genetics [...]
A total of 137 patients already undergoing surgery to remove melanoma participated in the cancer vaccine study.
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