Moderna and Merck's mRNA Vaccine Shows Promise in Melanoma Trial
Moderna and Merck's personalized mRNA cancer vaccine, intismeran autogene (mRNA-4157 or V940), has demonstrated significant efficacy in reducing the risk of melanoma recurrence when used alongside Merck's Keytruda. The findings were revealed at the 2026 ASCO Annual Meeting, highlighting a 49% reduction in the risk of recurrence or death in a trial involving over 1,100 high-risk stage III/IV melanoma patients.
The trial results, which involved patients who had undergone complete surgical resection, showed a 59% reduction in the risk of distant metastasis or death when the vaccine was combined with Keytruda, compared to Keytruda alone. These results were based on a median follow-up of 60.3 months.
Regulatory bodies have taken notice, with the FDA granting Breakthrough Therapy Designation for the vaccine combination in this setting. The European Medicines Agency has also provided PRIME designation. Phase 3 trials are currently underway, further exploring the vaccine's efficacy in melanoma as well as in other cancers such as non-small cell lung cancer, bladder, and renal cancers.
The announcement of these promising results has had a positive impact on the stock market, with shares of both Moderna and Merck experiencing significant gains.