Moderna and Merck have revealed encouraging results from their Phase 3 trial of Intismeran Autogene (V940), a personalized mRNA cancer vaccine designed for patients suffering from melanoma, one of the most aggressive types of skin cancer. The study involved 1,137 participants with stage IIB-IV melanoma who had undergone complete tumor removal. Participants were administered either the mRNA vaccine alongside the immunotherapy drug Keytruda or Keytruda alone. The combination therapy demonstrated a notable enhancement in outcomes compared to Keytruda alone, significantly lowering the likelihood of cancer recurrence and the spread of metastasis. This vaccine is not a one-size-fits-all solution; instead, after surgical removal of the tumor, researchers analyze the tumor DNA and contrast it with the patient’s healthy cells to pinpoint mutations specific to the cancer. Artificial intelligence aids in selecting the most effective targets from a vast array of options, with a maximum of 34 neoantigens being included in a single vaccine formulation. "The concept of developing mRNA treatments customized for individual cancer patients has long been seen as a distant goal, but we are now making strides toward turning that goal into reality," stated Stéphane Bancel, CEO of Moderna. Following the announcement, Moderna’s stock surged approximately 177% in a single trading session, elevating the company's market value to over $69 billion. For context, during the peak demand for its COVID-19 vaccine in September 2021, Moderna's market capitalization exceeded $180 billion. This achievement marks the first positive Phase 3 outcome for an mRNA cancer treatment. However, the companies have yet to provide detailed information regarding the effect of the treatment on overall survival rates. The vaccine has not received approval yet, and the trial is ongoing to assess overall survival outcomes. Moderna and Merck intend to share comprehensive results and engage in discussions with regulatory bodies concerning the next steps. Is this a significant advancement in medicine? Many believe so, though final results are still awaited.
Informational material. 18+.
