Biotech
Thursday, December 14th, 2023 3:08 pm EDT
Key Points
- Positive Midstage Trial Results: Moderna and Merck’s experimental cancer vaccine, when combined with Merck’s Keytruda therapy, demonstrated a significant reduction in the risk of death or relapse in patients with melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. The midstage trial data revealed a 49% decrease in the risk of death or recurrence in patients with advanced melanoma after approximately three years of treatment compared to those receiving Keytruda alone.
- Market Impact: Following the release of the trial data, shares of Moderna surged more than 15% in morning trading, indicating positive market sentiment and investor confidence in the potential success of the cancer vaccine. In contrast, Merck’s stock experienced a slight dip.
- Future Regulatory Approvals and Launch: Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel expressed optimism regarding the vaccine’s regulatory approvals, suggesting that it could launch in some countries as early as 2025. The vaccine, utilizing mRNA technology similar to Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine, is custom-built based on an analysis of a patient’s tumors after surgical removal. It aims to train the immune system to recognize and attack specific mutations in cancer cells.
Moderna and Merck have reported promising mid-stage trial data for their experimental cancer vaccine when used in combination with Merck’s Keytruda therapy. The vaccine, expected to launch in some countries as early as 2025, demonstrated a 49% reduction in the risk of death or recurrence of the most deadly form of skin cancer, melanoma, after approximately three years when compared to patients receiving Keytruda alone. Moreover, the combination therapy showed a 62% reduction in the risk of melanoma spreading to other parts of the body. This builds on earlier trial data, highlighting the efficacy of the combination over a shorter period.
Shares of Moderna surged over 15% following the data release, while Merck’s stock experienced a slight dip. The vaccine, utilizing the same mRNA technology as Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine, is tailored based on an analysis of a patient’s tumors post-surgical removal, training the immune system to recognize and attack specific mutations in cancer cells.
The phase-three trial for late-stage melanoma began in July, with ongoing studies exploring the vaccine’s effectiveness in earlier stages of melanoma. Moderna’s CEO, Stephane Bancel, expressed eagerness to see four and five-year data, emphasizing that the vaccine, combined with immunotherapy, continues to provide meaningful health benefits to melanoma patients over an extended treatment period.
The FDA granted breakthrough therapy designation to the cancer vaccine for melanoma treatment in February, expediting development and review processes. Moderna and Merck are also evaluating the vaccine with Keytruda for other tumor types, initiating a late-stage trial for non-small cell lung cancer. Melanoma, responsible for the majority of skin cancer deaths, has seen a rapid increase in rates over the past few decades, with around 100,000 new diagnoses and nearly 8,000 expected deaths in the U.S. this year.
For the full original article on CNBC, please click here: https://www.cnbc.com/2023/12/14/moderna-merck-cancer-vaccine-reduces-risk-of-skin-cancer-return.html
