STAT+: Detailed data confirm Moderna and Merck cancer vaccine met key endpoints in melanoma trial

Adam Feuerstein is a senior writer and biotech columnist, reporting on the crossroads of drug development, business, Wall Street, and biotechnology. He is also a co-host of the weekly biotech podcast The Readout Loud and author of the newsletter Adam’s Biotech Scorecard. You can reach Adam on Signal at stataf.54.

MADRID — A personalized mRNA cancer vaccine reduced the risk of disease recurrence in patients with melanoma by 42% compared to a standard treatment, according to a large clinical trial conducted by the drugmakers Moderna and Merck.

The results are an important advance for the treatment of melanoma, oncologists said, because patients lived significantly longer without their cancer returning. 

The success of the Moderna-Merck vaccine, intismeran autogene, may also usher in a new wave of treatments for other types of cancer. It is an individualized therapy that attacks the unique mutations, called neoantigens, found in a patient’s tumor. The approach is made possible by the same mRNA technology that led to the rapid development of vaccines against Covid-19. 

STAT+ Exclusive Story

Already have an account? Log in

This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers

Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts.

Already have an account? Log in

Individual plans

Group plans

View All Plans