'Breakthrough' mRNA cancer drug curbs melanoma in large trial
A personalized mRNA-based cancer treatment developed by Merck and Moderna has shown success in a late-stage trial for melanoma. The drug, intismeran autogene, significantly reduced tumor recurrence in patients.
Why it matters
This represents a major milestone in mRNA science and cancer immunotherapy, offering a potential new standard for personalized treatment.
U.S. drugmakers Merck and Moderna said Wednesday a personalized cancer treatment had shown success in reducing the recurrence of melanoma tumors in a late-stage trial hailed by experts as a "breakthrough."
The news sent shares in Moderna soaring 145% to $154 while Merck's stock was up more than 12% to $152.
The drug, called "intismeran autogene," is based on the same messenger RNA (mRNA) technology behind Covid-19 vaccines.
Researchers have for years been trying to apply mRNA treatments against cancer, but this was the first time such a drug showed positive results in a large, late-stage clinical trial.
"Today marks an extraordinary milestone for Moderna, for mRNA science and, most importantly, for patients with cancer," Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel said in a statement.
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