Merck and Moderna Report Successful mRNA Cancer Vaccine Trial

Merck & Co., Inc. and Moderna reported successful Phase 3 trial results for a combination therapy pairing the individualized mRNA cancer vaccine intismeran autogene with the checkpoint inhibitor Keytruda. The trial met its primary endpoint of recurrence-free survival in patients with stage IIB–IV melanoma and demonstrated improvement in distant metastasis-free survival.

This result marks the first time an mRNA therapy and a checkpoint inhibitor have successfully worked together in a Phase 3 trial for any cancer. The announcement triggered a significant market reaction, with Moderna stock rising over 175% in a single day and mRNA-linked companies adding approximately $100 billion in market value. Merck stock reached an all-time high of $152.20.

The biotech sector saw further gains as Amgen, Inc. reported strong second-quarter revenue of $10.1 billion. Amgen raised its full-year revenue guidance to a range between $38.2 billion and $39.4 billion, contributing to the broader industry rally.