Moderna and Merck release detailed Phase 3 melanoma vaccine results

On October 22, Moderna and Merck released detailed Phase 3 results for their personalized melanoma vaccine after partial data leaked on social media earlier that day. Phase 3 is large-scale, late-stage testing in people to assess a treatment’s effectiveness and safety; melanoma is a form of skin cancer.^[1]

The vaccine uses mRNA technology and is tailored to a patient’s tumor to help the immune system recognize cancer cells. Reports said the trial showed a 42% reduction in the relative risk of cancer recurrence or death, and oncologists described the findings as an important advance in melanoma treatment.^[2][1]

Evidence of lower recurrence risk gives doctors a reason to consider the treatment if it is approved, creating a potential source of treatment revenue for the partners. Merck CEO Rob Davis said prescribers would find the results meaningful; that remains the company’s assessment of doctors’ likely response, with future revenue dependent on regulatory approval and actual use.^[3]

Meanwhile, investors questioned the vaccine’s potential across other cancers, and both companies’ shares fell around the data release. Progress in melanoma supports a commercial case in that disease, but extending revenue expectations to other cancers requires evidence in those cancers.^[2][1]

Impact