MODERNA AND MERCK ANNOUNCE MELANOMA VACCINE TRIAL SUCCESS

Moderna and Merck announced that an experimental personalised mRNA vaccine, when combined with the drug Keytruda, successfully prevented melanoma from spreading or returning after surgery. The Phase 3 trial involved more than 1,000 patients and marks a significant application of mRNA technology to personalised cancer treatment. Following the announcement, Moderna's share price rose more than 120% in morning trading, whilst Merck shares climbed more than 10%.

Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. Official estimates suggest over 8,500 deaths and 112,000 new cases will occur in the United States this year. The companies are expanding trials of the experimental vaccine to target other cancer types, including lung cancer, bladder cancer and renal cell carcinoma.

The trial results represent a shift in how mRNA technology is being applied beyond its initial use in coronavirus vaccines. Researchers are investigating whether personalised cancer vaccines can be developed for multiple tumour types. No timeline has been given for regulatory approval or wider availability of the treatment.