Merck and Moderna’s personalized mRNA vaccine shows longer recurrence-free survival in phase 3 melanoma trial

Merck and Moderna reported that their individualized mRNA cancer vaccine, given together with Keytruda, extended the time patients remained free of melanoma recurrence in a late-stage study.

The phase 3 INTerpath-001 trial enrolled 1,137 individuals who had previously undergone surgery for cutaneous melanoma. Participants received either the personalized vaccine (known as intismeran or mRNA-4157) plus Keytruda, or Keytruda alone. An interim analysis showed statistically significant improvements in recurrence‑free survival and in a secondary measure of distant‑metastasis‑free survival.

No new safety concerns emerged during the study, and the companies highlighted the clinical relevance of the findings. The positive readout positions the partnership to pursue accelerated regulatory approval for the vaccine in high‑risk melanoma patients.