Moderna and Merck's mRNA cancer vaccine extends survival in phase 3 melanoma trial

Merck and Moderna reported that their personalized mRNA cancer vaccine improved patient outcomes in a late-stage study.

The phase 3 INTerpath-001 trial enrolled 1,137 patients who had surgery to remove cutaneous melanoma. Participants received the vaccine together with Merck’s Keytruda immunotherapy, while a control group received Keytruda alone.

Results showed a statistically significant increase in recurrence-free survival and a meaningful gain in distant-metastasis-free survival, the trial’s primary and secondary endpoints. The companies said detailed data will be presented at an upcoming medical meeting.