Moderna and Merck's mRNA melanoma vaccine cuts recurrence risk by 42% in trial

A large Phase 2 trial led by Moderna and Merck showed that their personalized mRNA vaccine, intismeran autogene, lowered the chance of melanoma returning by 42% compared with standard therapy.

The reduction translated into a significantly longer disease-free interval for patients, a key goal in melanoma treatment, according to oncologists who reviewed the data.

Researchers said the result could open the door for similar mRNA-based vaccines targeting other cancers, although they cautioned that further studies are needed to confirm broader applicability.