Merck, Moderna Cancer Vaccine Shows Promise Against Melanoma

In case you missed it, Merck and Moderna’s experimental personalized cancer vaccine achieved positive results in its first late-stage trial, helping patients remain cancer-free longer and reducing the risk of the cancer spreading (CNBC).

The details: “The mRNA-based shot in combination with Merck’s immunotherapy Keytruda met key goals in the Phase 3 trial in more than 1,100 patients with higher-risk or advanced melanoma whose detectable cancer had been completely removed through surgery.”

• The vaccine extended the time patients remained cancer-free before their melanoma returned, compared with those treated only with Keytruda, while also reducing the risk that cancer would spread to other body parts.
• “The Phase 3 study will continue to assess other outcomes, including the overall survival benefit of the regimen.”

Getting approved: The two companies will likely start discussions with regulatory agencies “in the next few months,” according to Dr. Dean Li, president of Merck Research Laboratories.

Why it matters: Melanoma accounts for the vast majority of deaths from skin cancer, though it makes up only 1% of such cancers. Melanoma can recur two to three years after the first round of treatment and removal.

How it works: “Merck and Moderna’s personalized vaccine is designed to target the specific mutations in each patient’s tumor rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.”

• “The idea is to train the immune system to recognize and kill those unique cancer markers and then pair that response with Keytruda, which helps the body attack the cancer more effectively.”

Other cancers: Merck and Moderna are also conducting trials of the vaccine for other cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer, bladder cancer and renal cell carcinoma.

The NAM says: “Thanks to amazing research and development, America’s biopharmaceutical manufacturers continue to unlock breakthroughs in vaccine development that can extend the effectiveness of cancer treatments and improve the quality of life for patients. This exciting development from Moderna and Merck could lead to even more advanced breakthroughs and potential cures for cancer,” the NAM said.