Merck and Moderna disclose detailed melanoma vaccine benefit in pivotal trial

Merck ($MRK) and Moderna ($MRNA) released detailed Phase 3 findings showing that their individualized cancer vaccine, intismeran autogene, improved outcomes when added to Keytruda after melanoma surgery. In INTerpath-001, involving 1,137 patients with completely removed stage IIB–IV disease, the combination reduced the risk of recurrence or death by 42% relative to Keytruda alone. At two years, recurrence-free survival was 82.2%, compared with 70.0%.

The results also showed a 38% reduction in the risk of distant metastasis or death. Overall survival data remain immature, while grade 3–5 treatment-related adverse events occurred in 14.2% versus 13.4% of patients. These detailed findings extend the previously announced positive topline result and support regulatory discussions. The vaccine remains investigational, and the new analysis does not constitute marketing approval.

Sources:

• merck.com