'An increased ability to disease-free': Moderna CEO & Merck's Dr. Li on skin cancel vaccine trial

Summary

Moderna and Merck executives discuss positive Phase 3 melanoma data for Moderna's individualized mRNA neoantigen therapy combined with Merck's Keytruda. The trial showed reduced risk of recurrence or death, sending both stocks sharply higher. The executives explain the personalized sequencing-based mechanism, durability hints from Phase 2, and upcoming regulatory and data disclosures.

• Moderna shares surged about 63% and Merck about 7.75% after Phase 3 melanoma trial news.
• Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel compared the readout to the November 2020 COVID vaccine moment.
• Dean Li described Keytruda plus the individualized mRNA therapy reducing recurrence or death in melanoma.
• The therapy sequences a patient's tumor DNA to select 34 mutations and trains immune cells against them.
• Phase 2 data suggested 40-50% reduced risk and durable disease-free benefit at five years.
• Companies plan detailed data disclosure at a fall oncology meeting and regulatory discussions.