Merck and Moderna Announce 5-Year Follow-Up Results for Melanoma Vaccine

Merck & Co. (NYSE:MRK) and Moderna announced on June 1 detailed results from a planned five-year follow-up analysis of the Phase 2b randomized KEYNOTE-942/mRNA-4157-P201 study evaluating intismeran autogene in combination with KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) in patients with high-risk melanoma.

Study Details

The KEYNOTE-942 trial is a randomized Phase 2b study assessing the efficacy and safety of intismeran autogene (mRNA-4157), an individualized neoantigen therapy, in combination with KEYTRUDA versus KEYTRUDA alone in patients with resected high-risk melanoma.

Key Results

The five-year follow-up analysis showed continued clinical benefit for the combination versus KEYTRUDA alone, with improvements in recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS). Specific numerical data have not yet been disclosed.

Competition

This individualized mRNA vaccine is among the first cancer vaccines to reach advanced development. It competes with similar approaches from BioNTech and Roche.

Potential Impact on Merck

If approved, the vaccine could expand Merck's oncology portfolio and create a new revenue stream. However, it remains in clinical testing.