Personalized mRNA vaccine cuts melanoma death and recurrence by 42%

Moderna and Merck say their mRNA cancer vaccine cut death, recurrence by 42%

In a Phase 3 trial of 1,137 patients with surgically removed stage IIB–IV melanoma, Moderna and Merck's tailored mRNA vaccine, intismeran, combined with Keytruda reduced the risk of recurrence or death by 42% versus Keytruda alone. After two years, 82% of the vaccine group remained alive without recurrence, compared with 70% on the standard treatment. The companies are now working with regulators toward approval.