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Al Jazeera
Moderna, Merck unveil mRNA-based cancer vaccine that cuts spread
Moderna and Merck have unveiled their personalized mRNA cancer vaccine, Intismeran, which has shown significant efficacy in reducing both recurrence and metastasis of melanoma during late-stage trials. Following the interim results announcement, Moderna's stock surged by up to 160%. The vaccine works by training the immune system to target tumor mutations, marking a notable achievement in cancer immunotherapy.
Act nowConfidence: HighShort term horizon
Published 20 Aug 2026, 00:20 UTC2 min read
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Summary
TL;DR
- Intismeran demonstrated reduced risk of melanoma recurrence and spread.
- Interim results sparked a 160% surge in Moderna's stock.
- Thousands of patients could benefit from the vaccine by next year.
- This is the first positive late-stage trial for an mRNA cancer vaccine.
- Similar mRNA approaches are being explored for other cancers.
Interesting facts
- Over 1.5 million people in the US were living with melanoma in 2023.
- The development comes after previous cuts in US funding for mRNA research.
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