The story so far
- Moderna Stock Falls on Reported Cancer Vaccine Data Leak8 sources
- Moderna-Merck Cancer Vaccine Cuts Melanoma Recurrence RiskYou are hereLatest
Updated 14m ago · Business
Moderna-Merck Cancer Vaccine Cuts Melanoma Recurrence Risk
A personalized mRNA cancer vaccine reduced the risk of melanoma returning by 42% in a late-stage trial. Moderna and Merck released the results Thursday.
- 82% of vaccine patients were recurrence-free at two years, versus 70%.
- 1,137 high-risk patients enrolled across 157 sites worldwide.
- Nine doses, given three weeks apart, target mutations unique to each tumor.
- Side effects were mainly sore arms and fatigue, Tawbi said.
Why it matters: The trial is the first large test of cancer vaccines tailored to individual tumors. Similar vaccines are in trials for lung, kidney and pancreatic cancer.
- Cost is unknown; the drugmakers have not discussed pricing.
- Making each patient's vaccine takes roughly six weeks, Moderna's Stephen Hoge said.
How 11 sources split on this story
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11 sources · 12 articles · 46% Center coverage
Where they split: Outlets differ on the measured outcome: AP reports reduced recurrence, while CNN and the Daily Mail report reduced recurrence or death.
Center coverage, 5 sources: The center sees a significant but early win, noting cost questions, ongoing follow-up and regulatory steps ahead.
KSAT 12 San Antonio4hA novel mRNA cancer vaccine helps reduce the chances of melanoma patients' tumors returningCTV News3hA novel mRNA cancer vaccine helps reduce the chances of melanoma patients' tumors returningAssociated Press3hA novel mRNA cancer vaccine helps reduce the chances of melanoma patients' tumors returningWESH 2 News2hAn mRNA cancer vaccine helps reduce the chances of melanoma patients' tumors returningYahoo News4hA novel mRNA cancer vaccine helps reduce the chances of melanoma patients' tumors returning
Left coverage, 4 sources: The left sees a breakthrough opening a new path in cancer treatment, emphasizing the 42% risk reduction.
CNN5hExperimental mRNA vaccine cuts risk melanoma returns by 42%The Independent4hA novel mRNA cancer vaccine helps reduce the chances of melanoma patients' tumors returningThe New York Times2hCancer Vaccine Cuts the Risk of Melanoma Recurrence, Merck and Moderna ReportTime1hA Personalized Cancer Vaccine Lowers Melanoma Recurrence by 42%
Right coverage, 2 sources: The right sees a world-first breakthrough led by an Australian scientist, highlighting the trial's Australian sites.
What’s next: Full data will be presented Saturday in Madrid after a leak prompted early release.
- The trial continues tracking longer-term outcomes for participants.
- Moderna and Merck are discussing approval steps with regulators.
- Will the vaccine improve overall survival over longer follow-up?
- What will a custom-made cancer vaccine cost patients and insurers?
- Why did Moderna shares fall 18% after the full results came out?
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