Merck takes up option on Moderna cancer vaccine

Shares of US biotech Moderna (Nasdaq: MRNA) leapt almost 12% to $134.96 yesterday, after it announced that pharma giant Merck & Co (NYSE: MRK) has opted to develop a personalized cancer vaccine based on messenger RNA technology.

Merck has exercised its option to jointly develop and commercialize personalized cancer vaccine (PCV) mRNA-4157/V940 under the terms of its existing license agreement with Moderna. mRNA-4157/V940 is currently being evaluated in combination with Merck’s blockbuster cancer drug Keytruda (pembrolizumab) as adjuvant treatment for patients with high-risk melanoma in a Phase II clinical trial being conducted by Moderna.

"We have been collaborating with Merck on PCVs since 2016, and together we have made significant progress in advancing mRNA-4157 as an investigational personalized cancer treatment used in combination with Keytruda,” said Dr Stephen Hoge, president of Moderna. "With data expected this quarter on PCV, we continue to be excited about the future and the impact mRNA can have as a new treatment paradigm in the management of cancer. Continuing our strategic alliance with Merck is an important milestone as we continue to grow our mRNA platform with promising clinical programs  in multiple therapeutic areas."