Moderna Reports Positive Results from Cancer Vaccine-Keytruda Combination Trial

Moderna (MRNA) shares jumped Tuesday after the biotech firm reported positive results from a small trial involving those with head and neck cancers treated with its experimental individualized MRNA cancer vaccine combined with Merck’s (MRK) blockbuster drug Keytruda. 

The study involved 22 patients with human papillomavirus negative (HPV-) head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who received Moderna’s mRNA-4157 injection along with Keytruda. 

The company reported the drug cocktail produced “preliminary positive clinical responses and disease control,” including two complete responses. It added that along with boosting the immune response, the treatment was well tolerated.

The data were presented at the American Association for Cancer Research annual meeting in San Diego, Calif. yesterday. In its report, Moderna explained that a randomized assessment of the mRNA-4157-Keytruda combination’s effect in the advanced disease setting “may be warranted.”

In December, Moderna and Merck announced they were initiating a Phase 3 trial of the two drugs to treat certain forms of lung cancer.

Moderna stock gained 6.2% to close at $111.60, making it the biggest gainer on the S&P 500 Tuesday. Merck shares ended 0.1% higher at $126.71.