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NewsABC Action News (WFTS) — NewsAugust 19, 2026Hillsborough

Moderna and Merck report positive Phase 3 trial results for personalized melanoma vaccine

Moderna and Merck have announced successful Phase 3 trial results for a personalized mRNA cancer vaccine used in combination with the immunotherapy drug KEYTRUDA for melanoma patients. The treatment, which is administered after surgery, aims to help the immune system identify and attack remaining cancer cells to prevent recurrence.

healthcarecancer researchmedical technologyFDA
Read the full story at ABC Action News (WFTS) — News

Why It Matters

This development represents a potential new post-surgical treatment option for melanoma patients that could reduce the likelihood of cancer returning, pending future FDA approval.

Key Facts

  • Moderna and Merck reported positive results from a Phase 3 clinical trial for a personalized mRNA cancer vaccine.
  • The treatment is designed for melanoma patients who have undergone surgery to remove their cancer.
  • The therapy combines the drug KEYTRUDA with a custom-made mRNA vaccine tailored to the unique mutations of an individual patient's tumor.
  • The goal of the treatment is to help the patient's immune system recognize and attack remaining cancer cells to prevent recurrence.
  • The companies plan to share full trial data at upcoming medical meetings and with regulators.
  • The companies are exploring the potential to apply this personalized mRNA technology to other types of cancer.
  • Phase 3 trials are conducted to demonstrate effectiveness and safety in large patient groups before seeking regulatory approval.

Who's Mentioned

organizationModerna“Drugmaker and co-developer of the mRNA therapy.”personStéphane Bancel“CEO of Moderna.”organizationMerck“Drugmaker and co-developer of the mRNA therapy.”organizationFDA“Regulatory body that would need to approve the treatment for public use.”otherKEYTRUDA“Existing immunotherapy drug used in combination with the new vaccine.”personDr. Dean Y. Li“President of Merck Research Laboratories.”