Merck and Moderna have announced their collaboration on a late-stage study to assess the effectiveness of their experimental mRNA-based cancer vaccine when combined with the cancer therapy Keytruda. The companies made this announcement on Wednesday.
This immuno-oncology combination aims to leverage the potential of Merck’s Keytruda, a PD-1 inhibitor, with Moderna’s mRNA-based vaccine technology to enhance the body’s immune response against cancer cells. By incorporating mRNA, a messenger molecule that carries instructions for cells to produce specific proteins, Moderna’s vaccine stimulates the immune system to recognize and attack tumor cells more effectively.
The FDA has already approved Keytruda for multiple indications, including melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Moderna’s cancer vaccine, on the other hand, is currently being evaluated in early-stage studies to assess its safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity in people with solid tumors.
This joint study aims to provide vital insights into the potential synergistic effects of combining Merck’s Keytruda and Moderna’s cancer vaccine. If successful, this combination therapy could revolutionize cancer treatment by offering a more comprehensive and targeted approach.
Both companies are optimistic about the results of this late-stage study, which could pave the way for further clinical development and potential regulatory approvals.
Merck and Moderna’s collaboration builds on their existing partnership, which includes an ongoing clinical trial evaluating the combination of Keytruda with Moderna’s mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccine. The companies are also exploring the possibility of developing mRNA-based vaccines against other infectious diseases like HIV and respiratory syncytial virus.
With cancer being one of the leading causes of death globally, innovative approaches that harness the body’s immune system to fight cancer are critical. If successful, this mRNA-based cancer vaccine combination could bring new hope to patients by providing a more effective and personalized treatment option.
Reuters reporter Bhanvi Satija contributed to this article.
(Reporting by Bhanvi Satija in Bengaluru; Editing by Shilpi Majumdar)
Credit: The Star : News Feed
