In a small clinical trial, customized mRNA vaccines against high-risk skin cancers appeared to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence and death by nearly 50 percent over five years when compared with standard treatment alone, according to Moderna and Merck, the two pharmaceutical companies collaborating on the experimental cancer vaccine, intismeran autogene (mRNA-4157 or V940). The companies released top-line results this week, which align closely with previous analyses from the trial examining recurrence and death rates at two and three years after treatment.

The ongoing Phase 2 trial included 157 patients diagnosed with stage 3 or stage 4 melanoma, all at high risk of recurrence after surgical removal. The standard treatment these patients received was not specified in the initial announcement. More detailed data from the Phase 2 trial will be presented at an upcoming medical conference, the companies said.

This development marks a significant step in the burgeoning field of personalized cancer vaccines, which are designed to train the body's immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells based on the unique genetic makeup of each patient's tumor. The mRNA technology, which gained widespread recognition during the COVID-19 pandemic, is now being applied to tackle other diseases, including cancer.

The collaboration between Moderna and Merck highlights the increasing trend of pharmaceutical giants joining forces to accelerate drug development and share expertise. The success of this mRNA vaccine could potentially revolutionize cancer treatment, offering a more targeted and effective approach compared to traditional methods like chemotherapy and radiation.

A Phase 3 trial is currently underway, with enrollment complete, indicating that the companies are moving closer to seeking regulatory approval for the vaccine. If successful, this mRNA cancer vaccine could become a game-changer in the fight against melanoma and potentially other types of cancer, offering hope to patients facing high recurrence risks.