The two companies entered into a strategic collaboration for novel mRNA-based PCV with Keytruda in 2016 with Merck paying Moderna $200m to lead research and development efforts through proof of concept.
Now, Merck is exercising its option to develop a vaccine, currently in Phase 2 trials in patients with high-risk melanoma, with Moderna through to commercialization for an additional $250m. The two companies will share costs and any profits equally under this worldwide collaboration.
PCV potential
Personalized cancer vaccines are designed to prime the immune system so that a patient can generate a tailored antitumor response to their tumor mutation signature to treat their cancer. mRNA-4157/V940 is designed to stimulate an immune response by generating T cell responses based on the mutational signature of a patient’s tumor.
mRNA-4157/V940 is currently being evaluated in combination with Keytruda, Merck’s anti-PD-1 therapy, as adjuvant treatment for patients with high-risk melanoma in a Phase 2 clinical trial conducted by Moderna.
“This long-term collaboration combining Merck’s expertise in immuno-oncology with Moderna’s pioneering mRNA technology has yielded a novel tailored vaccine approach,” said Dr. Eliav Barr, senior vice president and head of global clinical development, chief medical officer, Merck Research Laboratories. “We look forward to working with our colleagues at Moderna to advance mRNA-4157/V940 in combination with Keytruda as it aligns with our strategy to impact early-stage disease.”