Moderna’s shares surged roughly 100% in pre-market U.S. trading on Wednesday, reaching $122, the highest level since July 2024.
The advance follows positive results from a late-stage trial evaluating a personalized melanoma vaccine developed by Moderna in combination with Merck’s Keytruda. The treatment reduced the recurrence and spread of skin cancer compared with Keytruda alone, according to a joint statement from the companies.
This marks the first time an mRNA-based cancer therapy has successfully completed a pivotal Phase 3 study. The vaccine is custom-built based on genetic mutations identified in individual patients’ tumors, leveraging Moderna’s mRNA platform.
Merck’s shares rose about 5% in pre-market trading following the news. The trial results were disclosed after the close of regular U.S. markets on Tuesday.
Moderna’s stock surge reflects investor optimism over the potential of mRNA technology beyond infectious diseases, positioning the company at the forefront of personalized cancer immunotherapy research.
