KEYTRUDA Combo Show Promise in Melanoma Treatment, Reducing Death Risks by 49%

In a groundbreaking Phase IIb study, a combination of Moderna's mRNA vaccine and Merck's Keytruda significantly improved outcomes in high-risk melanoma patients post-surgery. After three years, this duo reduced recurrence or death risks by 49% and distant metastasis or death by 62% compared to Keytruda alone.

Moderna and Merck have announced positive results from the KEYNOTE-942 Phase 2b study. This study reveals that their therapy, which combines mRNA-4157 (V940) with Keytruda, significantly reduces the risks of recurrence and metastasis in high-risk stage III/IV melanoma patients post-surgery. This combination of tailored mRNA technology and immunotherapy represents a critical advancement in personalized cancer treatment, setting the stage for Phase 3 studies and the potential expansion to other cancer types.

“As we continue to follow participants in the KEYNOTE-942/mRNA-4157-P201 study, we are excited to see such a robust clinical benefit with mRNA-4157 (V940) as adjuvant treatment in combination with KEYTRUDA in people with resected high-risk melanoma. These data add another positive analysis to the multiple endpoints and subgroups previously assessed in this study,” said Dr. Kyle Holen, M.D., Moderna’s Senior Vice President and Head of Development, Oncology.

A Closer Look at the Study and Its Findings

At the heart of this advancement is the Phase 2b KEYNOTE-942/mRNA-4157-P201 study. This trial, focusing on patients who underwent complete resection for high-risk stage III/IV melanoma, revealed that the combination of mRNA-4157 with Keytruda markedly reduced the risk of recurrence or death by 49% and the risk of distant metastasis or death by 62%. These figures, compared to the use of Keytruda alone, represent a significant leap in melanoma therapy.

“We are committed to driving research forward for innovative modalities in earlier stages of cancer, where we can make the most meaningful impact for patients, by combining Merck’s expertise in immuno-oncology with Moderna’s innovative mRNA technology,” said Dr. Marjorie Green, SVP and Head of late-stage oncology, Merck. “We are pleased to see the results from these planned analyses on recurrence-free survival for V940 and look forward to working with Moderna in expanding our clinical development program for the individualized neoantigen therapy.”

Understanding mRNA-4157 (V940)

mRNA-4157, an investigational individualized neoantigen therapy (INT), works by targeting unique mutations in each patient's tumor, creating a tailored approach to cancer treatment. This methodology, combined with Keytruda , an established anti-PD-1 therapy, enhances the body's immune response against cancer cells.

Safety Profile and Regulatory Milestones

The safety profile of mRNA-4157 in combination with Keytruda  has been consistent, with similar rates of treatment-related adverse events compared to Keytruda alone. The most common adverse events include fatigue, injection site pain, and chills. These findings have led to the FDA and EMA granting Breakthrough Therapy Designation and Priority Medicines scheme for this combination in the treatment of high-risk melanoma.

The partnership between Moderna and Merck, demonstrated through their mRNA-4157 and Keytruda  combination, highlights the promise of personalized and targeted cancer treatments. This significant advancement provides newfound hope for patients confronting melanoma, characterized by its aggressive nature and propensity for recurrence.