What was the key clinical outcome of Moderna and Merck's mRNA cancer vaccine in the late-stage trial?

In a trial of more than 1,000 patients with localized melanoma, the mRNA cancer vaccine kept tumors from coming back or spreading — marking the first success of a therapeutic cancer vaccine in late-stage testing after over 100 years of failed attempts.

How did Moderna and Merck structure their partnership for developing the cancer vaccine, and what financial commitments were involved?

Moderna and Merck announced their cancer vaccine partnership in 2016 after over a year of prior collaboration; Merck paid $200 million upfront in 2016 and another $250 million in 2022, and the companies share both costs and profits.

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Moderna and Merck announced a breakthrough in mRNA cancer vaccine collaboration, marking the first late-stage success after over a century of failures. The vaccine showed efficacy in melanoma patients, paving the way for FDA review and billions in sales.

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