🧪 Moderna’s mRNA-4359 posts early gains in melanoma

Moderna unveiled promising Phase I/II data for its mRNA-4359 cancer vaccine in checkpoint inhibitorrefractory melanoma, showing notable responses, especially in PD-L1positive patients.

Why It Matters To Oncology

▪ Checkpoint inhibitorresistant melanoma lacks effective therapies, leaving a critical unmet need.

▪ mRNA-4359 encodes PD-L1 and IDO1 antigens to spur targeted T-cell activity and deplete immunosuppressive cells, aiming to reprogram the tumour microenvironment.

The Financials

▪ With U.S. government support for infectious disease vaccines waning, Moderna is pivoting to oncology for future growth.

▪ Positive data could reinvigorate investor confidence and diversify revenue streams beyond COVID-19 products.

What They're Saying

▪ "mRNA-4359 encodes two critical immune escape pathways to help generate new, target-directed T-cells," said Kyle Holen, Modernas head of oncology.

▪ Lead study author David Pinato noted, "After failing to respond to first-line immunotherapy, existing options for PD-L1positive patients are limited... mRNA-4359 has the potential to rebalance the tumour microenvironment."

What's Next

▪ Duration of response is still being evaluated, with no new immune-related safety signals noted.

▪ Ongoing studies include mRNA-4359 as monotherapy and in combination with pembrolizumab in advanced melanoma and nonsmall-cell lung cancer.

▪ Full data to be presented at ESMO; further updates on efficacy and durability are anticipated.