Moderna and Merck report successes with mRNA vaccines against skin cancer

Skin cancer could soon be combated using the same principle that was used to tame the coronavirus. Moderna and Merck report successes with an mRNA vaccine. But there are hurdles.

Munich. Moderna celebrated its first major success in the development of a completely new drug in 2021. In the middle of the rampant corona pandemic, Moderna boss Stéphane Bancel was able to announce strong test data for a Covid-19 vaccine. Five years later, Moderna is making its next medical breakthrough.

This time it's not about protecting against a viral infection, but about fighting cancer. It is the US biotech company's riskiest and most expensive bet. Until Wednesday last week, the pharmaceutical world was skeptical about the project. Then Moderna announced surprisingly positive test results for an innovative vaccine against skin cancer.

The group is developing the drug together with the US pharmaceutical giant Merck & Co. It is the first active ingredient based on the messenger technology mRNA that is convincing against cancer in a large, approval-relevant study. The drug could come onto the market as early as 2027.

Researchers and analysts speak of a scientific breakthrough. Analysts on Wall Street expect billions in sales, and even tech investors are impressed. Can skin cancer soon be combated using the same principle that was used to tame the coronavirus?