
Merck and Moderna melanoma drug combo cuts recurrence risk by 42%
Merck (MRK) and Moderna (MRNA) announced Phase 3 trial results showing that intismeran autogene combined with KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) reduced the risk of recurrence or death by 42% compared to KEYTRUDA alone in patients with completely resected stage IIB-IV melanoma.
The INTerpath-001 trial enrolled 1,137 patients who were randomized 2:1 to receive intismeran plus KEYTRUDA or placebo plus KEYTRUDA for approximately one year. After a median follow-up of 24.6 months, the combination also reduced the risk of distant metastasis or death by 38% compared to KEYTRUDA alone. The two-year recurrence-free survival rate was 82.2% for the combination versus 70.0% for KEYTRUDA alone.
A pre-specified sensitivity analysis found that after the six-month intismeran immunization regimen was completed, the combination reduced the risk of recurrence or death by 58% compared to KEYTRUDA alone. During the first six months, efficacy was comparable between the two arms.
Overall survival data are not yet m




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