has with to jointly develop and sell mRNA-4157/V940, an investigational personalised cancer vaccine (PCV).
In 2016, the companies entered a strategic partnership to develop novel messenger RNA (mRNA) based PCVs.
They subsequently expanded the collaboration to include the development of antigen mRNA cancer vaccines in 2018.
Under the latest deal terms, will pay $250m to exercise its option for mRNA-4157/V940.
The mRNA-4157/V940 has been designed to stimulate an immune response by producing T-cell responses depending on the mutational signature of a patient’s tumour.
It is currently being assessed in combination with Merck鈥檚 anti-PD-1 therapy, Keytruda, as an adjuvant treatment for high-risk melanoma patients in a Phase II clinical trial being conducted by Moderna.
Merck Research Laboratories chief medical officer, global clinical development head and senior vice-president Dr Eliav Barr said: 鈥淭his long-term collaboration combining Merck鈥檚 expertise in immuno-oncology with Moderna鈥檚 pioneering mRNA technology has yielded a novel tailored vaccine approach.
鈥淲e look forward to working with our colleagues at Moderna to advance mRNA-4157/V940 in combination with Keytruda as it aligns with our strategy to impact early-stage disease.鈥�
The company said that the data from the ongoing Phase II trial will be reported in the fourth quarter of this year.
Moderna president Stephen Hoge said: 鈥淲ith data expected this quarter on PCV, we continue to be excited about the future and the impact mRNA can have as a new treatment paradigm in the management of cancer.
鈥淐ontinuing our strategic alliance with Merck is an important milestone as we continue to grow our mRNA platform with promising clinical programmes in multiple therapeutic areas.鈥�
Last month, Merck received approval from Japan鈥檚 Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) for Keytruda to treat various types of cancers.
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