moderna Stocks rose on Tuesday (NASDAQ: ) after Jefferies analysts issued positive comments on new data from a trial combining Moderna's experimental vaccine and Merck's Keytruda to treat head and neck cancer. It soared more than 7%.
The findings were presented at a recent industry conference, highlighting the potential of Moderna's personalized neoantigen therapy platform. Analysts rated the cancer vaccine data as “interesting” and highlighted the ability to further validate the INT platform, suggesting potential applications beyond melanoma.
“MRNA is rapidly initiating pivotal studies, with three currently underway (see below), and the OS tail is approximately 25 months compared to approximately 8-9 months for Keytruda alone. “Today's data suggest that research may also be initiated in HNSCC,” the analysts said.
The combination's promising results spark optimism about its efficacy in a variety of cancer indications and could expand Moderna's vaccine coverage.
meanwhile, pfizer (NYSE:)'s recent announcement that its respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine was successful in older adults as well as younger adults has prompted the company to seek broader approval in the United States.
Moderna is also in the race, with its RSV vaccine awaiting a regulatory decision expected by May 12th. Piper Sandler analyst Edward A. Tensoff expressed confidence that the FDA will approve Moderna's RSV vaccine by the required date.
Jefferies has a “buy” investment rating on Moderna's shares, with a price target of $125.
