RE:RE:RE:RE:Merck & Moderna combine Keytruda + personalized mRNA vaccineIn the Phase IIb KEYNOTE-942 trial, patients treated with Moderna's mRNA-4157/V940 vaccine plus Merck’s Keytruda (pembrolizumab) saw a 44% reduction in the risk of recurrence or death, as compared to those given Keytruda alone. This effect proved to be statistically significant, with a p-value of 0.0266.
Based on these data, the powerhouse partners plan to engage regulatory authorities in preparation for a Phase III study, set to launch next year.
As the demand for coronavirus vaccines wanes, Moderna is seeking to expand its mRNA technology into other therapeutic areas, ensuring its success remains sustainable. It would be reasonable to think that Pfizer is also facing the slow-down in coronavirus vaccines and is therefore intending to bolster it's current pipeline through "bolt-on" acquisitions.