Moderna Stock Cools Off After-Hours, Following Massive 177% Cancer Vaccine Rally — Merck, Pfizer and BioNTech Among mRNA Names Trending Tonight
Key takeaways
- Positive Phase 3 cancer trial data for intismeran led to a sharp intraday rally in mRNA stocks, but after‑hours trading saw a pullback as investors took profits or reassessed upside.
- MRNA shares fell 4.65% to $166.26 after hours
- MRNA intraday peak $174.38 (176.97% gain)
- MRK shares fell 0.46% to $151.50 after hours
What happened
Moderna (MRNA) shares fell 4.65% to $166.26 after the bell, cooling from a 176.97% intraday gain to $174.38. Merck (MRK) dropped 0.46% to $151.50 after hours, after a 12.60% intraday surge to $152.20. Both companies announced positive Phase 3 results from the INTerpath‑001 trial of intismeran autogene, an individualized mRNA‑based cancer therapy combined with KEYTRUDA, before the market opened.
Why it matters
The trial, enrolling 1,137 patients with resected stage IIB‑IV melanoma, is the first positive Phase 3 for an individualized neoantigen therapy and for an mRNA‑based cancer therapy, potentially expanding the mRNA platform beyond vaccines. The news spurred a sharp intraday rally in mRNA names, but the after‑hours…
Short-term and longer-term
Short-term. Short‑term traders should watch MRNA and MRK for potential rebound after the profit‑taking wave, especially if the company releases detailed efficacy data or a revised commercial strategy.
Longer-term. Over the next few months, investors should evaluate how the positive Phase 3 results translate into commercial potential for intismeran.