"Success in Phase 3 of Personalized Cancer Vaccine" The Reality of mRNA that Boosted Moderna's Stock by 177%

mRNA (messenger RNA) technology, which gained public recognition through COVID-19 vaccines, is now turning its eyes toward the field of cancer treatment. The background behind the recent 177% surge in global pharmaceutical company Moderna's stock price lies in the achievement of a successful Phase 3 clinical trial for a personalized mRNA cancer vaccine. "Personalized cancer treatment," which once sounded like a story from a science fiction (SF) movie, is approaching reality.

'Customized Vaccines' that Read Different Cancer Cell Information for Each Patient

According to a Jisik Inside video, Dr. Francesca Ceddia, the Chief Medical Affairs Officer (CMAO) of Moderna, identified 'personalized neoantigen therapy' as the core of this achievement. Neoantigens refer to unique proteins produced by cancer cells. Dr. Ceddia explained, "Even among melanoma patients at the same stage, the antigens each person possesses are different," noting that this technology enables treatment specialized for each individual patient's cancer cells.

Dr. Ceddia defined her role as "a bridge connecting science and patient needs." Leading a global medical affairs organization, she communicates with scientists, researchers, and public health experts while identifying the needs of researchers and patients to reflect them in development strategies. This process continues not only before the registration of drugs or vaccines but also after registration.

The principle of this technology is to provide information so that our body's immune system can accurately recognize and attack cancer cells. It identifies specific antigens found in a patient's cancer cells and administers mRNA designed so that the immune system can recognize them. This method induces immune cells to regard cancer cells as 'enemies' and perform precision strikes. Moderna achieved significant results in Phase 3 clinical trials targeting melanoma conducted in collaboration with Merck, which means that mRNA technology has proven practical efficacy in the field of oncology beyond simple infectious disease response.

'Plug and Play' mRNA, Extending Beyond Cancer to Rare Diseases

The greatest characteristic of mRNA technology is that it is a 'platform technology' that can be applied to various diseases rather than targeting just one specific disease. Dr. Ceddia compared this to 'Plug and Play.' In other words, it is a structure where different proteins can be produced inside the body simply by changing and inputting the necessary information (code). It is similar to the principle of a car factory producing different vehicle models by inputting information according to the car type.

Specifically, it can induce an immune response by inputting virus antigen information or instruct the recognition of neoantigens in cancer cells. Furthermore, in the case of rare diseases where specific enzymes do not function properly, it can command the body to replicate normal proteins itself. Dr. Ceddia emphasized the technical advantage that "information can be changed every time depending on the necessary information," noting that both infectious disease vaccines and cancer vaccines can be produced in the same manufacturing facility.

Expanding Treatment Range from Melanoma to Lung and Kidney Cancer

The main target that has currently achieved success in Phase 3 clinical trials is melanoma. Melanoma was chosen as the first target to prove the potential of mRNA technology because it is an 'immunogenic' tumor where immunotherapy works effectively. Dr. Ceddia suggested that when the mRNA vaccine is used in combination with the Standard of Care, it can significantly extend the period of reducing the risk of recurrence in melanoma patients after surgery.

The scope of application does not stop here. Based on the success in melanoma, Moderna is conducting Phase 2 and Phase 3 clinical trials for other types of tumors, such as lung cancer and kidney cancer. This is why expectations are growing regarding whether this technology can be applied to cancer types that have a high incidence in South Korea. However, for this vaccine to be used universally in actual medical settings, processes such as proceeding with drug registration through consultation with regulatory authorities remain.

However, not all cancer patients can be cured with this technology. Dr. Ceddia mentioned, "Results may vary depending on the type of cancer," suggesting that while leaving the possibility of the technology open, an individual approach based on the characteristics of the cancer is necessary. Experts advise that important stages, such as regulatory approval and safety verification, remain before such innovative technology can settle into actual clinical settings.