Moderna

Merck and Moderna initiate phase 3 INTerpath-009 trial evaluating V940 (mRNA-4157) with pembrolizumab as adjuvant treatment for resectable stage 2, 3A, 3B (N2) NSCLC patients not achieving pCR after neoadjuvant pembrolizumab plus platinum-based chemotherapy.

Analysts from Leerink Partners maintain Buy ratings on Vir Biotechnology (VIR) with a $18.00 target and Sell on Moderna (MRNA) with no target specified. The consensus for VIR is a Moderate Buy with a $32.67 target, while Moderna has a Moderate Buy consensus with a $97.62 target.

The global induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) market, valued at USD 1.88 billion in 2023, is projected to grow to USD 4.48 billion by 2032, driven by advancements in regenerative and personalized medicine, drug discovery, and increased investments in stem cell research. Key market participants focus on improving iPSC generation methods, while challenges include high production costs, ethical issues, and regulatory complexities. North America leads the market, with Asia-Pacific showing rapid growth.

Vertex Pharmaceuticals reported a 12% YoY revenue increase in Q3 2024, reaching $2.77 billion, and raised full-year product revenue guidance to $10.8-$10.9 billion. The company launched CASGEVY, contributing to revenue, and is preparing for upcoming product launches, including vanzacaftor triple therapy for cystic fibrosis and suzetrigine for acute pain. Vertex also initiated Phase 3 trials for VX-522 for cystic fibrosis and VX-880 for type 1 diabetes, and the povetacicept program for IgA nephropathy showed promising initial data. Non-GAAP R&D expenses increased to $764 million due to continued investment in the R&D portfolio.

Vertex Pharmaceuticals reported strong Q3 2024 results, with $2.77 billion in revenue, a 12% increase from Q3 2023. The company highlighted continued commercial execution in cystic fibrosis (CF) and the early launch of CASGEVY, a transformative one-time therapy for sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia. Vertex is preparing for potential near-term approvals of vanzacaftor triple in CF and suzetrigine in moderate to severe acute pain. The company also advanced three new programs into Phase 3 clinical trials and is investing in additional manufacturing capacity for CASGEVY. Vertex raised its full-year product revenue guidance to $10.8 billion to $10.9 billion.

Cyprus opens borders to vaccinated British citizens from May 1, allowing entry without restrictions for those with two EMA-approved doses, including Pfizer-BioNTech, Oxford-AstraZeneca, and Moderna. Second dose must be at least seven days prior to travel. Accommodation costs on the coast have risen by 35% compared to 2020.

The European Medicines Agency authorized Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine for use in the EU, ordering 160 million doses. The vaccine, 94.1% effective in trials, will be administered in two doses 28 days apart. Side effects are temporary and similar to Pfizer's vaccine. Moderna's vaccine is already in use in the US, Canada, and Israel, where high vaccination rates contrast with Europe's slower pace.

Healthcare stocks Merck and Medtronic offer reliable passive income due to their resilience in economic downturns and consistent dividend growth. Merck faces competition for Keytruda but has a robust pipeline and a solid dividend record. Medtronic, with 47 consecutive years of dividend increases, benefits from innovations like the MiniMed 780G insulin pump and the Hugo robotic surgery system.

Merck and Moderna initiate INTerpath-009 Phase 3 trial evaluating V940 (mRNA-4157) with KEYTRUDA for adjuvant treatment in resectable Stage II, IIIA, or IIIB NSCLC patients not achieving pCR after neoadjuvant therapy. Recruitment has begun in Canada.