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Hong Kong biotech shares jump as Moderna mRNA cancer trial fuels hype
The news follows Moderna and Merck’s phase three results in about 1,140 patients for a personalized mRNA vaccine targeting melanoma.
Hong Kong-listed biotechnology companies have seen their shares surge after Moderna disclosed breakthrough phase three results for a personalized mRNA cancer vaccine, spurring investor enthusiasm about similar programs in China, according to SCMP Economy.
The outlet noted that Chinese biotech firms are already working on more than 100 cancer vaccine programs and highlighted the potential market size tied to cancer deaths, citing nearly 2.6 million deaths in China each year.
SCMP Economy reported that Jefferies analyst Cui Cui said China has built a large pipeline, while questioning whether companies can manufacture personalized vaccines quickly and at reasonable cost.
The market reaction also drew on Moderna and Merck’s report that their personalized mRNA vaccine reduced the risk of melanoma returning or spreading in a phase three trial of about 1,140 patients, described as a first for an mRNA cancer vaccine.