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● TRACKER Updated 16d ago · 5 sources tracked

BioNTech-Genentech cancer vax records more deaths than control in scrapped ph. 2 test

BioNTech and Genentech have terminated a phase 2 trial of an mRNA vaccine for colorectal cancer following a safety review. The study recorded more deaths in the vaccine group than in the control group. This failure has affected the stock prices of other mRNA companies, including Moderna and Arcturus. The trial was stopped mid-stage, marking a significant setback for the development of mRNA-based cancer therapies.

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  • ✓ BioNTech terminated a phase 2 mRNA colorectal cancer vaccine trial.
  • ✓ The trial was halted following a safety review.
  • ✓ BioNTech collaborated with Genentech and Roche on the trial.
🛡️ Source Corroboration: 5 independent reporting domains (90% confidence) ⏱ Read time: ~2 min

What changed

BioNTech halted its mid-stage colorectal cancer vaccine trial after a safety review revealed higher mortality in the treatment group.

Live updates

  1. BioNTech and Genentech scrap mRNA colorectal cancer vaccine trial

    BioNTech and Genentech have terminated a phase 2 trial of an mRNA vaccine for colorectal cancer following a safety review. The study recorded more deaths in the vaccine group than in the control group. This failure has affected the stock prices of other mRNA companies, including Moderna and Arcturus. The trial was stopped mid-stage, marking a significant setback for the development of mRNA-based cancer therapies.

    Why it matters

    The project was a collaboration between BioNTech and Genentech, a member of the Roche group. mRNA technology, which gained global prominence during the pandemic, is being tested for oncology to trigger targeted immune responses against tumors. This failure raises questions about the safety and efficacy of the platform in colorectal cancer treatment.

    What is confirmed

    • BioNTech terminated a phase 2 mRNA colorectal cancer vaccine trial.
    • The trial was halted following a safety review.
    • BioNTech collaborated with Genentech and Roche on the trial.

    Still unconfirmed

    • The vaccine group recorded more deaths than the control group.
    • The trial failure caused shares of Moderna and Arcturus to decline.

    What to watch next

    • Release of detailed safety data from the phase 2 trial
    • Official statements from BioNTech regarding the cause of the deaths
    • Updates on other mRNA cancer vaccine candidates in the pipeline
    Sources used for this update (5)
    1. Fierce Biotech — BioNTech-Genentech cancer vax records more deaths than control in scrapped ph. 2 test
    2. Reuters — BioNTech halts mRNA colorectal cancer vaccine trial after safety review
    3. Bloomberg.com — BioNTech, Roche Scrap Cancer Vaccine Trial in Blow to Field
    4. Yahoo Finance — BioNTech to terminate mid-stage trial of mRNA cancer vaccine
    5. Seeking Alpha — Arcturus, Moderna down on BioNTech trial setback (ARCT:NASDAQ)
    confidence 90%
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