- MRNA closed 14% higher above $150 after Wolfe Research upgraded the stock to Peer Perform from Underperform, citing positive late-stage melanoma results that de-risk Moderna and Merck's personalized cancer-vaccine platform, intismeran.
- Wolfe Research estimated $9.2 billion in unadjusted peak sales for intismeran across four main indications. Moderna is studying the program in melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma and bladder cancer.
- Moderna's Phase 3 mRNA-1345 RSV vaccine study in high-risk adults is listed as completed, setting up the next data-disclosure catalyst for its respiratory-vaccine pipeline.
- Shares later fell more than 7% intraday to about $147 despite the positive cancer-vaccine data, underscoring elevated volatility after the rally.
Quotes
“Wolfe Research upgraded Moderna to Peer Perform from Underperform, offering no new price target.”
“The latest update on 2026-08-18 shows that information has been refreshed, and the overall status is now listed as completed, signaling a key milestone before results disclosure.”