STAT+: The mystery of Moderna’s magic algorithm

Is it the ‘secret sauce’ in the cancer vaccine co-developed with Merck? Adobe Jason is a general assignment reporter, with particular focus on genetic medicine and rare disease. Confidential tips can be sent on Signal at JasonMast.77.Matthew Herper covers medical innovation — both its promise and its perils.Angus reports on the basic research, clinical science, and drug development that may transform survival and quality of life for patients, as well as developments affecting the cancer community. You can reach Angus on Signal at angus.08. A personalized cancer vaccine developed by Moderna and Merck has generated widespread enthusiasm since the companies announced last week that it had succeeded in a late-stage trial. If regulators ultimately approve it, the treatment will be a triumph of immunology and cancer biology. But it may also be a triumph of the algorithm. The vaccine, intismeran autogene, would be the first approved medicine whose genetic instructions — that is, the individual letters of its mRNA — is determined by a computer. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus daily coverage and analysis of the biotech sector — by subscribing to STAT+. Already have an account? Log in View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe General Assignment Reporter Jason is a general assignment reporter, with particular focus on genetic medicine and rare disease. Confidential tips can be sent on Signal at JasonMast.77. Senior Writer, Medicine, Editorial Director of Events Matthew Herper covers medical innovation — both its promise and its perils. Angus reports on the basic research, clinical science, and drug development that may transform survival and quality of life for patients, as well as developments affecting the cancer community. You can reach Angus on Signal at angus.08.