Moderna has launched an early-stage trial for an mRNA vaccine targeting advanced solid tumors, but several scientists warn the therapy’s undisclosed components and underlying platform could carry serious, unstudied risks.
Experts Warn Moderna’s New mRNA Cancer Shot Could Fuel Tumor Growth
Moderna announced last week it is developing mRNA-4200, an “off-the-shelf” vaccine designed to treat patients with advanced or metastatic solid tumors, according to The Defender. The shot is built to instruct cells to produce seven tumor-associated proteins, training the immune system to attack them.
The Phase 1 trial will enroll 42 patients with cancers including melanoma, bladder, cervical, colorectal, gastric and ovarian tumors, testing the vaccine alone or alongside Keytruda, AJL reports.
But immunologist Jessica Rose said the undisclosed antigens block independent safety review, while Children’s Health Defense’s Brian Hooker argued mRNA platforms may themselves promote cancer. Pharmacologist Hélène Banoun added that gene therapies like this one carry known cancer-induction risks that Moderna’s trial reportedly doesn’t investigate.
Other scientists, including analyst Jon Fleetwood, raised concerns about proteins spreading beyond target sites via extracellular vesicles, and about potential shedding through bodily fluids to other people.
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