Stock Market Today, Aug. 19: Moderna Skyrockets 177% on Positive Phase 3 Melanoma Data
Today, Aug. 19, 2026, Moderna's personalized cancer vaccine met its late-stage goal, with the company and Merck planning an FDA submission.
On August 19, Moderna's stock price skyrocketed by 177% following the release of positive Phase 3 melanoma trial data in collaboration with Merck. The company's shares ended the day at $174.38, marking a significant increase from its previous closing price. This surge in value reflects the optimism of investors regarding the potential of Moderna's innovative neoantigen therapy, INT, which has shown promising results compared to Merck's KEYTRUDA treatment alone.
Trading volume reached an unprecedented 185.1 million shares, more than quintupling the company's three-month average of 9.6 million shares. This unprecedented activity underscores the market's confidence in Moderna's groundbreaking technology. The positive development not only propelled Moderna's market capitalization to $69 billion but also solidified its position among leading biotechnology companies in the field of mRNA-based therapies and preventive medicines.
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