Moderna, Inc.

(NASDAQ Global Select)
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Bullish +65

"More Cancers Than Melanoma": Moderna Is Up 750% in 2026. Take Profits ...

Clinical trial results Company update Drug approval AI-generated analysis

📈 Moderna stock has gained 750% in 2026, largely propelled by the Phase 3 success of its melanoma vaccine Intsimeran with Merck.

💰 Third-quarter revenue increased 29% to $1.31 billion due to international COVID-19 contracts, while the company posted a $162 million profit.

🔬 The Intsimeran trial showed a 42% cut in recurrence or death risk against Keytruda alone after six months of vaccination.

🚀 CEO Stéphane Bancel stated the vaccine mechanism could apply to more cancers than just melanoma, with trials underway for kidney and bladder cancer.

⚠️ Moderna trades at over 45x forward sales, a significant premium compared to its historical average of 8.1x five-year sales multiples.

📉 Analyst consensus price target is $153, which sits well below the current stock price despite recent performance gains.

📅 The FDA approval for Intsimeran is not yet granted, with a potential launch expected in 2027 following successful overall-survival data.

💼 Moderna raised its 2026 growth outlook to a range of 15% to 25% and expects $8.1 billion to $8.3 billion in cash at year-end.

Bullish Signals
  • Moderna stock surged 750% in 2026 following the successful Phase 3 results of its melanoma vaccine Intsimeran with Merck.
  • Third-quarter revenue rose 29% to $1.31 billion driven by international COVID-19 deals, while the company swung to a $162 million profit.
  • The Intsimeran trial demonstrated a 42% reduction in recurrence or death risk compared to Keytruda alone after a six-month regimen.
  • CEO Stéphane Bancel indicated the vaccine's mechanism of action could extend to other cancers, with trials currently underway for kidney and bladder cancer.
  • Moderna raised its 2026 growth outlook to between 15% and 25%, signaling confidence in future performance despite market volatility.
Risk Factors
  • The stock trades at a premium valuation of over 45x forward sales, which is more than five times the company's historical average of 8.1x.
  • Wall Street analysts have an average price target of $153, which is significantly below the current market price, suggesting potential downside risk.
Full Analysis
Moderna (MRNA) stock has surged 750% in 2026, driven primarily by the success of its personalized melanoma vaccine, Intsimeran, developed in partnership with Merck. The collaboration achieved its main Phase 3 trial goals, demonstrating a 42% reduction in the risk of recurrence or death compared to Keytruda alone after a six-month regimen. CEO Stéphane Bancel indicated that this mechanism could extend to other cancer types beyond melanoma. Financially, Moderna reported third-quarter revenue growth of 29% to $1.31 billion, fueled by international COVID-19 deals with the UK, Canada, and Australia, while Pfizer's rival vaccine sales declined. The company swung to a $162 million profit and raised its 2026 growth outlook to between 15% and 25%. However, the stock trades at a premium valuation of over 45x forward sales, significantly higher than its historical average of 8.1x. Despite bullish sentiment regarding potential approvals in 2027 and ongoing trials for kidney, bladder, and lung cancers, Wall Street analysts maintain an average price target of $153, well below current levels. The article suggests investors should consider taking profits given the high valuation relative to unapproved drugs, though strong future data or successful expansion into other cancer indications could alter this outlook.