BioNTech and partner Genentech terminated a Phase 2 trial for the mRNA-based cancer vaccine autogene cevumeran. The study focused on patients with high-risk colorectal cancer.
An independent Data Safety Monitoring Board recommended the termination after identifying a numerical imbalance in overall survival. The board determined the trial was unlikely to meet its primary efficacy endpoint.
A spokesperson for Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, confirmed more deaths occurred in the vaccine group than the control group.
BioNTech will proceed with a separate Phase 2 trial of the vaccine for pancreatic cancer. That study tests the treatment in combination with other therapies.