Detailed Phase 3 INTerpath-001 results for Moderna and Merck's personalized mRNA cancer vaccine (intismeran autogene, V940/mRNA-4157) plus Keytruda were released early after an embargo breach. The combination reduced the risk of recurrence or death by 42% (HR 0.58) compared with Keytruda alone in patients with completely resected high-risk melanoma. Two-year recurrence-free survival was 82.2% vs 70.0%, and the risk of distant metastasis or death was reduced by 38%. Moderna shares closed down about 17–18% on Oct. 22; Merck fell about 1.8%. [cancernetwork.com](https://www.cancernetwork.com/view/intismeran-plus-pembrolizumab-reduces-recurrence-risk-in-resected-melanoma), [fiercebiotech.com](https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/merck-co-and-moderna-post-phase-3-cancer-vaccine-data), [independ
Moderna's stock had already risen sharply this year — more than eightfold per one analysis, and nearly quadrupled since August when top-line success was first announced — so investors had priced in very high expectations. The 42% risk reduction was below the 49% seen in the smaller Phase 2b trial, and the leak forced the data out two days before the planned ESMO presentation. [tikr.com](https://www.tikr.com/blog/moderna-sinks-18-on-apparent-leak-of-embargoed-phase-3-melanoma-vaccine-data), [independent.co.uk](https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/mrna-cancer-vaccine-moderna-merck-b
Moderna shares fell about 17–18% on Oct. 22 after detailed Phase 3 INTerpath-001 data leaked ahead of the planned ESMO presentation. The trial enrolled patients with completely resected high-risk melanoma and no prior systemic therapy, so neoadjuvant checkpoint inhibitor use was excluded; patients received the personalized mRNA vaccine plus pembrolizumab or pembrolizumab alone after surgery.
BOkay, moving on. A different kind of leak, this one in politics.
BPolitico just posted that the Democrats' top Senate super PAC has raised three hundred fifty-four million dollars this year.
BThree hundred fifty-four million? That's a staggering number for a midterm cycle.
BIt is. And I should say, we couldn't independently confirm that figure. Politico's reporting it, but the official filings aren't out yet.
BRight. So treat it as a claim, not a fact. But if it's close to true, the money race is lopsided.
BLopsided how? Republicans have their own super PACs, and they've been raising heavily too.
BSure, but three hundred fifty-four million from one group? That's the kind of number that buries opponents in ads.
BMoney doesn't vote. We've seen plenty of well-funded candidates lose.
BNo, but money buys the airtime that shapes what voters hear. That's not nothing.
BIt's not nothing, but it's also not destiny. The question is whether that cash is being spent wisely.
BI'm sure the consultants will find a way to spend it.
BNo doubt. Speaking of spending, a smaller story that's actually kind of delightful.
BOh, I saw this one. A Bluesky post about a cat getting an auto feeder.
BThe headline: 'Local cat gets auto feeder, urgently plans butlerian jihad.'
BThat's a Dune reference, for anyone who missed it. The cat is not happy about being replaced.
BThe best part is the word 'urgently.' Like the cat has a timeline.
BCats always have a timeline. It's usually 4 a.m.
BTrue. But it's a nice reminder that not everything on the internet is a crisis.
BSometimes it's just a cat plotting revenge against a machine.
BAnd honestly, I respect the cat. I'd do the same if my job got automated.
BThat's a whole other segment, Brian.
BWe'll get there.
BAt least the cat is honest about its intentions.
BThe cat is the most reliable source we've had all hour.