Phase 3 Trial: Personalised mRNA Vaccine Cuts Melanoma Recurrence Risk with Keytruda Combo

Merck-Moderna mRNA Drug Intismeran Autogene Cuts Melanoma Recurrence in Phase 3 Trial with 1,137 Patients

For the first time, an mRNA-based personalized cancer vaccine (intismeran autogene) developed by Merck and Moderna has proven effective in reducing melanoma recurrence in a large late-stage trial with 1,137 patients. This marks a breakthrough in cancer immunotherapy, demonstrating that mRNA technology, previously successful against COVID-19, can be adapted to fight cancer.

Merck-Moderna's Personalised mRNA Cancer Vaccine Intismeran Reduces Melanoma Death Risk by 49%

A first-of-its-kind personalised mRNA cancer vaccine (intismeran), developed by Merck and Moderna, combined with Keytruda, has shown a 49% reduction in risk of death from melanoma recurrence and 59% from spread in Phase 3 trials. This marks a breakthrough for cancer vaccines but has limited impact in India due to low melanoma incidence and high cost of immunotherapy.

Personalised mRNA Vaccine Combined with Immunotherapy Shows 49% Recurrence Reduction in Phase III Melanoma Trial

A Phase III trial (INTerpath-001) of a personalised mRNA vaccine (intismeran autogene) combined with immunotherapy (pembrolizumab) in high-risk melanoma patients showed significant improvement in recurrence-free and distant metastasis-free survival. This marks the first successful large-scale randomised trial of a personalised neoantigen-based mRNA therapy, validating a concept that could revolutionise cancer treatment across multiple tumour types.

Meta Trial: $567 Mn Penalty for Child Addiction, 29-State Probe on Social Media Design

A US trial against Meta over addictive social media design for children could reshape Big Tech accountability. With penalties of $567 million and a $6 million jury verdict, this case highlights the growing scrutiny of platform design and its impact on youth mental health, a key issue for GS2 (Social Justice) and GS3 (Technology).

CDSCO Approves Qdenga Dengue Vaccine for Ages 4-60; Dr. Reddy's to Distribute in Private Market by 2027

India's first approved dengue vaccine, Qdenga (TAK-003), developed by Takeda, received CDSCO marketing authorisation in July 2026 for ages 4-60. Dr. Reddy's will promote and distribute it in the private market from the first half of 2027, while Takeda retains public market rights. This marks a critical step in addressing India's 11-fold rise in dengue cases over two decades.

CDSCO Approves Qdenga: India's First Dengue Vaccine to be Distributed by Dr Reddy's from 2027

India’s first approved dengue vaccine Qdenga will enter the private market in 2027 via Dr Reddy’s, after CDSCO approval in July 2026. The vaccine is effective against all four serotypes, requires no pre-vaccination screening, and shows 61.2% efficacy against dengue and 84.1% against hospitalization. This is a landmark step in India's fight against dengue.

NPCIL Commences Fuel Loading at RAPP-8: 4th Indigenous 700 MWe PHWR in Fleet Mode

NPCIL has started initial fuel loading (IFL) at Unit 8 of Rajasthan Atomic Power Project (RAPP-8), a 700 MWe indigenous pressurised heavy water reactor (PHWR). This marks a major step in India's fleet-mode nuclear expansion, with commercial operation expected in 2026-27. For exams: understand PHWR technology, AERB's role, and the commissioning sequence (IFL → FAC → power generation).

China Launches 4 Orbital Rockets in 45 Hours; Targets 28,000 Satellites via Qianfan & SatNet

China launched four rockets in 45 hours from three launch sites, deploying satellites for its Qianfan (15,000 satellites) and SatNet (13,000 satellites) broadband megaconstellations. This highlights the rapid expansion of China's space sector, combining state and private players, and the strategic push for low Earth orbit satellite networks.