Tempus AI shares surge following Merck and Moderna cancer vaccine trial results

Tempus AI shares experienced a significant surge, climbing 39.5% in a single week, driven by positive clinical trial data from Merck and Moderna. The companies reported Phase 3 trial results for a jointly developed mRNA cancer vaccine used alongside Merck’s Keytruda immunotherapy. The data indicated that patients receiving the combined treatment saw a reduction in cancer return and spread compared to those receiving Keytruda alone.

The rally is closely linked to Tempus AI’s pending acquisition of Personalis, the developer of the genomic tumor-profiling technology central to these cancer vaccines. The acquisition of Personalis is expected to close in late 2024 or early 2027.

In a separate development, SEC filings show that Tempus AI director Nadja West sold 3,000 shares of Class A Common Stock on August 14 at an average price of $53.90. The sale was executed under a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan established on May 15. Following the transaction, West retains a direct ownership stake of 34,981 shares.