Breakfast News: A Conversation With Moderna’s CEO

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Moderna’s Long Game Could Shape Biotech – But What About SA?

Moderna’s cancer vaccine trial success signals biotech innovation, yet how should South African investors play it?

Moderna’s promising phase 3 results for its personalized cancer vaccine, intismeran, highlight the power of mRNA technology beyond COVID-19. The CEO’s confidence—evident in buying stock during the pandemic plunge—and an 85% clinical success rate (far above industry norms) suggest a robust pipeline that includes rare diseases and autoimmune treatments. For local investors, the takeaway isn’t to jump into US-listed Moderna directly but to watch how this innovation could eventually influence global pharma partnerships and R&D trends. Merck’s involvement is notable, given its established oncology franchise. South African companies with pharma exposure remain limited, so this theme might play out instead via the rand. A weakening USD/ZAR could dilute offshore biotech gains, while strength in the rand could pressure exporters. For now, local stocks like Aspen or Adcock Ingram don’t directly tie into this mRNA wave, so patience is key. If breakthroughs fail to translate into broad commercialization, the hype could fade quickly. this is just our opinion and not financial advice