The START Center for Cancer Research has dosed the first US patient in Moderna’s Phase 1 trial of mRNA-4106, an investigational pan-tumor antigen therapy designed for patients with advanced or metastatic solid tumors. The trial is taking place at START San Antonio under the leadership of Dr. Amita Patnaik, a recognized expert in early oncology development.

The Phase 1 study will assess safety, pharmacodynamics, immunogenicity, and early efficacy of mRNA-4106, both as monotherapy and in combination with a checkpoint inhibitor. The candidate is part of Moderna’s mRNA oncology pipeline and encodes multiple shared tumor-associated antigens, aiming to elicit a broad immune response across tumor types.

“This is a first-in-human milestone for an innovative immunotherapy approach that leverages mRNA’s potential to encode multiple tumor targets,” said Dr. Patnaik.

“We’re seeing increasing interest in mRNA applications beyond infectious disease, particularly for multivalent immunotherapies that offer pan-tumor relevance.”

START, which operates the world’s largest community-based early-phase oncology site network, continues to play a central role in expanding access to novel cancer therapies.

According to START CEO Nick Slack, the organization’s strategy prioritizes access, speed, and real-world relevance: “Our model is built on the belief that breakthrough therapies shouldn’t be limited by geography. We bring trials to the communities where patients live.”

Moderna’s EVP of Research, Dr Rose Loughlin, highlighted the trial as a milestone in the company’s oncology ambitions: “With mRNA-4106, we aimed to design a therapy with broader patient applicability.

“We’re pleased to advance it with START’s experienced network, accelerating the translation of mRNA technology into clinical cancer care.”

As Moderna grows its oncology pipeline, collaborations with networks like START highlight a broader industry shift toward decentralized access, flexible trial designs, and real-world relevance—especially in early-phase studies where speed and data quality are critical.