# BioNTech's mRNA head and neck cancer immunotherapy misses first of two goals at interim check

Canonical page: https://technooptimist.io/stories/biontech-s-mrna-head-and-neck-cancer-immunotherapy-misses-first-of-two-5d4697de
Date: 13 Oct 2026
About: [BioNTech](https://technooptimist.io/companies/biontech.md)
Original source: https://www.biopharmadive.com/news/biontech-mrna-immunotherapy-hpv16-head-neck-cancer/832854/

BioNTech's late-stage trial of BNT113, an mRNA cancer immunotherapy given with Keytruda, did not extend progression-free survival at an interim check in first-line HPV-driven head and neck cancer. The trial continues toward overall survival, the second goal, and BioNTech shares fell about 6% in early trading.

## Key facts

- The trial compares BNT113 plus Keytruda with Keytruda alone in first-line head and neck squamous cell carcinoma with a high-risk HPV strain.
- A data monitoring committee recommended continuing so overall survival can be assessed; BioNTech could still claim success if survival is extended.
- Leerink Partners analyst Daina Graybosch noted that the enrolled patients had lower PD-L1 levels.
- The article gives no hazard ratios, progression-free survival figures or patient counts.

---

The Techno Optimist tracks every frontier of technology, program by program: https://technooptimist.io/ (a Markdown version of any page: add .md to its URL; site map for agents: https://technooptimist.io/llms.txt).
Data API (JSON, realtime stream): https://technooptimist.io/developers. People read 5 pages free, then Reader $10/month; these Markdown pages are open to agents.