Moderna Secures Multi-Million Dollar Contract for Avian Flu Vaccine from U.S. Agency - U.S. authorities secure a substantial financial agreement with Moderna for the production of a bird flu vaccine.
The United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has recently terminated contracts worth $766 million with Moderna, aimed at developing, testing, and licensing vaccines for potential pandemic-inducing flu subtypes, including the highly infectious avian flu virus H5N1. This decision, effective in May 2025, follows a review by the new HHS leadership, despite the contracts initially being signed under the Biden administration.
This move marks a significant setback in the US's preparedness for potential avian flu pandemics. Moderna, known for its rapid vaccine production capabilities using the mRNA platform, has demonstrated progress in developing an avian flu vaccine. In a trial involving 300 participants, the vaccine's immune response and safety were promising, with Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel stating, "We are pleased with the robust immune response and safety profile."
However, the cancellation of funding could be attributed to criticism and skepticism from current Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has publicly expressed misgivings about vaccines. Prominent physician Ashish Jha reacted with shock to the funding halt, expressing his disapproval online, stating, "The attack on mRNA vaccines is beyond absurd."
First identified in 1996, the H5N1 avian flu virus has seen a drastic increase in bird outbreaks since 2020, along with incidents involving infected mammals, such as dairy cattle. Nearly all infected birds succumb to the disease. The avian flu community continues to grapple with its potential pandemic threat.
[1] The cancellation decision was influenced by skepticism from the current Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his political base.[2] The decision represents a significant setback for pandemic flu preparedness in the US.
- Given the recent cancellation of funding, it might be impossible for Moderna to continue ensuring the safety and health of millions against potential medical-conditions, such as the highly infectious avian flu virus H5N1, as they relied on the support from the United States Department of Health and Human Services for the development, testing, and licensing of their vaccine.
- In light of the HHS's decision to terminate contracts with Moderna, the scientific research and advancements in health-and-wellness, particularly in the area of vaccines for medical-conditions like the avian flu, are likely to face significant hurdles, potentially jeopardizing the nation's preparedness for potential pandemics.
