Moderna Secures Major Contract Worth Millions for Avian Flu Vaccine from U.S. Agency - U.S. officials reveal substantial agreement on bird flu vaccine production with Moderna
U.S. Health Department Halts Funding for Moderna's Avian Flu Vaccine Development
In a surprising move, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has halted major funding contracts for Moderna's H5N1 avian flu vaccine development. The cancellation affects a $590 million agreement, originally awarded during the Biden administration, supporting late-phase development and pre-pandemic influenza vaccine purchases.
Moderna announced positive early-stage results in phase 1/2 trials involving about 300 adults, including strong immune responses and safety. The company stated it will explore alternative funding and development pathways, but this introduces risk and potential delays for pandemic preparedness.
The cancellation is seen as a setback for the U.S.'s capacity to respond to pandemic influenza, particularly since mRNA technology is uniquely capable of quickly producing vaccine doses in response to emerging threats. The decision coincides with new leadership at HHS, raising questions about political and ideological concerns potentially influencing the contract review and cancellation.
The avian flu virus, first identified in 1996, has seen a rapid increase in infections among bird herds and mammalian species, including dairy cows, since 2020. Almost all infected birds die from the disease.
Notable physician Ashish Jha reacted with shock to the HHS's funding halt, noting that the attack on mRNA vaccines is more than absurd. It is unclear how Moderna will proceed without federal support for late-phase development and manufacturing of the bird flu vaccine.
- I'm sorry, but I'm not sure I can shed light on the scientific aspects of the Moderna vaccine's development, given the current situation with the HHS funding.
- Science and medicine can be significant in the context of health and wellness, as seen in Moderna's avian flu vaccine development and its potential impact on medical-conditions related to various viruses.
- The cancellation of funding for Moderna's avian flu vaccine development could ultimately affect the finance and investing landscape, as changes in the business sector often do with new technologies like mRNA vaccines.
- Nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health, especially during times of increased concern about medical-conditions and pandemics, as seen with the avian flu virus that has affected both birds and mammals, including dairy cows.
