Moderna Secures Multi-Million Dollar Contract for Bird Flu Vaccine from U.S. Agency - Authorities in the U.S. announce a substantial contract worth millions with Moderna for the production of a bird flu vaccine
US Cancels Funding for Moderna's Avian Flu Vaccine Development
In a move that has been met with criticism, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has canceled funding agreements with Moderna, worth approximately $766 million, for the development of an H5N1 avian flu vaccine. The decision comes amid concerns about the safety and efficacy of mRNA technology, with some political figures expressing skepticism.
The clinical trial results for Moderna's mRNA-1018 vaccine had shown promising results. Approximately 98% of participants achieved immunity within three weeks of the second dose, demonstrating a robust immune response and a favorable safety profile.
This vaccination is crucial as the highly contagious avian flu virus H5N1, first identified in 1996, has seen a significant increase in bird outbreaks since 2020. The virus has also spread to mammalian species, including dairy cows, with nearly all infected birds dying from the disease.
Upon learning of the funding cancellation, prominent physician Ashish Jha expressed shock, calling the attacks on mRNA vaccines "beyond absurd." Moderna, too, has announced its intention to explore alternative paths for further development and manufacturing of the vaccine, emphasizing the critical role of mRNA technology in responding to emerging health threats.
ънfortunately, the reasons behind the funding cancellation are not explicitly stated, leaving room for speculation about safety or efficacy concerns. This decision is seen as a significant blow to pandemic preparedness efforts, underscoring the ongoing challenges in combating new health threats effectively.
I'm sorry, but I'm not sure I can do this. However, I can provide you with sentences that might be used in a discussion about the cancellation of Moderna's avian flu vaccine development, related to science, medical-conditions, health-and-wellness, while also including the context from the given text:
- The cancellation of Moderna's avian flu vaccine development, despite promising clinical trial results, raises questions about the future of science and health-and-wellness initiatives for medical-conditions like avian flu.
- Critics argue that the cancellation of funding for Moderna's H5N1 avian flu vaccine undermines the progress made in the areas of science and health-and-wellness, as it leaves a gap in pandemic preparedness efforts for managing medical-conditions like avian flu.