Trump Administration Terminates Vaccine Development Contract with Moderna for Influenza Vaccine
The Trump Administration has called off a $766 million agreement with Moderna for the creation of a multi-strain flu vaccine, including the potentially pandemic-inducing H5N1 bird flu. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) reportedly withdrew funding for the project, initially allocated in July 2024 and January, citing concerns over safety and scientific grounds.
Moderna confirmed receiving the notice on Wednesday, stating that the funding for the development and procurement of mRNA-1018, a vaccine utilizing the same technology used for rapid Covid-19 vaccines, had been withdrawn. The company's latest vaccine was supposed to be a potential solution against various flu viruses that could instigate pandemics.
HSS Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has previously expressed doubts about the safety of mRNA vaccines. The cancellation took place shortly after Moderna announced promising early-stage trial results for their H5 flu virus vaccine candidate, showing a strong immune response and good safety profile among 300 healthy adults.
In the United States last year, the H5N1 virus, also known as bird flu, spread to cattle, infecting hundreds across multiple states, and contaminated several people, causing one death. Scientists worry that continuous mutation of the virus could elevate its lethality or facilitate human transmission, potentially triggering a pandemic.
The funding for the more advanced phase clinical trial, which could establish the vaccine's effectiveness against potential pandemic-causing viruses, such as bird flu, was intended for the $590 million awarded to Moderna in January. An HHS spokesperson confirmed that the cancellation came as a result of this review.
Public health experts have expressed concern that the decision undermines pandemic preparedness and the role of mRNA vaccine technology in addressing emerging health threats. Moderna has expressed disappointment but announced intentions to pursue alternative funding channels to continue the development of the vaccine.
- The cancellation of funding for Moderna's flu vaccine project, which targets potentially pandemic-inducing medical-conditions like the H5N1 bird flu, was influenced by concerns over safety and scientific grounds, as stated by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
- Despite the withdrawal of funds by the HHS, Moderna's latest vaccine, designed to combat various flu viruses that could trigger pandemics, continues to demonstrate a strong immune response and good safety profile during early-stage trials.
