Is a cure around the corner?
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded Moderna $590 million to further develop a vaccine targeting bird flu. This new funding builds upon the $176 million previously granted in 2022 to support early research efforts. Moderna’s vaccine focuses on combating H5 and H7 strains of avian influenza, which have raised concerns due to their potential threat to human health.
Following positive results from initial clinical trials, Moderna plans to proceed to phase 3 trials to evaluate the vaccine in a larger population. The company has indicated that these findings will be presented at an upcoming scientific conference. Outgoing HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra emphasized the importance of accelerating vaccine development to address the unpredictable nature of avian flu and protect public health. He highlighted that advancing such tools remains a priority for both HHS and the Biden administration.
Avian influenza, or bird flu, refers to influenza viruses that primarily infect birds but occasionally jump to humans, raising alarm among health officials. Notably, the H5N1 strain has led to dozens of human cases in the U.S. in recent months, including a reported fatality in Louisiana. While older vaccines for H5 viruses exist in the U.S. Strategic National Stockpile, Moderna’s mRNA-based approach aims to provide a more effective and modern alternative.
Moderna announced that the funding will also support research into additional influenza subtypes and expand clinical trials for up to five more variants of pandemic influenza. The company stated that this initiative is critical for advancing late-stage development and securing licensure for pre-pandemic vaccines.
HHS, under the Biden administration, has pledged more than $300 million for broader efforts to improve bird flu preparedness. These measures include enhanced surveillance, testing, hospital readiness, and public education. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers the current risk of bird flu to the public as low due to the lack of human-to-human transmission, experts stress the need for continued vigilance and investment to stay ahead of potential outbreaks.
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