It was a $600 million contract.
The U.S. government has ended a $600 million agreement with Moderna that was intended to support the development of vaccines targeting bird flu and other potentially dangerous influenza strains. This initiative, originally launched during the Biden administration, focused on utilizing Moderna’s mRNA technology to quickly respond to future flu pandemics. Although early clinical trial results for Moderna’s bird flu vaccine were promising—showing nearly 98% of participants developed protective antibodies after two doses—the termination of funding has raised alarms among public health experts.
Moderna expressed disappointment over the government’s decision but remained optimistic about the vaccine’s potential. CEO Stéphane Bancel emphasized the strong immune response observed in early trials and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to exploring other avenues for continuing the vaccine’s development. He highlighted the importance of mRNA platforms as rapid-response tools against evolving public health threats.
However, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) indicated that the decision followed an in-depth review. HHS communications director Andrew Nixon cited scientific and ethical concerns, referencing complications encountered during the COVID-19 vaccine rollout as part of the rationale for pulling back support. While global health authorities generally regard mRNA vaccines as safe—with some rare instances of heart inflammation in young males—Nixon implied that lessons from the COVID pandemic shaped the agency’s caution moving forward.
Former federal officials and vaccine experts criticized the cancellation, calling it a step backward in pandemic preparedness. Rick Bright, previously the head of BARDA, warned that the move would squander valuable time and resources. Similarly, Dr. Jesse Goodman, a former chief scientist at the FDA, cautioned that such unpredictability in government partnerships could deter private-sector innovation and leave the nation less prepared for future health emergencies.
The canceled funding had been intended to advance the licensing and readiness of vaccines for strains like H5N1 and H7N9, which are capable of sparking widespread outbreaks. Unlike traditional vaccine manufacturing methods, mRNA technology enables rapid production and adaptation to emerging threats. Experts, including Dr. Bruce Gellin, underscored the critical importance of speed during pandemics and warned that undermining this capability could cost lives. While other companies do have approved H5N1 vaccines, they rely on older production methods and lack the efficiency of Moderna’s approach. The company, whose valuation has significantly declined in recent years, has said it may still pursue development of the bird flu vaccine independently.
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