U.S. government gives Moderna US $590M to ‘accelerate’ bird flu vaccine trials

USA – The U.S. government has awarded Moderna nearly US $600 million to advance the development of mRNA-based vaccines targeting bird flu strains, including H5N1 and H7N9, and to prepare for potential pandemics caused by other influenza subtypes.

This funding comes from the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), which has been collaborating with Moderna since 2023 to strengthen vaccine readiness for influenza threats.

In addition to funding received in June 2024—US $176 million to boost mRNA vaccine production for H5 and H7 avian flu—this new allocation will support multiple initiatives, including Phase III trials for key vaccine candidates.

Moderna is preparing to launch a Phase III trial for its mRNA-1018 vaccine, designed to target H5 and H7 strains, after reporting “positive preliminary data” from Phase I/II studies.

The findings from this early-stage research are expected to be presented at an upcoming medical conference.

The fresh funds will also enable Moderna to initiate a Phase III trial for an H7N9 vaccine and design up to four new influenza vaccines to enter Phase I studies.

According to the HHS, the objective is to “create the necessary background data to enable accelerated development of mRNA vaccines targeted to various influenza virus subtypes of pandemic potential.”

Outgoing HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra highlighted the urgency of these efforts, stating: “Avian flu variants have proven to be particularly unpredictable and dangerous to humans in the past. That is why this response has been a top priority for the Biden-Harris Administration and HHS. Accelerating the development of new vaccines will allow us to stay ahead and ensure that Americans have the tools they need to stay safe.”

The H5N1 strain of avian influenza, which circulates primarily in wild birds, poultry, and cows, has caused occasional human infections, mostly among farm workers.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 67 human cases of H5N1 have been confirmed in the U.S., resulting in one death.

While there is no evidence of human-to-human transmission, the CDC continues to monitor the situation closely.

H7N9, another bird flu strain, has caused significant outbreaks in the past, including an epidemic in China between 2013 and 2019 that led to approximately 1,500 human cases and 600 deaths.

Although it rarely crosses into humans, its potential to cause severe disease underscores the need for preparedness.

This funding announcement arrives as Moderna faces challenges with reduced demand for its COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines, prompting the company to cut US $1 billion in costs.

The new investment will help Moderna expand its mRNA platform, which has demonstrated versatility in developing vaccines for emerging infectious diseases.