Moderna’s Bird Flu Vaccine Development Halted by Federal Decision
In a recent announcement, Moderna disclosed that the Trump administration has terminated its contract aimed at developing a human vaccine for bird flu. The decision included the cancellation of the option to procure vaccine doses, leaving Moderna’s stock relatively stable in after-hours trading.
Funding and Initial Developments
Earlier this year, the Biden administration awarded Moderna a substantial $590 million to continue its research on the bird flu vaccine and conduct clinical trials for various strains of potential pandemic influenza. This funding was in addition to the previous $176 million provided by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to support the late-stage development of an mRNA vaccine specifically for the H5N1 avian flu.
Reasons Behind the Cancellation
The HHS had previously indicated to Reuters that it was reassessing contracts established under the Biden administration concerning vaccine production. A spokesperson for HHS stated that the decision to cancel Moderna’s contract was made following a comprehensive internal review, which concluded that the project did not meet the essential scientific and safety standards required for ongoing federal support.
Expert Criticism
Amesh Adalja, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, voiced his disappointment over the cancellation. He described it as a significant missed opportunity to maintain a vital tool for combating potential bird flu outbreaks. Adalja argued that this decision represents a notable shift away from the proactive measures taken during the COVID-19 pandemic under Operation Warp Speed.
The Current Bird Flu Situation
Over the past year, cases of bird flu have infected approximately 70 people, predominantly affecting farm workers, as the disease continues to proliferate among poultry and cattle. U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has expressed skepticism regarding vaccines and faced criticism for suggesting that poultry farms might benefit from allowing the bird flu to spread unchecked, claiming it could lead to the identification of naturally resistant chickens.
Future Plans for Vaccine Development
In light of this setback, Moderna announced its intention to explore alternative avenues for the ongoing development and manufacturing of the bird flu vaccine. The company has been depending on revenues from its newer mRNA vaccines—including both the bird flu shot and an experimental combination COVID-flu vaccine—to counterbalance the declining demand for its original COVID-19 vaccine.
As the situation unfolds, the future of bird flu vaccination strategies remains uncertain, underscoring the need for robust planning and intervention in public health.
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