The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has terminated a $590 million award to Moderna for developing an mRNA vaccine against H5 avian influenza. The move comes amid rising H5N1 infections in the US, largely among agricultural workers, as well as animal outbreaks in other countries.
Moderna received the contract in July 2024, but the decision was made in January under the Biden administration. Following a change in administration, HHS began evaluating the contract. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has expressed skepticism about mRNA vaccines, likely contributed to the cancellation.
Public health experts are concerned about the implications of this move. Dr. Ashish Jha warned that canceling vaccine development puts American lives at risk and that an attack on mRNA vaccines is “absurd” given their safety and effectiveness track record.
Dr. Krutika Kuppalli described the cancellation as “stunningly shortsighted,” considering rising H5N1 threats, including a fatal case in Cambodia. Moderna announced positive interim phase 1/2 clinical trial results for its candidate vaccine targeting H5 avian influenza. The study showed a rapid and potent immune response, with minimal pre-existing immunity.
Despite the funding cancellation, Stéphane Bancel, Moderna’s CEO, expressed optimism about the vaccine’s safety profile and will explore alternative development paths forward.
Source: https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/avian-influenza-bird-flu/hhs-cancels-funding-moderna-s-candidate-h5-avian-flu-and-pandemic-vaccines