$590 Million Federal Contract Awarded to Moderna for Bird Flu mRNA Vaccine Gets the Axe

By The Blog Source

In a reversal of a pandemic preparedness program started under Biden, the Trump administration has terminated a $590 million federal contract given to Moderna for the development of a bird flu mRNA vaccine. According to Moderna, it still intends to explore other avenues for vaccine advancement.

The Biden administration's Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority presented the initial prize in January. Early tests of Moderna's vaccine showed that the second injection produced 98% protection. Despite the canceled funding, CEO Stéphane Bancel described the data as "robust" and stated that the company will look into alternative options.

The Trump administration has terminated a $590 million deal with Moderna to use their mRNA technology for creating a human vaccine against H5N1 bird flu, responding quickly to potential avian flu epidemics that could spread to humans. This contract was one of the last pandemic preparation initiatives from the Biden administration.

The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), a branch of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), initially awarded the contract in January. Public health experts were concerned about possible human transmission; therefore, the funding was directed toward the development of a vaccine that matched the H5N1 viruses now infecting cows and birds.

Moderna maintained an upbeat attitude in spite of the contract's cancellation. "We are pleased by the robust immune response and safety profile observed in this interim analysis of the Phase 1/2 study of our H5 avian flu vaccine, and we will explore alternative paths forward for the program," CEO Stéphane Bancel stated, adding that the cessation of HHS funding adds uncertainty.

About 300 adults participated in the early-stage clinical experiment. The business claims that 98% of participants developed protection within three weeks of receiving their second dose, indicating that the vaccine was well-tolerated.

Bancel continued, "These clinical findings in pandemic influenza highlight the vital role mRNA technology has played as a defense against new health risks."

The Biden administration awarded Moderna a $176 million grant for comparable vaccine development efforts in July 2024, prompting this action. This decision is just one more illustration of the Trump administration's stated intention to examine and perhaps terminate contracts and programs that date back to the Biden administration.

To join the Diamond and Silk Monthly Supporter Program, visit http://SupportDiamondandSilk.com.
Lindell TV, VOCL, ChatDit, Rumble, TruthSocial, and Diamond and Silk Media are all excellent ways to stay connected with Diamond and Silk.