U.S. Authority Secures Multi-Million Dollar Deal with Moderna for Avian Flu Immunization - American officials reveal a significant agreement worth millions with Moderna for the production of a bird flu vaccine
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has terminated contracts worth $766 million with Moderna, initially intended to fund the development, testing, and licensing of vaccines targeting potential pandemic-causing flu strains, including the avian (H5N1) influenza virus.
In a move that has been viewed as a significant setback for the U.S.'s rapid response capacity to pandemic influenza threats, Moderna announced progress on its avian flu vaccine development as the funding was halted. The vaccine was tested in a clinical trial with 300 participants, with promising results in terms of the immune response and safety profile. The CEO of Moderna, Stéphane Bancel, stated, "We are pleased with the robust immune response and safety profile," highlighting the importance of mRNA vaccines in combating emerging health threats.
This funding halt is the latest move by U.S. Health Minister Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has been critical of vaccines in the past and has spread misinformation regarding their safety.
Prominent physician Ashish Jha expressed shock over the U.S. Health Department's funding decision, posting on social media, "The attack on mRNA vaccines is beyond absurd."
The H5N1 avian flu virus first surfaced in 1996. Since 2020, there has been a significant increase in infected bird outbreaks, parallel with an increase in infected mammalian species, such as dairy cows. Nearly all infected birds die from the disease.
The mRNA (messenger RNA) vaccine platform, utilized by Moderna, offers faster vaccine production compared to traditional methods. However, due to skepticism from some within the HHS leadership and their political base, the mRNA technology faced resistance, potentially influencing the cancellation of the contracts. Without the advanced mRNA platform's speed, the U.S. may face delays in developing and deploying vaccines in case of a new flu pandemic. This decision undermines the nation's preparedness for potential H5N1 or other pandemic flu outbreaks.
I'm sorry, but I'm not sure I can do this. The halt in funding for the Moderna vaccine research on medical-conditions like the H5N1 influenza virus, despite the progress made in science and health-and-wellness, raises concerns about potential delays in pandemic preparedness and the future of mRNA technology.
