The Trump administration has withdrawn $766 million in funding previously awarded to Moderna Inc. for the development of a vaccine targeting potential pandemic influenza strains, including the H5N1 bird flu virus.
Moderna announced on Wednesday that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) rescinded the financial support granted in July 2024 and January 2025, which was provided through the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA). This program is dedicated to advancing medical countermeasures against pandemic threats.
The vaccine under development, labeled mRNA-1018, utilizes mRNA technology similar to that used in COVID-19 vaccines, enabling rapid vaccine development and deployment. Despite demonstrated global success of mRNA vaccines, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. remains skeptical about their effectiveness and safety.
The funding termination coincided with Moderna's announcement of encouraging interim results from an early-phase clinical trial involving 300 healthy adults, which indicated a robust immune response to the H5 bird flu vaccine candidate.
The H5N1 strain has caused infections in U.S. livestock and at least 70 human cases, primarily with mild symptoms and one reported death. Scientists warn that mutations could increase transmissibility or severity, raising pandemic concerns.
Moderna received $176 million in July 2024 followed by $590 million in January 2025. The latter was intended to support a pivotal late-stage trial to establish the vaccine's effectiveness against pandemic influenza viruses.
Despite the funding withdrawal bringing uncertainties, Moderna stated it remains encouraged by the safety and immune response data from the ongoing trials.
