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A $776 million federal contract to develop an mRNA-based vaccine for H5N1 avian influenza has been abruptly canceled by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, citing what it called under-tested technology and unresolved safety issues.<\/p>\n
\u201cAfter a rigorous review, we concluded that continued investment in Moderna\u2019s H5N1 mRNA vaccine was not scientifically or ethically justifiable,\u201d HHS Communications Director Andrew Nixon said in a statement. \u201cThis is not simply about efficacy \u2014 it\u2019s about safety, integrity and trust.\u201d<\/p>\n
The canceled program was part of a pandemic preparedness effort that aimed to adapt mRNA technology \u2014 pioneered during the COVID-19 crisis \u2014 for zoonotic influenza strains with the potential to spill over to humans.<\/p>\n
Moderna, which had received the funding in July 2024, had recently reported positive interim results from a Phase 1\/2 clinical study involving 300 healthy adults. The study showed a \u201crobust immune response and favorable safety profile,\u201d according to CEO St\u00e9phane Bancel.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile the termination of funding from HHS adds uncertainty, 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,\u201d said Bancel. \u201cThese clinical data in pandemic influenza underscore the critical role mRNA technology has played as a countermeasure to emerging health threats.\u201d<\/p>\n
Despite these findings, HHS criticized the technology\u2019s \u201cunder-tested\u201d nature and expressed a broader intention to redirect vaccine funding toward platforms with longer track records and greater public confidence.<\/p>\n