The Race for a Pandemic Influenza Vaccine: Moderna Secures $176 Million Deal with US Government
The US government has taken a significant step in the fight against pandemic threats by awarding Moderna, a leading biotechnology company, $176 million to develop an mRNA vaccine aimed at combating a potential outbreak of influenza. This decision comes at a critical juncture as the highly pathogenic bird flu virus H5N1 continues to spread rapidly among US dairy cattle.
The funding for this groundbreaking initiative is being channeled through BARDA, the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, as part of a cutting-edge Rapid Response Partnership Vehicle (RRPV) Consortium. This innovative program seeks to forge partnerships with industry leaders to enhance the nation’s preparedness for pandemic threats and accelerate the development of medical countermeasures, as highlighted in a recent press release by the Department of Health and Human Services.
In its own announcement, Moderna disclosed that it had initiated a Phase 1/2 trial of a pandemic influenza virus vaccine last year, targeting the H5 and H7 variants of bird flu viruses. The company is on track to unveil the trial results later this year, which will guide the design of a Phase 3 trial slated to commence in 2025.
The funding agreement underscores the commitment to advancing the development of a “prepandemic vaccine against H5 influenza virus,” with provisions for additional vaccine development to address emerging public health threats. Moderna’s CEO, Stéphane Bancel, emphasized the advantages of mRNA vaccine technology in the speed, efficacy, and scalability of addressing infectious disease outbreaks, drawing from the successful response during the Covid-19 crisis.
US health officials are intensifying efforts to combat the escalating bird flu crisis, with plans to manufacture millions of vials of the H5 influenza vaccine in the near future. The move signifies a pivotal milestone in confronting the challenge posed by the H5N1 dairy outbreak and marks a crucial shift towards containment strategies.
Challenges and Criticism
Despite these developments, the US grapples with criticism over its handling of the ongoing outbreak, with experts raising concerns about the delayed response and the widespread nature of infections among dairy cattle. Genetic analyses suggest that the virus has been circulating unchecked within cattle herds for months, underscoring the urgency for swift intervention.
Some farms are reluctant to undergo testing, fueling fears of undetected infections across multiple herds. The detection of inactivated H5N1 in the commercial milk supply has further underscored the scale of the outbreak, prompting federal officials to intensify containment measures.
While the risk to the general public is currently deemed low, the threat to farm workers remains a concern, as evidenced by confirmed infections among dairy employees. The need for enhanced surveillance and testing protocols is evident as the country navigates the complexities of managing the outbreak and safeguarding vulnerable populations.