Moderna Faces Trump Administration's Funding Withdrawal Amid Bird Flu Vaccine Progress

Thursday, 29 May 2025, 11:00

Moderna has faced a setback with the Trump administration cutting funding for its promising bird flu vaccine, which uses the same technology as its COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine aims to combat potential pandemic flu viruses like H5N1. This decision comes despite positive interim trial results.

Cbsnews — Moderna Faces Trump Administration's Funding Withdrawal Amid Bird Flu Vaccine Progress

Trump Administration Cuts Moderna's Vaccine Funding

The Trump administration has withdrawn $766 million previously awarded to Moderna Inc. for developing a vaccine against potential pandemic influenza viruses, including the H5N1 bird flu. The company was informed this week by the Health and Human Services Department of the funding cancellation. The funds were part of a program by the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, or BARDA, designed to support medical treatment solutions for potential pandemics.

Innovative mRNA Technology at Risk

Moderna's investigational vaccine, mRNA-1018, utilizes the same groundbreaking technology that enabled the rapid development and distribution of successful COVID-19 vaccines. However, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has openly criticized mRNA vaccines, despite evidence showing their safety and effectiveness in saving millions of lives.

Promising Results Before Cancellation: Moderna announced positive interim results from its early-stage trial, which involved 300 healthy adult participants testing the H5 bird flu vaccine.

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