The US government has awarded Moderna $590 million to accelerate the development of its bird flu vaccine, as part of efforts to address rising infection rates in humans.
This funding builds on $176 million provided by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) last year to advance late-stage trials of a messenger RNA (mRNA)-based vaccine targeting the H5N1 avian influenza strain.
Nearly 70 people in the United States, most of them farmworkers, have been infected with bird flu since April, as the virus spreads among poultry and dairy flocks. While most infections have been mild, one death was reported in Louisiana last week.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said the risk to the general public remains low, with no evidence of person-to-person transmission.
Moderna said Friday that the new funding will also support clinical studies of up to five additional subtypes of pandemic influenza. The company plans to advance its experimental vaccine, mRNA-1018, into late-stage trials based on promising preliminary data, with the results to be shared at an upcoming medical meeting.
“Bird flu variants have proven to be unpredictable and dangerous to humans. Accelerating vaccine development ensures Americans have the tools needed to stay safe,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra.
The award was facilitated by the Rapid Response Partnership Vehicles Consortium and supported by the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority. Following the announcement, Moderna shares rose 5% to $35.8 in extended trading.