US Cancels $590M Moderna Contract for Bird Flu Vaccine
US Cancels $590M Moderna Contract aimed at developing an mRNA-based bird flu vaccine, the biotech company confirmed on Wednesday. The decision, made under President Donald Trump’s administration, halts funding for the vaccine targeting the H5N1 avian influenza strain. This virus has spread among birds and cattle, raising concerns about its potential to infect humans.
Originally announced just three days before Trump took office in January, the deal supported Moderna’s efforts to create a pandemic-preparedness vaccine using its mRNA platform. However, the cancellation now reflects growing skepticism toward vaccines. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a known critic of immunization efforts, has consistently promoted vaccine-related misinformation.
Moderna Shows Progress Despite Contract Cancellation
Despite losing federal support, Moderna shared promising early trial results. A Phase 1/2 clinical trial involving 300 participants showed a strong immune response and a favorable safety profile. As a result, the company remains committed to pandemic preparedness through its mRNA technology.
“While the termination of funding from HHS introduces new challenges, we are encouraged by the data,” said Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel. “We will pursue alternative funding and development paths.” He emphasized that mRNA remains a powerful tool for rapid response to public health threats.
Now, Moderna must secure private investment or form new partnerships to continue vaccine development. Public health authorities are closely monitoring the H5N1 strain due to its potential to mutate and transmit between humans.
Public Health Experts Raise Concerns
The cancellation drew criticism from health leaders. Dr. Ashish Jha, former Covid-19 response coordinator under President Joe Biden, called the decision misguided.
“It’s absurd to reject the same mRNA technology that helped us fight Covid,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “Let’s not forget—it was Trump’s own Operation Warp Speed that brought us these vaccines.”
Although Moderna plans to move forward, the future of its bird flu vaccine remains uncertain. Meanwhile, experts continue to warn about the potential risk of a human outbreak linked to H5N1.
