US Government Funds Moderna mRNA Bird Flu Trial
The U.S. government is on the verge of finalizing a deal to finance a late-stage trial for an mRNA bird flu vaccine developed by Moderna, according to a report from the Financial Times. This comes as the country grapples with an outbreak of the H5N1 strain in cattle and poultry farms. Moderna, known for its Covid-19 mRNA vaccine, is currently testing a shot aimed at combating H5 flu variants.
Government Funding and Trials
The Financial Times, citing sources familiar with the discussions, stated that federal funding of “several tens of millions of dollars” will be provided by the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), with the agreement likely to be finalized next month. The deal also includes a commitment to purchase doses if the trials are successful. In addition to Moderna, the government has been in talks with Pfizer for a similar vaccine targeting H5 flu variants. Moderna is expected to release interim data for its H5 flu vaccine trial soon.
Concerns and Precautions
While FDA-approved bird flu vaccines for humans are available, the current outbreak of the H5N1 strain poses challenges due to its low effectiveness against the evolving virus. The U.S. government has been actively seeking bids for mRNA pandemic flu vaccines that can be quickly adjusted to target new viral strains. The Department of Agriculture has also started trials on H5N1 vaccines for animals in response to the outbreak. Despite the spread of bird flu among dairy cattle, the risk to the general public remains low according to the CDC. However, the World Health Organization emphasizes the importance of monitoring the situation closely to prevent the potential spread of the virus to humans.
In conclusion, the U.S. government’s efforts to fund and support Moderna’s mRNA bird flu vaccine trial signify a proactive approach to addressing the current outbreak and preparing for future challenges in combating infectious diseases.