Moderna Secures $176 Million BARDA Award for Bird Flu Vaccine Development

1. Award Amount: Moderna has received a $176 million grant from the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) to develop a pandemic flu vaccine targeting the H5 influenza virus, also known as bird flu.
2. Vaccine Development: The funding will support the late-stage development of Moderna's mRNA-based vaccine, mRNA-1018, which is currently in a Phase 1/2 clinical trial. The trial includes vaccine candidates for both H5 and H7 avian influenza viruses.
3. mRNA Technology: Moderna's mRNA platform has demonstrated efficacy and rapid production capabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. The company aims to leverage this technology to address infectious disease outbreaks and support global public health preparedness.
4. BARDA Partnership: The grant is part of a federal initiative to enhance the nation's preparedness for potential influenza pandemics. Moderna has previously collaborated with BARDA during the COVID-19 pandemic as part of Operation Warp Speed.
5. Future Plans: The agreement includes provisions for preparing and responding to future public health emergencies. Moderna's CEO, Stéphane Bancel, emphasized the company's commitment to working with BARDA to advance global public health preparedness.