Trump Administration Cancels Major Federal Funding for Moderna’s Bird Flu Vaccine

The Trump administration has canceled a nearly $600 million (reported as $590 million) federal award to Moderna for the development of an mRNA-based bird flu (H5) vaccine for humans12.

This decision halts one of the remaining pandemic preparedness efforts initiated during the previous administration1.

Moderna's clinical trials showed that the vaccine produced a strong and rapid immune response in about 300 adult participants, achieving 98% immunity within three weeks of the second dose12.

Despite the funding termination, Moderna stated it would seek alternative ways to continue developing the vaccine12.

The contract was originally awarded in January by the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) to help develop vaccines against circulating strains of H5N1 in birds and cows1.

The move reflects a broader reassessment by the government regarding federal spending on mRNA-based vaccines2.

Sources:

1. https://www.axios.com/2025/05/29/hhs-cancel-moderna-bird-flu-vaccine

2. https://www.drugtopics.com/view/hhs-stops-funding-moderna-s-bird-flu-vaccine-cancels-590-million-award