Moderna Lands CEPI as New Backer for Its Pandemic Flu (H5 Bird Flu) Program
The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) has agreed to invest $54.3 million in Moderna to support development of its H5 pandemic influenza (bird flu) mRNA vaccine candidate.123
The CEPI funding will specifically support a pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial of Moderna’s investigational H5 pandemic influenza vaccine, advancing it into late-stage testing.123
The vaccine candidate is an mRNA-based H5 influenza vaccine designed for use in a potential future influenza pandemic rather than for routine seasonal flu vaccination.23
CEPI’s support is part of its broader mission as a global partnership focused on accelerating vaccines and biologic countermeasures against epidemic and pandemic threats.4
The collaboration is intended to strengthen global pandemic preparedness, by having a scalable mRNA vaccine platform ready to respond rapidly to an emerging H5 influenza pandemic.234
The Moderna–CEPI agreement positions CEPI as a new strategic backer of Moderna’s pandemic flu program, providing not just funding but also alignment with international preparedness goals.123
Sources:
1. https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2025/12/18/moderna-bird-flu-vaccine-investment/5621766070754/
2. https://www.biospace.com/deals/moderna-scores-54-million-from-cepi-to-fund-bird-flu-vaccine