The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has ended its $590 million contract with Moderna, halting the development of an mRNA-based vaccine targeting bird flu (H5N1). The decision comes as federal officials reassess the safety and scientific basis of mRNA-driven medical projects. The contract cancellation marks a significant shift in federal support for this promising vaccine technology.
Moderna launched the bird flu vaccine program in January, just before the start of former President Donald Trump’s second term. The project aimed to create a fast-acting, effective vaccine by using mRNA technology to protect against the avian influenza virus.
Despite the loss of federal funding, Moderna remains optimistic about the vaccine’s potential. The company recently released early-stage trial data showing a strong immune response among about 300 healthy volunteers. CEO Stephane Bancel acknowledged the funding setback but confirmed plans to continue vaccine development through alternative means. He highlighted mRNA’s capacity to address emerging infectious diseases.
HHS officials cited concerns about scientific rigor and safety as the primary reasons for ending the contract. Communications Director Andrew Nixon stated the agency thoroughly evaluated Moderna’s H5N1 project and found it did not meet their safety expectations. Nixon emphasized ongoing questions about mRNA technology’s long-term safety, saying the agency would not allocate taxpayer money to projects with unresolved risks. He also accused the previous administration of concealing safety concerns from the public.
Previously, the Trump administration had called for tighter oversight of mRNA research to enhance transparency and protect public trust. Moderna’s and Pfizer/BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccines, which use mRNA technology, have been widely distributed and shown to be safe and effective through extensive trials and real-world data. However, skepticism around mRNA vaccines continues to grow, potentially hindering future public health efforts.
Public health experts have voiced alarm over the contract termination. Dr. Ashish Jha, dean of Brown University’s School of Public Health and former COVID-19 advisor, praised the mRNA platform’s success and urged caution. Jha pointed to Operation Warp Speed, which helped launch mRNA vaccines that have now been administered nearly two billion times worldwide. He called them among the safest vaccines ever developed. Jha warned that ending the bird flu vaccine program could leave the US vulnerable if human-to-human transmission of H5N1 occurs, putting American lives at greater risk.
Bird flu remains a persistent global threat. The H5N1 strain has infected several people in the US, resulting in at least one death. Although the Strategic National Stockpile contains vaccines against H5 viruses, these rely on older manufacturing methods, not mRNA technology like Moderna’s approach.
The federal review of Moderna’s contract began in February, leading to increasing doubts about continued support. Dr. Paul Friedrichs, former Air Force major general and senior pandemic preparedness advisor, called the decision premature. He stressed that vaccine development takes time and early partnerships with pharmaceutical companies are essential to preparing for unpredictable future threats. Friedrichs urged continued funding for diverse preventative measures and research programs.
This decision marks a critical juncture for mRNA vaccine development in the US amid evolving policies and safety debates. The potential consequences for public health and future pandemic preparedness remain uncertain as Moderna seeks alternative funding to advance its bird flu vaccine program.