- Moderna on Tuesday announced a $176 million federal grant to develop a bird flu vaccine for humans.
- The biotech firm noted that the highly infectious H5 influenza virus causes severe illness in birds and poses a transmission risk to people.
- Moderna began a Phase 1/2 trial of a potential vaccine in 2023 and expects the results of that study this year.
Moderna (MRNA) shares edged higher on Tuesday after the biotech firm secured a $176 million federal grant to develop a human bird flu vaccine. The award from the Rapid Response Partnership Vehicle of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services aims to accelerate mRNA-based vaccines against the H5 influenza virus, which poses a risk for human transmission.
The CDC has reported four U.S. cases of bird flu since 2022, and the WHO has recorded 254 global cases since January 2023. Moderna’s CEO, Stephane Bancel, highlighted the proven efficacy and scalability of mRNA technology during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Moderna launched a Phase 1/2 study of its H5 influenza shot in 2023 and expects results this year to guide Phase 3 development. Shares of Moderna rose 0.5% to $116.54, marking a 17% increase in 2024.
