Moderna, Inc. (MRNA) Reports Strong H5 Avian Flu Vaccine Data Despite HHS Funding Cut

Moderna, Inc. (NASDAQ:MRNA) announced today that its investigational H5 avian influenza vaccine, mRNA-1018, has shown promising interim results in a Phase 1/2 clinical trial involving 300 healthy adults. The vaccine, which uses Moderna, Inc. (NASDAQ:MRNA)’s mRNA technology, demonstrated a rapid, potent, and durable immune response.

Three weeks after the second dose, nearly 98% of participants reached antibody levels considered protective, with titers rising over 44-fold from baseline. The vaccine was generally well-tolerated, with most side effects being mild to moderate, and no serious safety concerns reported.

Despite these encouraging results, MRNA revealed that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has decided to terminate its award for late-stage development and the right to purchase pre-pandemic influenza vaccines. This unexpected move introduces uncertainty for the program’s future.

Moderna, Inc. (NASDAQ:MRNA)'s  CEO, Stéphane Bancel, emphasized the importance of mRNA technology in pandemic preparedness and stated the company will seek alternative paths for advancing the H5 vaccine.

Additional data from the study will be presented at an upcoming scientific conference. MRNA remains committed to developing solutions for emerging health threats and will continue to pursue options for the H5 program’s late-stage development and manufacturing.

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