The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has made a significant decision to withdraw millions of dollars previously allocated to Moderna for the development of a vaccine aimed at combatting the bird flu virus. This announcement was made by the company on Wednesday, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to enhance the nation's pandemic preparedness.
Under the leadership of President Joe Biden, HHS had initially pledged $176 million to Moderna in the summer of last year, followed by an additional $590 million in January. This funding was intended to support vaccine development amidst an outbreak of bird flu affecting dairy cattle. Since last year, the H5N1 virus has infected at least 70 individuals, prompting federal health authorities to categorize the vaccine development as essential for national health security.
Moderna is utilizing messenger RNA (mRNA) technology for the vaccine, which has previously been successful in creating the widely administered COVID-19 vaccines. This technology was praised as a major medical advancement during the Trump administration. However, recent statements by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have raised concerns, as he has criticized mRNA vaccines and announced that coronavirus vaccinations would no longer be recommended for healthy children and pregnant women.
The decision by HHS to withdraw funding highlights ongoing tensions between Secretary Kennedy and medical experts who advocate for the safety and efficacy of vaccines. On the same day as the funding announcement, Moderna revealed encouraging interim data from an early-stage clinical trial involving around 300 healthy adults aged 18 and older, showing positive immune response and safety.
The withdrawal of funding from HHS has introduced uncertainty regarding the future of the bird flu vaccine development. In response to the funding cut, Moderna indicated that it would explore alternative avenues for late-stage development and manufacturing of the vaccine. CEO Stéphane Bancel emphasized the importance of mRNA technology in addressing emerging health threats, calling the data from the clinical trials critical.
HHS spokesman Andrew Nixon stated that the decision to withdraw funding was the result of a “rigorous review.” He emphasized that this decision was not solely based on vaccine efficacy but also on considerations of safety, integrity, and public trust. Nixon highlighted the need for thorough testing of mRNA technology, asserting that the agency aims to avoid repeating past mistakes related to vaccine safety transparency.
Since the onset of the H5N1 outbreak in dairy cattle in spring 2024, more than 1,000 herds across 17 states have been impacted, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The virus, which is prevalent among wild birds, has also led to outbreaks in poultry farms and has affected various other animals, including cats. Although approximately 70 individuals, primarily farm workers, have been infected, most cases have resulted in mild illness. Tragically, a Louisiana man over 65 with pre-existing health conditions became the first recorded fatality from bird flu in January after exposure to backyard poultry.
Despite these infections, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have reported no new human cases in recent months, underscoring the need for continued vigilance and research in combating the bird flu virus.
