Vaccine SHAKEN — Major Pharma Deal DROPPED

Vials and blister packs of pills on table

The Trump administration takes a bold stance on vaccine safety by canceling Moderna’s $590 million avian flu vaccine contract, despite positive Phase 1/2 study results, citing concerns about mRNA technology safety and ethical justifiability.

Key Takeaways

  • The Trump administration terminated Moderna’s $590 million contract for avian flu vaccine development, citing concerns about mRNA technology safety despite positive trial results.
  • Moderna reported 97.8% of participants achieved protective antibody titers after the second dose in their Phase 1/2 study involving approximately 300 adults.
  • HHS aims to redirect vaccine funding towards platforms with better-established safety profiles and transparent data practices.
  • Some public health experts have criticized the decision, warning it could leave the U.S. less prepared for a potential influenza pandemic.
  • The H5N1 flu virus has already spread to multiple dairy herds and poultry farms in the U.S., with 70 human cases reported.

Trump Administration Prioritizes Vaccine Safety in Strategic Decision

President Trump’s administration has taken decisive action to protect American taxpayers and public health by canceling a $590 million contract with Moderna for the development of an mRNA-based avian flu vaccine. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) made this critical decision after conducting a thorough review of the project, determining that continuing to fund Moderna’s H5N1 vaccine development using mRNA technology didn’t meet scientific or ethical standards for continued investment. This decision reflects the administration’s commitment to ensuring vaccine safety and proper stewardship of taxpayer dollars.

HHS Communications Director Andrew Nixon explained the rationale behind the termination, emphasizing safety concerns that had been previously minimized. “This is not simply about efficacy — it’s about safety, integrity, and trust. The reality is that mRNA technology remains under-tested, and we are not going to spend taxpayer dollars repeating the mistakes of the last administration, which concealed legitimate safety concerns from the public,” said HHS Communications Director Andrew Nixon.

Moderna’s Trial Results and Response to Cancellation

Despite the contract termination, Moderna recently announced positive interim results from their Phase 1/2 study of the investigational pandemic influenza vaccine mRNA-1018. According to the company, the study involved approximately 300 healthy adults and demonstrated a robust immune response with 97.8% of participants achieving protective antibody titers after the second dose. The company also reported that the vaccine was generally well-tolerated, with most adverse reactions being mild and not increasing significantly with additional doses.

“While the termination of funding from HHS adds uncertainty, we are pleased by the robust immune response and safety profile observed in this interim analysis of the Phase 1/2 study of our H5 avian flu vaccine and we will explore alternative paths forward for the program,” said Stéphane Bancel, Chief Executive Officer of Moderna.

Moderna has indicated that despite losing federal funding, they plan to explore alternative paths for the late-stage development and manufacturing of their H5 program. This represents a shift in how vaccine development might proceed, with private sector initiatives potentially taking precedence over government-funded projects. The company continues to emphasize their commitment to pandemic preparedness, though they’ll now need to secure alternative funding sources to advance this particular program.

Expert Concerns and Current Pandemic Readiness

Some public health experts have criticized the Trump administration’s decision, suggesting it could potentially impact America’s pandemic preparedness. The H5N1 flu virus has already spread to multiple dairy herds and poultry farms across the United States, with approximately 70 human cases reported thus far. While the virus hasn’t yet demonstrated easy human-to-human transmission, experts note that viral mutations could potentially increase pandemic risk, making preparedness crucial.

“After a rigorous review, we concluded that continued investment in Moderna’s H5N1 mRNA vaccine was not scientifically or ethically justifiable,” said HHS Communications Director Andrew Nixon.

It’s important to note that the United States isn’t left defenseless against potential avian flu threats. The Strategic National Stockpile already contains vaccines against H5 viruses, though these utilize older technology. The Trump administration’s decision appears focused on redirecting vaccine funding toward platforms with more established safety profiles and transparent data practices, rather than continuing to invest in what they consider under-tested mRNA technology with potential safety concerns that may have been downplayed by previous administrations.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR