HHS Cancels $766 Million Moderna Vaccine Contract Amid Safety Concerns
The U.S. cancels funding for Moderna's mRNA bird flu vaccine, citing safety issues, as H5N1 cases rise in the U.S.
Overview
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has canceled a $766 million contract with Moderna for an mRNA vaccine against H5N1 bird flu, citing safety concerns. Despite positive trial results showing a 44.5-fold increase in antibody levels, officials deemed further investment unjustifiable, emphasizing a shift towards established vaccine technologies. Critics warn this decision jeopardizes pandemic preparedness as H5N1 spreads among U.S. poultry and dairy cows, with 70 human cases reported. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. expressed skepticism about mRNA technology, claiming it remains under-tested, while Moderna seeks alternative funding to continue its vaccine development.
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Analysis
- The articles present a mix of neutral and negative tones regarding Moderna's vaccine funding cancellation.
- Concerns about safety and efficacy testing are emphasized, alongside criticism of political figures and their actions.
- Positive trial results are mentioned, but uncertainty about the vaccine's future remains a key theme.
Articles (7)
Center (3)
"…The decision to cancel the funding—which would support thorough safety and efficacy testing of the vaccines—was because the vaccines needed more testing."
ARS Technica·1M·"…The cancellation came as Moderna announced positive interim results from an early-stage trial of the vaccine that targeted H5 bird flu virus, tested in 300 healthy adults."
NBC News·1M·"…The cancellation comes even though Moderna says a study involving 300 healthy adults had produced 'positive interim' results and the company 'had previously expected to advance the program to late-stage development.'"
NPR·1M·FAQ
The contract was canceled due to safety concerns about Moderna's mRNA bird flu vaccine, with officials deeming further investment unjustifiable despite positive trial results.
The vaccine showed promising results, including a 44.5-fold increase in antibody levels and 98% immunity within three weeks of the second dose, and was generally well tolerated by participants in early-stage clinical trials.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. expressed skepticism about mRNA vaccine technology, calling it under-tested and favoring a shift towards established vaccine technologies.
Critics warn that the cancellation jeopardizes pandemic preparedness, especially as H5N1 is spreading among U.S. poultry and dairy cows with at least 70 human cases reported, potentially limiting rapid vaccine response capabilities.
Moderna acknowledged the funding termination but highlighted the positive safety profile and robust immune response observed, and is seeking alternative funding to continue the development of its mRNA bird flu vaccine.
History
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3 articles