Thu May 29 05:24:29 UTC 2025: ## Moderna Loses $766 Million in US Funding for Bird Flu Vaccine Amidst Political Skepticism
**New Delhi (The Hindu) – May 29, 2025** – In a move raising concerns about pandemic preparedness, the Trump administration has cancelled $766 million in funding previously awarded to Moderna Inc. for the development of a vaccine against potential pandemic influenza viruses, including the highly concerning H5N1 bird flu.
The decision, announced by Moderna on Wednesday, comes despite the company’s recent positive interim results from early trials of its investigational mRNA vaccine, mRNA-1018, on 300 healthy adults. The funding, awarded through the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) in July 2024 and January 2025, was intended to support the development and purchase of the innovative vaccine, which utilizes the same mRNA technology that proved crucial in the rapid development of COVID-19 vaccines.
According to Moderna, the January award of $590 million was specifically earmarked for a late-stage clinical trial to determine the vaccine’s efficacy against pandemic viruses, including bird flu.
The cancellation coincides with mounting skepticism towards mRNA vaccines from within the administration. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has voiced strong reservations about the technology, despite overwhelming real-world evidence demonstrating their safety and effectiveness in saving millions of lives globally.
The H5N1 bird flu virus has been a growing concern since its spread from wild birds to cattle in the U.S. last year, infecting hundreds of animals across several states. While most of the 70 confirmed human cases in the U.S. have been mild, one fatality has been recorded. Scientists are worried about the potential for the virus to mutate and become more virulent or easily transmissible between humans, potentially triggering a devastating pandemic.
“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,” Moderna said in a statement, highlighting the company’s commitment to further developing the vaccine despite the setback.
The decision to withdraw funding has sparked debate about the U.S.’s commitment to pandemic preparedness and the potential impact on global efforts to combat emerging infectious diseases. The implications for India, given the interconnectedness of global health security, remain to be seen. Experts are calling for a re-evaluation of the decision in light of the potential threat posed by avian influenza and the vital role vaccines play in mitigating pandemic risks.
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