Mon Jun 30 18:20:00 UTC 2025: **Moderna’s mRNA Flu Vaccine Shows Superior Immune Response in Late-Stage Trial**

**Cambridge, MA -** Moderna (MRNA) announced Monday that its experimental mRNA-based influenza vaccine, mRNA-1010, demonstrated a stronger immune response than a currently available flu shot in a pivotal late-stage trial. The positive results pave the way for the company to seek approval for both its standalone flu vaccine and its combination flu and COVID-19 shot.

The Phase 3 trial, involving over 40,000 adults aged 50 and above, showed Moderna’s vaccine was 26.6% more effective overall than a standard competitor vaccine. Specifically, in the 65 and older demographic, the shot demonstrated 27.4% higher effectiveness. The vaccine also showed strong efficacy against major influenza strains, including A/H1N1, A/H3N2, and the B/Victoria lineages.

“The efficacy results are a significant milestone in our effort to reduce the burden of influenza in older adults,” said Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel in a press release. He cited CDC data indicating seasonal flu-related hospitalizations and outpatient visits reached a 15-year high during the 2024-2025 season, with over 600,000 Americans hospitalized.

Moderna voluntarily withdrew its application for the combination COVID-19 and influenza shot in May but now plans to resubmit it, along with an application for the standalone flu vaccine, later this year, according to Stephen Hoge, Moderna’s head of research and development. Hoge emphasized the potential benefits of a combination shot, simplifying vaccination and easing the burden on the healthcare system.

While acknowledging regulatory uncertainty, Hoge said Moderna is working closely with the FDA to meet requirements.

Moderna shares climbed nearly 3% in premarket trading following the announcement. The company is currently a front-runner in the race to bring a combination flu and COVID-19 vaccine to market, competing with Pfizer and Novavax.

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