The Trump administration cancelled more than $700 million award to Moderna to develop an mRNA vaccine for bird flu in humans, the company announced Wednesday. It has also cancelled the right to purchase shots, according to the drugmaker.
In January, Moderna was awarded $590 million by the Biden administration to advance the development of its bird flu vaccine, and support the expansion of clinical studies for up to five additional subtypes of pandemic influenza.
This was in addition to the $176 million granted last year by the US Department of Health and Human Services for the advanced development and testing of a pre-pandemic mRNA vaccine targeting H5N1 avian influenza, Moderna announced plans to consider alternative options .
π¨BREAKING: The Trump Administration cancels a $700 million deal with Moderna for developing a bird flu vaccine.
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) May 29, 2025
pic.twitter.com/KHXCfA2OEh
Have you read this? Under-tested! Mrna> the vax was not βscientifically or ethically justifiableβ
Sanity returnsβοΈπ
— Marla Hohner (@marlahohner) May 29, 2025
HHS Secretary RFK Jr. just CANCELED Moderna's $700 million mRNA bird flu vaccine contract on the grounds the vax was not βscientifically or ethically justifiableβ. pic.twitter.com/xRgUeY5rq2
