In a recent development, Moderna has secured up to $54.3 million from a global vaccine partnership to bolster its ongoing research into a potential mRNA vaccine for bird flu. This funding comes as a reprieve after the federal government withdrew significant financial support, canceling contracts worth hundreds of millions.

The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), a collaborative effort between governments and philanthropic organizations dedicated to developing vaccines for future epidemics, is stepping in to aid Moderna in bringing their bird flu vaccine candidate to the approval stage.

Moderna’s CEO, Stéphane Bancel, expressed gratitude for CEPI’s backing, emphasizing the importance of advancing pandemic influenza vaccine research. “mRNA technology is pivotal in responding swiftly and effectively to emerging health challenges,” he noted, adding that the partnership with CEPI will enhance their health security initiatives and support the broader ‘100 Days Mission.’

Earlier this year, the Biden administration had announced a substantial $590 million contract with Moderna to aid in the development of a bird flu vaccine. This virus currently lacks a dedicated vaccine. However, in May, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) decided to terminate this contract, leaving the future of the vaccine candidate in doubt, as noted by Bancel at the time.

But in May, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced it was canceling this contract. At the time, Bancel said the cancellation meant uncertainty for the future of the bird flu vaccine candidate.

“We will explore alternative paths forward for the program,” Bancel said. “These clinical data in pandemic influenza underscore the critical role mRNA technology has played as a countermeasure to emerging health threats.”

“Pandemic influenza remains one of the greatest threats to global health security. With this partnership, we are not just advancing vaccine science, we are fundamentally changing the game,” CEPI CEO Richard Hatchett said.

“By harnessing the speed and adaptability of mRNA technology, we could shave months off the response time, deliver vaccines at scale, and enable equitable access for all. This is how we plan to protect the world from the next flu pandemic.”