Outgoing Biden Administration Forks Over Almost $600 Million in Additional Funding for; more MRNa Vaccine Development… Go Joe!
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has allocated $590 million to Moderna to accelerate the development of mRNA-based vaccines for pandemic influenza and enhance mRNA technology for tackling other emerging infectious diseases. This funding, provided through the Rapid Response Partnership Vehicle (RRPV) Consortium and supported by the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), aims to strengthen the country’s preparedness for future public health emergencies.
The initiative focuses on advancing the development of Moderna’s mRNA-based H5N1 influenza vaccine, designed to address strains currently affecting birds and livestock. It also aims to expand the clinical data on mRNA vaccines, which could be crucial if new influenza strains with pandemic potential arise.
HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra highlighted the importance of this investment, emphasizing the unpredictable and dangerous nature of avian flu variants and the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to ensuring public safety through proactive measures.
Moderna’s mRNA technology, which played a key role in the rapid development of COVID-19 vaccines, will now be leveraged to create vaccines for other infectious threats. Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response Dawn O’Connell stated that this investment aligns with efforts to utilize innovative vaccine technologies to address future pandemics more efficiently.
In addition to the H5N1 vaccine, Moderna will conduct a phase 3 clinical trial for an H7N9 influenza vaccine and develop up to four additional mRNA-based vaccines targeting various influenza subtypes. These efforts will provide foundational data to support the rapid creation of vaccines for pandemic-prone viruses. Moderna’s versatile mRNA platform will also be utilized to address broader health threats by supporting product development across multiple applications.
The RRPV, a 10-year initiative, fosters collaborations between government and industry to drive innovation in medical countermeasures, such as vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics. As part of its broader portfolio, BARDA continues to support the development of mRNA platforms to enhance the nation’s pandemic readiness and response capabilities.
Read more here-
More Stories
Federal Cannabis Legalization and Cannabis Regulation
New Weight Loss Drugs and Bone Density Loss
What is the Hegelian Dialectic?