HHS Cancels Funding for Moderna Vaccines to Fight Pandemic Flu

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has canceled over $760 million in federal funding awarded to Moderna for developing mRNA-based pandemic flu vaccines, including those targeting bird flu in humans. Originally granted through BARDA to support rapid vaccine development during public health emergencies, the funding was withdrawn following a federal review.

HHS cited concerns about the safety and transparency of mRNA technology, stating it would not invest further in vaccines deemed scientifically or ethically unjustifiable. This decision underscores a major shift in federal public health strategy, raising important questions about the future use of mRNA in pandemic preparedness efforts. Read the full article from The Hill here.