Moderna

New human H5 influenza cases in California, Marburg vaccine trial in Rwanda, and chem-bio AI model safety considerations.

The 2021-22 flu season in the U.S. was lengthy, typically lasting from December to April, with influenza A peaking earlier than influenza B. COVID-19 surges do not directly impact flu severity but can strain healthcare resources. Moderna is developing a single-shot vaccine for both COVID-19 and flu, offering convenience and similar efficacy. The CDC recommends getting flu and COVID-19 boosters simultaneously. This year's flu vaccine is trivalent due to the extinction of the B/Yamagata strain, simplifying production and reducing costs. Preventive measures include flu vaccination, frequent hand washing, and mask-wearing in public settings.

New UK-created cancer therapies to be trialled, benefiting NHS patients through partnerships with pharmaceutical companies and universities. Innovations include AI for early cancer detection and flexible medical scanners, aiming to transform treatment and boost the UK's life sciences industry.

mRNA-based pharmaceuticals' licensing agreement deal values grew 800% from 2019 to 2024YTD, reaching $3.8bn in 2024. Global sales for innovator mRNA-based pharmaceuticals were $22bn in 2023, projected to increase to $26.2bn by 2030. Major companies like GSK and Bristol Myers Squibb are investing in mRNA therapeutics, with GSK restructuring a $1.57bn agreement with Curevac and Bristol Myers Squibb collaborating with Repertoire Immune Medicines for up to $1.87bn. The US HHS committed $176m to Moderna for mRNA-based influenza vaccines, highlighting the technology's potential for pandemic preparedness.

No one can predict pharma R&D winners; success involves luck, overcoming skepticism, and intensive effort to realize potential. R&D leaders must balance conviction with uncertainty, avoiding false precision and recognizing the role of chance.

NHS cancer patients to benefit from new partnerships with pharmaceutical companies and universities, aiming to spot cancer sooner through trials of AI and other technologies. This initiative could transform treatment and launch globally significant Medtech products, supported by £118 million in UKRI funding for five new health tech hubs. The UK's life sciences industry, already contributing £108 billion to the economy, is set to drive further investment and innovation in cancer treatment and diagnostics.

Pfizer funded COVID-19 vaccine ads omitted typical disclaimers about risks and FDA approval status, exploiting a loophole to present them as public service announcements. This allowed them to avoid required disclosures under Emergency Use Authorization, despite explicit warnings mandated for such ads.