Moderna

CRISPR Therapeutics and Moderna, despite share declines, are strong long-term investments due to CRISPR's Casgevy approval and Moderna's diverse mRNA pipeline.

Four years post-COVID-19 peak, Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax introduce new vaccines targeting strains KP.2 and JN.1. mRNA vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna differ from Novavax's traditional formula, but all aim to enhance protection against evolving COVID-19 strains. The CDC recommends updated vaccines for all over 6 months, emphasizing prevention of severe infection and death.

Meiler lab awarded $46 million to develop a 'super-vaccine' against alphaviruses, leveraging computational techniques and a multidisciplinary team.

GSK's Arexvy vaccine showed 63% efficacy against RSV over three seasons, with a decline to 48% in the third season. The CDC does not recommend a second dose, but GSK suggests revaccination may be needed. Arexvy is the only RSV vaccine with three-season data, and GSK will provide further data to help determine future schedules.

New RSV vaccines for older adults, infants, and pregnant women offer protection against severe RSV, which can be life-threatening for high-risk groups. Vaccines include ABRYSVO®, AREXVY®, and mRESVIA® for adults, nirsevimab for infants, and ABRYSVO for pregnant women to protect newborns.

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.