Moderna Secures $54.3 Million CEPI Funding for First mRNA Bird Flu Vaccine Pivotal Trial
核心洞察
Moderna will receive up to $54.3 million from CEPI to support late-stage development of its experimental mRNA-based H5 pandemic influenza (搜索) vaccine, mRNA-1018.
The Phase 3 trial, expected to begin in early 2026 in the UK and US, would mark the first mRNA-based vaccine targeting pandemic influenza (搜索) to enter a pivotal trial.
As part of the agreement, Moderna will reserve 20% of its production capacity for low- and middle-income countries at affordable prices if a pandemic occurs.
Moderna announced Thursday it will receive up to $54.3 million in funding from the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (搜索) (CEPI) to support late-stage development of its experimental bird flu (搜索) vaccine, marking a significant milestone in pandemic preparedness efforts.
The vaccine candidate, mRNA-1018, would become the first mRNA-based bird flu (搜索) vaccine to enter a pivotal trial, representing a potential breakthrough in rapid pandemic response capabilities. The funding comes after the Trump administration canceled a $700 million contract with Moderna for the same vaccine development in May.
Advancing Global Pandemic Preparedness
The late-stage Phase 3 trial is expected to begin in early 2026 in the UK and the United States, building on earlier studies that demonstrated strong immune responses in healthy adults. Data from Moderna's ongoing seasonal flu vaccine trial will also support the approval process.
"Pandemic influenza (搜索) remains one of the greatest threats to global health security," said CEPI CEO Richard Hatchett. "By harnessing the speed and adaptability of mRNA technology, we could deliver vaccines faster and at scale."
CEPI, a global partnership focused on accelerating vaccine development against epidemic and pandemic threats, views this investment as crucial to its 100 Days Mission - a global goal to develop safe and effective vaccines within 100 days of identifying a new pandemic threat.
Revolutionary mRNA Technology Advantages
The mRNA platform offers significant advantages over conventional influenza vaccine production methods. Traditional influenza vaccines require virus growth in eggs or cell culture, a process that can take months. In contrast, an mRNA vaccine can be designed in hours or days once the virus's genetic sequence is known and can be swiftly manufactured at scale.
"We are proud to have the support of CEPI to advance our pandemic influenza (搜索) vaccine candidate, research that is critical to our commitment to pandemic preparedness," said Stéphane Bancel, Moderna's Chief Executive Officer. "mRNA technology can play a vital role in addressing emerging health threats quickly and effectively."
Ensuring Global Access
As part of the partnership agreement, Moderna has committed to reserving 20% of its H5 pandemic vaccine manufacturing capacity for timely supply to low- and middle-income countries at affordable pricing in the event of an influenza pandemic. This provision aims to address equity concerns that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The project represents part of Moderna's broader effort to develop vaccines within 100 days of identifying a new pandemic threat, potentially revolutionizing future pandemic responses and making a significant contribution to global health security preparedness.