Contract for Pandemic Preparedness
The U.S. government has awarded a $176 million contract to Moderna for developing a pandemic vaccine to combat bird flu in humans. This award, made through the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), aims to prepare for potential future pandemics as bird flu cases rise among dairy cows across the U.S.
Federal officials confirmed that the funds will be released via the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Moderna’s vaccine will use the same mRNA technology that was pivotal in the rapid development and deployment of COVID-19 vaccines. This technology enables swift vaccine development and mass production.
Trial and safety measures
According to an Associated Press report, Moderna will initiate trials to test the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine. Its use will be considered if deemed necessary by officials in response to a potential bird flu pandemic threat.
H5N1 crisis in the U.S.
The H5N1 virus, responsible for bird flu, has been detected in dairy cows across 12 states, affecting at least 135 herds. There have been three human cases in the country to date. Despite the spread, health officials believe the risk of an H5N1-induced pandemic remains low.
Global perspective
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported a human infection with the H9N2 bird flu virus in a four-year-old child in West Bengal, India, on June 11. The child was treated for severe respiratory issues and discharged after three months.
This contract underscores the U.S. commitment to pandemic preparedness, leveraging advanced mRNA technology to stay ahead of potential threats.
