Trump Cancels $766M Moderna Bird Flu Vaccine Contract Amid H5N1 Threat

Washington, D.C., May 30, 2025 - The Trump administration has terminated a $766 million contract with Moderna to develop a vaccine against potential pandemic influenza viruses, including the H5N1 bird flu, raising concerns about U.S. preparedness for a looming health threat. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) withdrew funding allocated through the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) in July 2024 ($176 million) and January 2025 ($590 million), citing skepticism about mRNA technology safety despite Moderna's promising interim trial results.

This decision, influenced by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s vocal distrust of mRNA vaccines, has sparked intense debate among public health experts.

Contract Details and Cancellation

The canceled contract supported Moderna's mRNA-1018 vaccine, designed to combat H5N1 and up to five other pandemic influenza subtypes. The funding was intended for late-stage clinical trials to confirm efficacy and expand production capacity. On May 28, 2025, Moderna announced positive interim results from a Phase 1/2 trial involving 300 healthy adults, showing a robust immune response and favorable safety profile.

Despite this, HHS spokesperson Andrew Nixon stated that a "rigorous review" deemed the investment "not scientifically or ethically justifiable," citing untested mRNA technology concerns. Moderna plans to explore alternative funding to continue development, but the cancellation introduces significant uncertainty.

ALSO READ | Trump Administration Grants Syria 180-Day Sanctions Waiver to Rebuild Nation Post-Assad

H5N1 Bird Flu: A Growing Concern

The H5N1 bird flu has spread rapidly since March 2024, affecting over 1,072 dairy herds and 173 million poultry across the U.S., with 70 human cases reported, mostly mild, and one fatality. Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates no sustained human-to-human transmission, but scientists warn that viral mutations could increase this risk, potentially triggering a pandemic.

The U.S. vaccine stockpile is critically low, with only 0.82 doses per person available, according to Airfinity. The cancellation of Moderna's contract, which leveraged mRNA's rapid production capabilities, exacerbates concerns about the nation's ability to respond swiftly to an outbreak.

Administration's Stance and Expert Backlash

The decision aligns with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s longstanding skepticism of mRNA vaccines, despite their proven success in combating COVID-19. HHS has signaled a shift toward funding alternative vaccine technologies, including a $500 million initiative for a "universal flu vaccine" using traditional methods, which experts argue are slower and less scalable. Public health leaders have criticized the move as reckless. Dr.

Ashish Jha called it "beyond absurd," noting that mRNA vaccines, developed under Trump's Operation Warp Speed, saved millions of lives. Dr. Michael Osterholm warned that reliance on slower vaccine production could lead to "millions of unnecessary deaths" in a pandemic scenario.

Did You Know?
The mRNA technology used in Moderna's vaccine enabled the rapid development of COVID-19 vaccines, with over 1 billion doses distributed globally, saving an estimated 14.4 million lives by 2022.

Implications for Pandemic Preparedness

The cancellation comes at a critical juncture as H5N1 continues to spread, with recent reports indicating infections in new states. Discussions on public health forums highlight the unique advantage of mRNA technology, which can produce vaccines in weeks compared to months for egg-based methods. The decision has fueled debates about balancing innovation with safety, with some supporting the administration's caution and others arguing it undermines readiness.

Moderna's CEO, Stéphane Bancel, emphasized the company's commitment to advancing the H5N1 vaccine independently, but limited federal support could delay progress and leave the U.S. vulnerable.