The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) has awarded Moderna approximately $176 million for the development of an mRNA-based pandemic influenza vaccine.
BARDA is a unit of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), under the HHS' Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR).
The funding comes from BARDA's new Rapid Response Partnership Vehicle (RRPV) consortium. The RRPV is a 10-year, multipurpose acquisition vehicle and consortium partnership aimed at supporting advanced research and development of vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics, the HHS explained in a statement.
BARDA issued a request to companies in 2023 for proposals to develop mRNA vaccines in preparation for possible public health emergencies caused by influenza, such as avian influenza A (H5N1).
Moderna already has an influenza A mRNA vaccine in development, mRNA-1018, which has been undergoing a phases I and II study. (The study completion date is anticipated to be July 26.) The strains targeted in the study include the avian influenza strains H5, H7, and, specifically, H5N8, which is a cousin of H5N1, the virus implicated in the U.S. dairy cattle outbreak. Moderna was previously awarded funds through BARDA for its mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.
The BARDA funds are intended to assist in completing the late-stage development of the vaccine, as well as to ensure that the vaccine production needed for pandemic response can be met through existing manufacturing facilities and platforms.
In addition, ASPR noted that it has secured a fair pricing agreement to ensure vaccine access.
