- To create a pandemic influenza vaccine based on messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) that would protect against bird flu, the US government has awarded Moderna $176 million (£139 million).
- It claims that after learning from the Covid pandemic, it wants to be “better prepared” for public health emergencies.
- Despite epidemics in cattle and poultry, bird flu does not pose a danger to humans.
- However, scientists are striving to develop a vaccine that can be promptly released if the virus mutates and becomes a threat.
- Moderna’s Covid vaccine is based on mRNA technology, which allows for the faster production of vaccines.
- Furthermore, the US government claims that having this technology in its pandemic-flu toolbox improves its capacity to combat bird flu with “nimble and quick” response times.
- The US Biomedical Advanced Research and Research Authority has awarded $176 million to Moderna for the completion of late-stage research and testing of its H5N1 avian influenza vaccine.
perhaps lethal
- Although this strain has long been present in birds, recent outbreaks have also affected several other species, including cattle.
- Some speculate that the virus may eventually adapt and begin to spread readily among people, which might have dangerous repercussions.
There is currently no indication of this.
- In a few rare instances, humans have contracted it by coming into touch with diseased animals.
- In 2023, Moderna initiated preliminary trials for their mRNA bird flu vaccine on well-adult volunteers.
- The next moves will be informed by the findings, which are anticipated later this year, it said.
