US health officials reevaluate $590 million bird flu contract with Moderna Inc.
US health officials are reevaluating a $590 million contract for bird flu shots awarded to Moderna Inc. in the final days of the Biden administration. This review is part of a broader examination of spending on messenger RNA-based vaccines, including Moderna's Covid vaccine.
Key Points
- US health officials are reevaluating a $590 million contract for bird flu shots awarded to Moderna Inc.
- This review is part of a government push to examine spending on messenger RNA-based vaccines
- Moderna's Covid vaccine is based on messenger RNA technology
- Experts are concerned about the transmissibility and danger of the bird flu virus
- Moderna has been under pressure to find new revenue sources as Covid vaccine sales decline
Pros
- Messenger RNA technology allows for quicker vaccine development
- Record-breaking bird flu outbreak prompts need for vaccine production agreements review
Cons
- Concerns about funding for vaccine makers under different administrations
- Pressure on Moderna to find new revenue sources as Covid vaccine sales decline