Moderna Secures $54.3 Million from Global Coalition to Advance mRNA Bird Flu Vaccine

CAMBRIDGE, MA— December 18, 2025— Moderna announced today that the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) has committed up to $54.3 million to advance its experimental mRNA bird flu vaccine into Phase 3 clinical trials. The funding comes as a critical lifeline for the candidate, mRNA-1018, which recently lost federal support following the cancellation of over $700 million in government contracts by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Global Partnership Replaces U.S. Federal Support

The partnership with CEPI, a public-private global coalition, ensures that development of the H5 avian influenza vaccine remains on track despite shifting domestic policies. Under the terms of the agreement, Moderna has pledged to allocate 20% of its production capacity to low- and middle-income countries at affordable pricing in the event of an influenza pandemic.

This funding pivot follows the termination of previous Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) contracts under the current administration. While the HHS has redirected funds toward “whole-virus” vaccine platforms, experts have raised concerns that moving away from mRNA technology—known for its rapid manufacturing capabilities—could leave the U.S. vulnerable to future outbreaks.

Rising Pandemic Concerns

The need for a viable H5 vaccine is underscored by the ongoing outbreak in poultry and dairy cows. Current data reports:

• 71 Human Cases: Two deaths have been recorded to date.

• Rapid Response: Unlike traditional platforms that require months of processing, mRNA vaccines can be scaled in weeks, a vital advantage for “pandemic-prone” viruses.

• Phase 3 Readiness: Large-scale trials in the U.S. and U.K. are slated to begin in early 2026, building upon early-stage safety results in healthy adults.

Financial and Strategic Implications

For Moderna, the CEPI grant provides a much-needed boost alongside a recent $1.5 billion loan from Ares Management. The company is currently reevaluating its pipeline with a goal to break even by 2028, facing pressure from declining COVID-19 shot sales and a competitive RSV vaccine market. Analysts suggest that the success of the H5 program and the uptake of seasonal mRNA flu shots will be key catalysts for the company’s financial recovery.

“The study will build upon early-stage results in healthy adults,” the company stated, noting that data from its seasonal influenza trials could also expedite the approval process for the H5 avian flu candidate.