Moderna, Inc. received notice that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will terminate the award for the late-stage development and right to purchase influenza vaccines.

In January, Moderna was awarded $590 million by the Biden administration to advance the development of its bird flu vaccine, and expansion of clinical studies for up to five additional subtypes of influenza. The HHS previously awarded $176 million to complete the late-stage development and testing of a mRNA-based vaccine against the H5N1 avian influenza.

The Phase 1/2 study (NCT05972174) is evaluating the safety and immunogenicity of a two-dose regimen of its investigational influenza vaccine, mRNA-1018, in approximately 300 healthy adults aged 18 years and older. 

Moderna will explore alternatives for late-stage development and manufacturing of the H5 program.