Despite ongoing questions about its mRNA technology, Moderna has secured a $176 million U.S. government contract to develop a bird flu vaccine as concerns grow over the H5N1 virus spreading among dairy cows and workers. This funding will support advanced development and testing of the vaccine, with late-stage trials planned for 2025. While the risk to humans is currently low, scientists worry the virus could mutate. Moderna’s swift vaccine development capabilities, proven during the COVID-19 plandemic, make this a critical move. The government is also preparing millions of doses for at-risk workers, ensuring readiness against a potential outbreak.

As reported by The Globe and Mail, despite what can only be described as a slew of unanswered issues concerning its mRNA technology and Covid vaccines, the United States has awarded Moderna a new $176 million contract to accelerate the development of its bird flu vaccine.

The US government has funded Moderna $176 million to develop a bird flu vaccine in response to growing concerns about the H5N1 virus outbreak in dairy cows and infections among dairy workers.

The money, awarded by the Biomedical Advanced Research and Research Authority, will help with the late-stage research and testing of an mRNA-based vaccine for H5N1 avian influenza, The Globe and Mail/Reuters reports.

Moderna’s deal with the government also includes possibilities for mitigating potential public health hazards. The first incidence in dairy cattle was recorded in March, and the virus has now spread to more than 130 herds across 12 states.

According to the study, scientists are concerned that the virus will evolve and transmit to humans, even though the risk is now low.

Moderna began testing its bird flu vaccine, mRNA-1018, in healthy individuals last year, with findings due this year. Late-stage trials are scheduled for 2025. Moderna’s mRNA technology, which is also employed in its COVID-19 vaccine, provides speedy development and scaling benefits.

Recently, GreatGameIndia reported that Moderna’s stock surged as the US government invested millions in covert bird flu vaccine trials, amid concerns over H5N1’s spread and potential human-to-human transmission ahead of the presidential elections.