The U.S. government has decided to terminate a $766 million contract with Moderna for the development of an mRNA vaccine for bird flu, specifically H5N1. This decision, announced by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), follows concerns regarding the safety of mRNA technology. HHS officials emphasized a focus on scientific integrity and the need for transparency in vaccine development. They indicated a shift towards funding vaccine technologies with proven safety records while acknowledging the challenges of alternative vaccine methods during pandemics.
HHS Communications Director Andrew Nixon stated, "After a rigorous review, we concluded that continued investment in Moderna's H5N1 mRNA vaccine was not scientifically or ethically justifiable."
Nixon remarked, "This is not simply about efficacy it's about safety, integrity, and trust. The reality is that mRNA technology remains under-tested."
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