Finance
Moderna Starts Late-Stage Trial of Bird Flu Vaccine in Us, UK
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on April 21, 2026
2 min readLast updated: April 21, 2026
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Moderna has launched a pivotal Phase 3 trial of its mRNA-based bird flu vaccine, mRNA‑1018, in the U.S. and UK, backed by up to $54 million in CEPI funding. It’s the first mRNA pandemic flu vaccine to reach this stage, with 20% manufacturing pledged for low‑income countries.
Moderna Initiates Late-Stage Bird Flu Vaccine Trial in US and UK with CEPI Funding
Overview of Moderna's Bird Flu Vaccine Trial
Trial Launch and Scope
April 21 (Reuters) - Moderna said on Tuesday it had started a late-stage study of its experimental bird flu vaccine in the U.S. and the UK, marking the first time a pandemic bird flu vaccine made with mRNA technology has reached late-stage trials.
The U.S. drugmaker's vaccine, known as mRNA-1018, will be tested on about 4,000 healthy adults aged 18 and older.
Funding and Support
It is being supported by a $54 million investment from the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, a global partnership working to accelerate the development of vaccines against epidemic and pandemic threats.
Background on CEPI Investment
CEPI's investment in December followed U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s decision last May to cancel more than $700 million in contracts with Moderna to develop a bird flu vaccine to protect against a potential future pandemic.
mRNA Technology and Pandemic Preparedness
The technology, which was used to develop COVID-19 vaccines, is seen as a more rapid method of developing vaccines against emerging viruses with pandemic potential.
Moderna Chief Executive Stephane Bancel said bird flu remains a pandemic threat and that the study marks an important step in efforts to improve preparedness for future outbreaks.
Regulatory Approval and Future Plans
The company said any future filing for regulatory approval of mRNA-1018 would also be supported by positive data from its separate seasonal flu vaccine candidate, mRNA-1010, which is under review in the U.S., the European Union, Canada and Australia.
Global Access and Manufacturing Commitments
Under its agreement with CEPI, Moderna said that if the vaccine is approved and a flu pandemic is declared, it would set aside 20% of its manufacturing capacity for supply to low- and middle-income countries at affordable prices.
(Reporting by Padmanabhan Ananthan in Bengaluru; Editing by Maju Samuel)
Key Takeaways
- •Moderna’s mRNA‑1018 bird flu vaccine has entered a late‑stage Phase 3 trial in both the U.S. and UK, enrolling around 4,000 healthy adults aged 18+.
- •The trial is funded by up to $54.3 million from the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), marking the first mRNA pandemic flu vaccine to reach this stage (yahoo.com).
- •Moderna pledged that, if approved and in the event of a pandemic, it will reserve 20% of its manufacturing capacity to supply low‑ and middle‑income countries at affordable prices (packgene.com).
- •This initiative follows a 2025 cancellation of a multi‑hundred‑million‑dollar U.S. government contract, making CEPI’s investment a pivotal lifeline for the program (apnews.com).
- •The trial began recruiting on March 22, 2026, and is randomized, triple‑blind, with placebo control—data collection is underway ahead of future regulatory filings, potentially bolstered by data from Moderna’s separate mRNA‑1010 seasonal flu candidate under review globally (tipranks.com).
References
- Moderna secures up to $54.3 million funding for bird flu vaccine from global coalition
- Moderna Secures $54.3 Million from Global Coalition to Advance mRNA Bird Flu Vaccine | PackGene Biotech
- Trump administration cancels $766 million Moderna contract to fight pandemic flu
- Moderna Advances Phase 3 H5 Bird Flu Shot, Expanding Its Pandemic Vaccine Pipeline - TipRanks.com
Frequently Asked Questions about Moderna starts late-stage trial of bird flu vaccine in US, UK
1What is the focus of Moderna's new vaccine trial?
Moderna is conducting a late-stage trial of its mRNA-1018 bird flu vaccine in the US and UK.
2How many participants will be involved in the trial?
The trial will test the vaccine on about 4,000 healthy adults aged 18 and older.
3Who is funding the Moderna bird flu vaccine trial?
The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) is supporting the trial with a $54 million investment.
4What technology is being used for the Moderna bird flu vaccine?
The vaccine uses mRNA technology, the same used for COVID-19 vaccines, for rapid response to emerging viruses.
5What is Moderna's commitment if the vaccine is approved and a pandemic declared?
Moderna will reserve 20% of manufacturing capacity for low- and middle-income countries at affordable prices.