Moderna’s (m-RNA) stock took a surprising turn on Thursday as the government approaches a decision to fund its m-RNA pandemic bird flu vaccine. This comes when the H5N1 flu has become a growing, found on egg farms in 48 states and dairy cattle across nine states.
The Present Scenario
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention currently considers the public risk of the H5 bird flu to be low Yet, there has already been two reported cases among dairy workers in recent months.
A spokesperson from Moderna stated that arrangements with the U.S. government are underway to progress their potential pandemic flu solution, namely m-RNA1018. All necessary phases have been completed for this drug, and results are expected soon.
“The H5 vaccines being tested match the variant presently active in the United States”. She re-affirmed Moderna’s commitment towards addressing public health issues using their m-RNA platform.
Pfizer Making Similar Strides
Pfizer (PFE) too is developing its own pandemic influenza vaccine and initiated a first phase study last year. Preliminary data indicates significant increases in antibodies able to tackle the H5 strain. The company mentioned that its platform can readily adapt to combat particular strains of pandemic influenza.
Following Market Reactions
In spite of positive developments, Moderna stock reversed premarket gains by falling 1.1% to $146.26 during morning trades while Pfizer stocks made marginal gains climbing up to $27.90 dollars apiece. Previously, shares of Moderna touched a high point at $170.47 on May 24 gaining more than 71% this year, but it fell back slightly since then.
Government Support and Anticipations
The Financial Times disclosed that the Biomedical Advance Research and Development Authority (BARDA) could finalize funding for Moderna’s vaccine in the near future. The deal may be worth several million dollars and can entail an agreement to purchase doses if final phases are a success. Talks with Pfizer for a similar arrangement are reportedly underway as well.
General Implications and Present Policies
The US government has stored thousands of FDA approved bird flu vaccines for humans. There is capacity to distribute over 100 million doses, sufficient for about 50 million people in three to four months’ time if required. However, effectiveness of these against the current H5N1 strain might be low.
David Boucher, director of infectious disease preparedness at Department of Health and Human Services stated that the government remains committed to developing mRNA pandemic flu vaccines. Vaccines have time advantage as they can quickly adapt their targets in response to changing viral strains, giving them an edge over public health threats.
Effects on Livestock and Human Health
As per last Wednesday, USDA have found H5N1 infections in 67 dairy herds across nine states which included Texas, Kansas, New Mexico, Michigan, Idaho, North Carolina, South Dakota, Ohio and Colorado. Whilst spreading bird flu among dairy cattle has been causing concerns, CDC is currently maintaining stand on public risk remaining low.
Presently there is no evidence supporting human-to-human transmission of virus thus rendering bird flu pandemic unlikely. Although WHO has expressed worries about virus potentially spreading through humans due to increasing infection rate among land or sea mammals.
Latest Updates and Future Predictions
Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship recently reported about avian flu outbreak in a commercial gird layer farm in Sioux County, thus marking Iowa’s first avian bird flu outbreak this year. This farm homes 4.2 million birds which will be culled to prevent spread further.
USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services (APHIS) reported more H5N1 detections in mammals and wild birds. These detections spanned across various states involving different animals such as domestic cats, red foxes and raccoons thus emphasizing robust bio security practices for protection of livestock and wildlife.
Final Thoughts
The prospective funding and development of Moderna’s mRNA bird flu vaccines mark an important advancement in public health preparedness. As concerns regarding H5N1 bird flu continue to surge, collaboration between biotech companies and government agencies signifies the need of invention and quick response while tackling emerging health threats. The results of these efforts will be anticipated with interest as they have potential to vastly augment our capabilities for combating future pandemics.
