The Shrinking Number of Primary Care Physicians Is Reaching a Tipping Point

Moderna Awarded $590M To Help Accelerate Development Of MRNA-based Bird Flu Vaccine: HHS

Moderna has been awarded approximately $590 million from the federal government to help speed up the development of an mRNA-based bird flu vaccine, alongside other influenza vaccines, health officials announced Friday.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) said in a press release that the funding will allow the pharmaceutical company to accelerate the development of an H5N1 mRNA influenza vaccine "that is well matched to strains currently circulating in cows and birds and expands the clinical data supporting the use of mRNA vaccines that may be needed if other influenza strains emerge with pandemic potential."

MORE: What 3rd case of bird flu with unknown source of infection could mean in fight against disease

Moderna said the funding will support the expansion of clinical studies "for up to five additional subtypes of pandemic influenza."

The U.S. Government previously awarded the vaccine manufacturer $176 million in July 2024 to help expedite the development of an mRNA vaccine that could be used for bird flu.

mRNA technology is the same type that was used in the development of some COVID-19 vaccines. While some vaccines use a weakened or inactive virus to stimulate an immune response, mRNA vaccines teach the body how to make proteins that can trigger an immune response and fight off an infection.

Researchers can often design mRNA vaccines more quickly than they can produce the live or weakened pathogens needed for a live-attenuated or inactivated vaccine.

Avian influenza or bird flu.

Cavallini James/BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

The federal government already has two bird flu vaccine candidates, which use traditional vaccine technology, available in the nation's stockpile. Officials previously noted they'd have 10 million ready-to-use doses within the beginning of 2025. Vaccines were being stockpiled as a precaution.

"Avian flu variants have proven to be particularly unpredictable and dangerous to humans in the past. That is why this response has been a top priority for the Biden-Harris Administration and HHS," HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said in a statement on Friday. "Accelerating the development of new vaccines will allow us to stay ahead and ensure that Americans have the tools they need to stay safe."

Bird flu cases in humans have been spreading across the country since April 2024 with 67 confirmed cases as of Friday, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The first death of a human bird flu patient was reported in Louisiana earlier this month. The patient was over the age of 65 and had underlying medical conditions, according to health officials.

MORE: As 1st bird flu death reported in US, what could happen with virus in 2025?

Most human cases have occurred after coming into contact with infected cattle, infected poultry farms or other culling operations.

The CDC and other public health officials say there is currently no evidence of human-to-human transmission and the risk to the general public is low.

ABC News' Mary Kekatos contributed to this report.

Russia's Breakthrough MRNA Cancer Vaccine: Here's What You Need To Know

The global fight against cancer is at a pivotal moment. A breakthrough in Russia promises to redefine cancer treatment, with the country announcing its first mRNA cancer vaccine. This revolutionary development has the potential to save millions of lives, offering free distribution as early as 2025. Combining cutting-edge mRNA technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and years of cancer research, this vaccine is poised to become a game-changer in oncology.

This article explores the promise, science, and global implications of Russia's mRNA cancer vaccine, diving into the details of how it works, its pre-clinical successes, and the potential it holds for a more equitable future in cancer care.

A Bold Promise: Free Distribution of Cancer Vaccine by Early 2025

In an ambitious move, Russia has pledged to distribute its groundbreaking mRNA cancer vaccine for free by early 2025. This initiative marks a significant departure from the traditionally high costs associated with cancer treatments, particularly in the field of immunotherapy.

A Commitment to Accessibility

Making the vaccine freely available reflects Russia's commitment to addressing cancer as a public health crisis. By eliminating the financial barrier, the country aims to ensure that patients from all socioeconomic backgrounds can benefit from this life-saving technology.

A First in Cancer Care

While several mRNA vaccines are under development globally, Russia's approach to free distribution places it ahead of the curve. The announcement has sparked optimism among oncologists and policymakers worldwide, with many hoping this initiative will set a precedent for other nations to follow.

Pre-Clinical Triumphs: Suppressing Tumor Growth and Preventing Metastasis Early Testing Yields Promising Results

In pre-clinical trials, Russia's mRNA cancer vaccine has demonstrated remarkable efficacy in suppressing tumor growth and preventing metastasis—the spread of cancer to other parts of the body. Animal studies showed a significant reduction in tumor size, with some cases achieving complete remission.

Key Findings from Pre-Clinical Trials:

Tumor suppression: The vaccine reduced tumor growth rates by up to 80 percent in test subjects.

Metastasis prevention: The vaccine effectively halted the spread of cancer cells in over 70 percent of cases.

Survival rates: Test subjects treated with the vaccine showed significantly longer survival times compared to untreated groups.

RELATED: 10 Steps for a Successful Cancer Clinical Trial

Bridging Pre-Clinical Success to Human Trials

Human clinical trials are underway, with early-phase results expected in mid-2025. These trials aim to confirm the vaccine's safety, efficacy, and scalability in treating various types of cancer, including lung, breast, and melanoma.

AI at Work: Personalized Vaccines Developed in Under an Hour Revolutionizing Vaccine Development with AI

One of Russia's most groundbreaking aspects of the mRNA cancer vaccine is its use of artificial intelligence to develop personalized treatments. The technology analyzes a patient's tumor profile in real time, identifying unique mutations and crafting a tailored vaccine in under an hour.

How AI Personalizes the Vaccine:

Tumor Analysis: AI algorithms process biopsy data, identifying specific genetic mutations in the tumor.

mRNA Design: The system generates mRNA sequences designed to instruct the immune system to target cancer cells with these mutations.

Rapid Production: Once designed, the mRNA vaccine is synthesized and prepared for administration.

This personalized approach ensures that the vaccine targets the patient's specific cancer, making treatment more effective and reducing the risk of side effects.

Implications for Precision Medicine

The integration of AI in vaccine development represents a significant leap forward in precision medicine. By tailoring treatments to individual patients, this technology could drastically improve cancer patients' survival rates and quality of life.

How It Works: Boosting the Immune System to Target Cancer Cells The Science Behind mRNA Technology

At its core, the mRNA cancer vaccine uses the same principles as mRNA COVID-19 vaccines but applies them to oncology. MRNA (messenger RNA) is a molecule that carries genetic instructions from DNA to the cell's protein-making machinery.

How the Vaccine Works:

mRNA Delivery: The vaccine delivers synthetic mRNA into the patient's cells.

Protein Production: The cells use the mRNA instructions to produce antigens—proteins that mimic those found on the surface of cancer cells.

Immune Activation: These antigens trigger an immune response, teaching the body's T-cells to recognize and attack cancer cells bearing these proteins.

Addressing Cancer's Evasive Tactics

Cancer cells often evade the immune system by disguising themselves as normal cells. The mRNA vaccine overcomes this challenge by enhancing the immune system's ability to detect and destroy these disguised cells.

A Multi-Pronged Approach to Treatment

The vaccine is designed to work in conjunction with other therapies, such as chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy. This combination approach maximizes the chances of success, particularly in advanced or aggressive cancers.

Global Impact: What This Means for Cancer Treatment Accessibility A Step Toward Equity in Cancer Care

One of the most significant implications of Russia's mRNA cancer vaccine is its potential to improve access to cutting-edge treatments, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Traditional cancer therapies, such as immunotherapy and targeted drugs, are prohibitively expensive for many patients. A freely distributed vaccine could bridge this gap, saving countless lives.

Challenges to Global Distribution

Despite its promise, the vaccine's global rollout may face logistical challenges, including:

Manufacturing capacity: Scaling up production to meet global demand.

Cold chain requirements: Ensuring the vaccine remains stable during transportation and storage.

Regulatory approvals: Navigating different countries' regulatory frameworks for vaccine approval.

The Future of Cancer Treatment

Russia's mRNA cancer vaccine represents a turning point in oncology. If successful, it could pave the way for a new era of cancer treatment characterized by personalization, accessibility, and improved survival rates.

Conclusion

Russia's breakthrough mRNA cancer vaccine offers hope to millions of patients worldwide. By combining the power of mRNA technology, artificial intelligence, and an ambitious commitment to accessibility, this initiative has the potential to redefine cancer care as we know it.

As the world watches closely, the success of this vaccine could usher in a new chapter in the fight against cancer—one where cutting-edge treatments are no longer a privilege but a universal right. It will be interesting to see how things play out.

Moderna Nabs Another $590M From HHS For MRNA-Based Bird Flu Vaccines

Health and Human Services (HHS) announced on Friday that it was giving approximately $590 million to Moderna to produce mRNA-based vaccines against bird flu and other influenza strains with pandemic potential.

The money comes from HHS's Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA).

The goal of the funding is to get ahead of H5N1 avian influenza strains currently circulating in wild birds, poultry, and cows, with occasional and sporadic human infections, mostly in farm workers. H5N1 has killed millions of wild birds over the last few years, though there are currently no known cases of human-to-human transmission and the CDC considers the current public health risk of H5 avian flu strains to be low.

This award comes on top of $176 million that BARDA awarded Moderna in June 2024 to goose its production of mRNA vaccines for H5 and H7 avian flu viruses. That work has, according to Moderna, already produced positive data in initial Phase I/II studies.

"Avian flu variants have proven to be particularly unpredictable and dangerous to humans in the past. That is why this response has been a top priority for the Biden-Harris Administration and HHS," said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra in a statement. "Accelerating the development of new vaccines will allow us to stay ahead and ensure that Americans have the tools they need to stay safe."

HHS's funding will go toward Moderna developing an mRNA vaccine and a Phase III trial for H7N9 bird flu, another subtype commonly found in birds, as well as four additional "novel pandemic influenza vaccines," without specifying what those strains were. H7N9 is similarly slow to cross over into humans, although an outbreak in China between 2013 and 2019 caused about 1,500 human cases and about 600 deaths.

---