The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched an initiative to accelerate the development of mRNA shots for bird flu.

“A new project aiming to accelerate the development and accessibility of human avian influenza (H5N1) messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine candidates for manufacturers in low- and middle-income countries has been launched today,” the WHO announced Monday.

“The Argentinian manufacturer Sinergium Biotech will lead this effort leveraging the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) mRNA Technology Transfer Programme,” it added.

From the WHO:

The mRNA Technology Transfer Programme, jointly developed by WHO and MPP, was launched in July 2021 with the aim to build capacity in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) for the development and production of mRNA-based vaccines. Sinergium Biotech, a partner in the mRNA Technology Transfer Programme, has developed candidate H5N1 vaccines and aims to establish proof-of-concept in preclinical models. Once the preclinical data package is concluded, the technology, materials, and expertise will be shared with other manufacturing partners, aiding the acceleration of the development of H5N1 vaccine candidates, and bolstering pandemic preparedness efforts.

“This initiative exemplifies why WHO established the mRNA Technology Transfer Programme – to foster greater research, development and production in low- and middle-income countries, so that when the next pandemic arrives, the world will be better prepared to mount a more effective and more equitable response,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.

“When we created the mRNA Technology Transfer Programme with WHO, our goal was to enable low- and middle-income countries to lead development efforts, foster collaboration, share resources, and disseminate knowledge,” said Charles Gore, Executive Director of MPP. “This project embodies our vision and demonstrates a strong commitment to future pandemic preparedness and response.”

COVID-19 jab manufacturer Moderna is also developing an mRNA shot for bird flu.

The United States government will give Moderna $176 million to develop the jab.

Moderna To Receive $176 Million From United States Government To Develop mRNA Jab For Bird Flu

“Moderna already has a bird flu vaccine in very early-stage testing that uses the same mRNA technology that allowed rapid development and rollout of vaccines to protect against COVID-19,” the Associated Press noted.

“The award also enables rapid development of mRNA vaccine targeted to various influenza virus subtypes, or strains, with pandemic potential. Development and manufacturing can pivot quickly, if needed to address other emerging infectious diseases, HHS said,” the McCullough Foundation stated.

From the Associated Press:

The new funds from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services include continued development of the vaccine, including a late-stage trial next year if those early study results are positive.

But the project can be quickly redirected to target another form of influenza if a different threat than the H5N1 form of bird flu emerges, HHS officials stressed.

The award was made through the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, or BARDA, a program that focuses on medical treatments for potential pandemics.

The H5N1 virus was detected earlier this year in dairy cows and has spread to more than 135 herds in 12 states and infected three people to date, all with mild cases. Federal health officials stress that the risk to the wider population remains low.

In related news, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released an amendment to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic (FD&C) Act regarding avian influenza, stating “there is a significant potential for a public health emergency.”

Health And Human Services Department Issues Emergency Declaration Regarding Bird Flu, ‘Significant Potential For Public Health Emergency’

“On July 18, 2024, the Secretary amended the April 19, 2013, determination made pursuant to the FD&C Act, regarding the avian influenza A (H79N) virus, and determined pursuant to his authority under the Act that there is a significant potential for a public health emergency that has a significant potential to affect national security or the health and security of United States citizens living abroad and that involves biological agents, namely pandemic influenza A viruses and influenza A viruses with pandemic potential,” the notice read.

 

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