Ramona Adams
Moderna Therapeutics has secured a potential five-year, $125 million contract from the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response to produce a vaccine for the Zika virus.
HHS said Wednesday ASPR’s Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority will help Moderna conduct clinical trial, toxicology studies, vaccine formulation and manufacturing through the contract’s four-year base period worth $8.2 million.
“BARDA is taking a three-pronged approach to combat Zika, developing vaccines, diagnostics, and technologies that will protect the blood supply,” said BARDA Acting Director Richard Hatchett.
Vaccine development work could include phase two and phase three clinical trials and large scale manufacturing if additional funds are identified, HHS added.
The department noted Moderna will produce its vaccine through messenger RNA technology that will work to carry the genetic sequence of Zika to generate an immune response in patients.
Moderna will design its mRNA vaccine to be administered without specialized devices, HHS said.
BARDA received $85 million in reprogrammed funds to support Zika mitigation efforts in April and BARDA has obligated all of the funds after the contract award to Moderna.
ASPR partners with the private sector and other federal agencies such as the National Institutes of Health to help develop medical products that address the health effects of disasters and public health emergencies.
