Experimental Moderna flu shot more effective than approved vaccine, company says
Moderna Inc. said Monday its experimental flu shot showed positive results in a late-stage trial.
In a Phase 3 study, the company’s mRNA-1010 flu vaccine’s efficacy was nearly 27 percent higher for adults 50 and older than a currently available shot.
The shot also showed strong efficacy against each of the major influenza strains in the shot, including A/H1N1, A/H3N2 and the B/Victoria lineages.
Efficacy appeared consistently strong across age groups, flu vaccination status and among people with various risk factors, Moderna said in a statement.
The trial enrolled more than 40,800 adults 50 and older from 11 countries.
“The severity of this past flu season underscores the need for more effective vaccines,” said Stéphane Bancel, chief executive officer of Moderna. “An mRNA-based flu vaccine has the potential advantage to more precisely match circulating strains, support rapid response in a future influenza pandemic, and pave the way for COVID-19 combination vaccines.”
Seasonal flu-related hospitalizations and outpatient visits reached a 15-year high during the 2024-25 season, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). At least 600,000 Americans were hospitalized last year due to flu-related illness, agency data show.
According to the CDC, seasonal flu-related hospitalizations and outpatient visits reached a 15-year high during the 2024-2025 season. More than 600,000 Americans were hospitalized due to flu-related illness last year, leading to substantial direct and indirect costs, as well as widespread disruption to daily life and work
After consulting the Food and Drug Administration, Moderna withdrew its application last month for a dual flu and COVID-19 vaccine for adults 50 years old and older.
Moderna plans to resubmit the application for the combination vaccine with the new data, according to CNBC. The company also plans to submit the data on the mRNA-1010 shot to U.S. regulators this year.