FDA Weighs First mRNA Flu Vaccine as U.S. Missile Stockpiles Shrink During Iran War
The FDA is deciding whether to approve Moderna's mFlusiva, the first flu vaccine using mRNA technology, after a trial of more than 40,000 participants showed it is safe and offers stronger protection than traditional flu shots for adults 50 and older. A panel of independent FDA advisers voted unanimously to recommend approval in June. Separately, NPR reported that U.S. precision missile stockpiles, including PrSMs and ATACMs, are nearly depleted following their use in the war with Iran, and the U.S. Patriot interceptor stockpile has shrunk by two-thirds since the conflict began.
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The Food and Drug Administration is weighing approval of Moderna's mFlusiva vaccine, which would be the first flu shot in the United States to use mRNA technology. The vaccine operates similarly to Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies against influenza viruses, according to NPR. Independent FDA advisers unanimously recommended approval in June.
NPR reported that the mRNA platform offers two practical advantages over traditional flu shots: it can be reformulated more quickly to match new flu strains, and it can be manufactured faster, potentially allowing a more rapid response to emerging pandemics. The trial of more than 40,000 participants demonstrated both safety and stronger efficacy for adults 50 and older.
NPR noted that the vaccine's path to approval has drawn skepticism, which the outlet attributed to public scrutiny of mRNA technology rooted in anger over COVID-19 vaccine mandates during the pandemic and the spread of misinformation about mRNA shot safety.