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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Moderna's mFlusvia, the first mRNA-based flu vaccine for adults aged 50 to 64.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved mFlusvia, a new mRNA-based influenza vaccine developed by Moderna for adults aged 50 to 64. This vaccine represents the first influenza shot to utilize mRNA technology, which uses genetic code to prompt the body to produce a harmless virus protein to trigger an immune response.

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Unlike traditional vaccines, mRNA vaccines can be updated and produced faster to target specific seasonal strains. GSK is also developing an mRNA-based flu vaccine that is progressing to Phase III studies. This experimental vaccine targets both HA and NA surface proteins to help protect against the flu. GSK plans to begin these late-stage trials in September 2026. If successful, it will compete directly with Moderna's mFlusvia, which received regulatory approval in August 2026. While mRNA technology has been under scrutiny from the administration, specifically from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who questioned its safety and cut government funding for 22 mRNA initiatives in August 2025, interest in the modality remains high due to its success in treating cancer and COVID-19.

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