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Moderna Awaits FDA Decisions on Flu and RSV Vaccines

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/19 .. waits-fda-decisions-on-flu-and-rsv-vaccines.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, February 19th 2026 at 8:35 GMT by NBC 10 Philadelphia
      Locales: Pennsylvania, Maryland, Massachusetts, UNITED STATES

Philadelphia, PA - February 19th, 2026 - Moderna, the biotechnology company that rose to prominence with its mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, is now aggressively expanding its portfolio of preventative medicines, currently awaiting crucial decisions from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding both its novel influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines. The company's updated influenza vaccine is under review by the FDA advisory panel today, while a decision on its RSV vaccine is anticipated in the near future, potentially solidifying Moderna's position as a leader in preventative respiratory illness care.

The FDA's review of Moderna's influenza vaccine represents a significant step forward in the development of more effective flu shots. Traditional flu vaccines are often limited by their reliance on predicting which influenza strains will be dominant each year. This predictive process is imperfect, leading to years where the vaccine's efficacy is significantly reduced. Moderna's approach, leveraging its mRNA technology, aims to overcome this limitation. The current vaccine candidate isn't a standalone influenza solution, but rather a combination shot designed to provide protection against both seasonal influenza and COVID-19. This dual-protection strategy could simplify vaccination schedules and offer broader defense against common respiratory threats.

According to Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel, data from clinical trials indicates a robust immune response to the combined vaccine. While specifics of the trial data remain under wraps pending the FDA review, the company's confidence suggests a notable improvement over existing flu vaccines. The mRNA platform allows for rapid adaptation to emerging viral strains, meaning future iterations of the vaccine could be quickly modified to address new threats without requiring lengthy development cycles. This adaptability is a key advantage for mRNA vaccines in a constantly evolving viral landscape.

The potential approval of Moderna's RSV vaccine is equally significant. RSV is a common respiratory virus that typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms. However, it can be severe, even life-threatening, for infants, young children, and older adults. For decades, there was no widely available vaccine to protect against RSV, leaving vulnerable populations particularly susceptible. Several vaccines have been developed in recent years, but Moderna's candidate, utilizing the same mRNA technology as its COVID-19 and influenza vaccines, aims to offer a potentially more effective and longer-lasting protection.

If approved, Moderna's RSV vaccine would represent a substantial advancement in public health, particularly for the elderly. The existing RSV vaccines approved in 2023, primarily targeted toward those 60 and older, demonstrated significant efficacy in reducing severe illness and hospitalization. Moderna's offering could provide a competitive alternative, potentially driving down costs and increasing accessibility. The focus on mRNA technology also allows for the possibility of future iterations tailored to protect younger demographics, including infants, though development in this area is ongoing.

The success of Moderna's mRNA platform, initially proven during the COVID-19 pandemic, is now extending to multiple infectious diseases. This expansion is not without its challenges. Manufacturing capacity, distribution logistics, and ongoing monitoring for long-term safety remain critical concerns. Furthermore, maintaining public trust in vaccines is paramount, requiring transparent communication about benefits and potential risks. The combination vaccine approach, while convenient, also introduces complexity in assessing efficacy for each individual component - ensuring robust protection against both influenza and COVID-19 will be crucial.

Analysts predict that the market for respiratory vaccines will continue to grow in the coming years, driven by an aging global population and increasing awareness of the importance of preventative healthcare. Moderna's aggressive pursuit of multiple vaccines positions it to capture a significant share of this market. The outcomes of the FDA reviews for both the influenza and RSV vaccines will be closely watched by investors, healthcare professionals, and the public alike, signalling a potential turning point in the fight against common, yet often debilitating, respiratory illnesses.