FDA approves Moderna's mRNA flu vaccine for older adults, first of its kind

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted approval for Moderna's influenza vaccine designed for older adults. This marks the first licensed flu shot that uses messenger RNA technology.

The decision follows a rapid development timeline, with the agency previously issuing a rare refusal to file notice earlier in the year. Regulators now deem the vaccine safe and effective for its target population, expanding the toolkit for seasonal flu prevention.

The newsletter also noted other developments, including a reported death in a gene‑editing trial in China and an FDA approval for a Takeda treatment for narcolepsy, underscoring a busy period for biotech advancements.