STAT+: FDA advisory panel endorses Moderna mRNA flu vaccine that was subject of controversy

STAT PlusBiotech FDA advisory panel endorses Moderna mRNA flu vaccine that was subject of controversy Agency had briefly refused to consider accepting shot for review Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Helen BranswellJune 18, 2026 Infectious Diseases Correspondent Helen BranswellHelen Branswell covers issues broadly related to infectious diseases, including outbreaks, preparedness, research, and vaccine development. Follow her on Mastodon and Bluesky. You can reach Helen on Signal at hbranswell.01. A panel of advisers to the Food and Drug Administration gave its endorsement Thursday to a seasonal mRNA flu vaccine that was developed by Moderna and that earlier this year became the subject of controversy when a top agency official briefly refused to even consider accepting it for review. The Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee — known as VRBPAC — voted unanimously that the benefits of the vaccine outweigh the risks for both adults ages 50 to 64, and those 65 and older. It remains to be seen what the FDA will decide, but staff presentations during the meeting suggested the agency sees the vaccine as having cleared sufficient hurdles to be licensed via a traditional pathway for the younger group, and an accelerated pathway for the older group. Advertisement Multiple flu vaccines currently on the market were first licensed using an accelerated pathway, Wellington Sun, a former FDA employee, noted during the meeting’s public comment period. (After leaving FDA, Sun worked for Moderna, but he is no longer with the company.) STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus daily coverage and analysis of the biotech sector — by subscribing to STAT+. Already have an account? Log in Monthly $39 Totals $468 per year $39/month Get Started Totals $468 per year Starter $30 for 3 months, then $399/year $30 for 3 months Get Started Then $399/year Annual $399 Save 15% $399/year Get Started Save 15% 11+ Users Custom Savings start at 25%! Request A Quote Request A Quote Savings start at 25%! 2-10 Users $300 Annually per user $300/year Get Started $300 Annually per user View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Log In biotechnology, FDA, Moderna, Pharmaceuticals, public health, STAT+ Submit a correction requestReprints Helen Branswell Infectious Diseases Correspondent Helen Branswell covers issues broadly related to infectious diseases, including outbreaks, preparedness, research, and vaccine development. Follow her on Mastodon and Bluesky. You can reach Helen on Signal at hbranswell.01. Newsletter All the health and medical news you need today, in one email Recommended The Readout June 18, 2026 STAT Plus: Cambrian’s experimental longevity drug mimics exercise Adam's Biotech Scorecard June 18, 2026 STAT Plus: In pancreatic cancer, Patrick Soon-Shiong makes promises he has not kept Advertisement STATus Report June 18, 2026 What’s next for GLP-1 weight loss drugs? The Readout June 17, 2026 STAT Plus: FDA appears open to Moderna’s flu vaccine ahead of adcomm Biotech June 17, 2026 STAT Plus: Following dispute with FDA, UniQure is cleared to submit Huntington’s treatment for approval Subscriber Picks