A vaccine trial targeting H5N1 influenza has commenced in the UK, marking the first immunizations of volunteers against this potential pandemic strain. The vaccine uses messenger RNA technology, the same platform deployed for Covid vaccines, which researchers say enables rapid development and scaling capabilities should a pandemic emerge. The H5N1 strain has caused significant infections in bird populations globally and has spread to certain mammal species, though the current risk to humans remains limited according to the UK Health Security Agency.
The trial aims to enroll 4,000 participants, with recruitment efforts focused on two high-risk groups: individuals employed in the poultry industry and people over 65 years old. Three-quarters of participants will be recruited across 26 trial sites in England and Scotland, with the remaining participants enrolled in the United States. The study will evaluate the vaccine’s safety profile and its capacity to generate an adequate immune response.
Since 2024, there have been 116 confirmed human cases documented globally, nearly all associated with direct contact with infected animals. Researchers emphasize that while human-to-human transmission does not currently occur readily, such transmission must be considered a genuine possibility warranting preventive action. The traditional approach to flu vaccine production involves cultivating virus in eggs, a method complicated by highly pathogenic avian flu strains that can destroy the eggs required during manufacturing. The mRNA approach addresses this limitation by enabling faster production timelines.
Manufacturing capacity would be established through Moderna’s facility in Harwell, Oxfordshire, which currently produces Covid vaccines for the UK. The plant can produce 100 million doses annually under standard conditions, with capacity to scale to 250 million doses if pandemic circumstances warrant increased production. Funding support for the trial comes from CEPI, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, which has provided £40 million, following a reduction in US government mRNA vaccine funding. As part of the arrangement, Moderna has committed to ensuring rapid and affordable vaccine access to low and middle-income countries during any future pandemic scenario.
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