FDA Approves First mRNA-Based Seasonal Flu Vaccine for Adults Aged 50+

The FDA has approved mFLUSIVA (mRNA-1010), the first mRNA-based seasonal influenza vaccine, for adults aged 50 years and older. Moderna received traditional approval for adults aged 50–64 years and accelerated approval for those aged 65 years and older, with a postmarketing study planned to confirm effectiveness in the older population.

"The FDA approval of mFLUSIVA, our fourth approved product in the United States and the first mRNA-based flu vaccine, demonstrates the continued strength and versatility of our mRNA platform," said Stéphane Bancel, Chief Executive Officer of Moderna. "Flu remains a significant public health challenge, and mFLUSIVA provides an important new option for America's seniors. This approval also reflects the ongoing potential of our mRNA platform to help address important public health challenges through continued scientific innovation. We are grateful to the clinical trial participants, investigators, regulators and Moderna teams whose contributions made this milestone possible."

The FDA's approval of mFLUSIVA in adults 50 through 64 years of age is based on results from a randomized, observer-blind, active-controlled, Phase 3 clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT06602024), which enrolled 40,805 adults aged 50 years and older across 11 countries. The primary objectives in this study were to evaluate the safety and reactogenicity of mFLUSIVA, and to evaluate relative vaccine efficacy (rVE) of mFLUSIVA versus a standard dose (SD) active comparator against reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)-confirmed protocol-defined influenza-like illness (ILI) caused by any influenza A or B strains.

Use in adults 65 years of age and older was granted accelerated approval based on results from a randomized, observer-blind, active-controlled clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05827978), which enrolled 2,992 adults 65 years of age and older in the United States. The primary objective in this study was to evaluate the immunogenicity of mFLUSIVA versus a high-dose (HD) inactivated influenza vaccine comparator. The effectiveness of mFLUSIVA in adults 65 years of age and older is also supported by the descriptive analysis of rVE in the randomized, observer-blind, active-controlled, Phase 3 clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT06602024). Confirmation of clinical benefit in this population will be assessed in a postmarketing clinical trial.

The Phase 3 program demonstrated an acceptable safety profile for mFLUSIVA, with no new safety concerns identified, consistent with previously reported studies of mFLUSIVA.

Moderna expects to have mFLUSIVA available for eligible populations in the U.S. for the 2026-2027 respiratory virus season, alongside Spikevax® (COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA), mRESVIA® (Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccine) and mNEXSPIKE® (COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA).

mRNA-1010 has been accepted for regulatory review in the European Union, Canada and Australia. Regulatory submissions in additional countries are planned during 2026.