University of Nottingham seeks volunteers for H5N1 bird flu vaccine trial
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · May 5
University of Nottingham seeks volunteers for H5N1 bird flu vaccine trial
6 articles · Updated · BBC.com · May 5
The university is one of 26 UK sites in a national study involving about 3,000 adults, using mRNA technology first deployed in Covid vaccines.
Researchers will test whether the jab is safe and triggers a strong immune response, potentially allowing it to be licensed for use in any future outbreak.
H5N1 has caused major infections in birds, spread to some mammals and led to culls in Nottinghamshire; 116 human cases have been confirmed worldwide since 2024, mostly after animal contact.
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Phase 3 Trial of Moderna’s mRNA-1018 Vaccine Enrolling 4,000 Volunteers to Combat H5N1 Pandemic Threat in 2026
Overview
In 2026, the University of Nottingham and partners launched a major phase 3 trial to test Moderna's mRNA-1018 vaccine against the H5N1 avian influenza, driven by the virus's ongoing threat to animal populations and its pandemic potential. This trial benefits from recent improvements that sped up clinical setup and enrollment, reflecting a shift toward proactive, science-led pandemic preparedness. Moderna's mRNA technology enables rapid vaccine design and production, building on strong preclinical and early human trial results. Supported by CEPI funding and integrated with global surveillance efforts, this trial aims to generate crucial data to protect public health and inform future pandemic responses.