Latest news with #COVID-flu
Boston Globe
30-06-2025
- Business
- Boston Globe
Moderna's flu vaccine hits goal, paving way for combo shot
Shares rose as much as 5.8 percent at the start of normal trading on Monday in New York. Advertisement Moderna believes packaging the two immunizations together will lead to higher uptake of COVID vaccines. Nearly half of American adults get an annual flu shot, while only about 23 percent got the latest COVID vaccine. Moderna's flu shot, which uses mRNA technology, also could contribute to a longtime public health goal: a better standalone flu shot. That mission has only become more urgent after the US just experienced by some measures its worst flu season in 15 years. This year's flu vaccines were 56 percent effective. The company will seek approval for both its standalone flu shot and its COVID-flu combination vaccine, said Jacqueline Miller, Moderna's chief medical officer. The flu vaccine 'is such a central component of our strategy,' Miller said in an interview, adding that a combination COVID-flu shot could entice someone who 'is put off by getting two injections at once.' Advertisement Moderna's technology can make vaccines faster than the standard method, which requires growing the live virus in chicken eggs then inactivating it. That could make it easier to match the vaccine to the dominant strains that are circulating each season. The results are a rare bright spot for a company that has struggled with the decline of its COVID business and more recently, the new leadership of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vaccine critic. Under Kennedy, US health officials have rolled back long-standing recommendations around COVID shots for children and pregnant women, approved Moderna's updated COVID shot for a narrower group of people and terminated the company's contract to develop bird flu vaccines. After the bird flu vaccine contract cancellation, the company has been 'actively seeking other funding sources' and is considering advancing the vaccine on its own, Miller said. Moderna's flu program has been on a tumultuous path. Over two years ago, the company's standalone flu vaccine yielded mixed results. Several months later, the company reported that a reformulated version produced a stronger immune response. Last year, the company said it would focus its resources on seeking approval for a flu and COVID combination vaccine because it said it would have a bigger impact.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
QDEL Q1 Earnings Call: Cost Savings and Tariff Mitigation Anchor 2025 Outlook
Healthcare diagnostics company QuidelOrtho (NASDAQ:QDEL) met Wall Street's revenue expectations in Q1 CY2025, but sales fell by 2.6% year on year to $692.8 million. The company's outlook for the full year was close to analysts' estimates with revenue guided to $2.71 billion at the midpoint. Its non-GAAP profit of $0.74 per share was 24.9% above analysts' consensus estimates. Is now the time to buy QDEL? Find out in our full research report (it's free). Revenue: $692.8 million vs analyst estimates of $689.8 million (2.6% year-on-year decline, in line) Adjusted EPS: $0.74 vs analyst estimates of $0.59 (24.9% beat) Adjusted EBITDA: $159.8 million vs analyst estimates of $149.4 million (23.1% margin, 7% beat) The company reconfirmed its revenue guidance for the full year of $2.71 billion at the midpoint Management reiterated its full-year Adjusted EPS guidance of $2.32 at the midpoint EBITDA guidance for the full year is $595 million at the midpoint, in line with analyst expectations Operating Margin: 4.7%, up from -247% in the same quarter last year Market Capitalization: $2.09 billion QuidelOrtho's first quarter results were shaped by growth in its core laboratories segment, stable immunohematology performance, and a robust flu testing season, offset by lower COVID-related and donor screening revenues. CEO Brian Blaser highlighted that the labs business, now over half of total revenue, delivered 7% year-over-year growth, while immunohematology grew 4%. Blaser credited the company's ongoing cost reduction initiatives—including staffing cuts and procurement efficiencies—for a 450 basis point improvement in adjusted EBITDA margin. The company also benefited from increased sales of its COVID-flu combination tests, which Blaser described as showing 'very stable performance,' helping mitigate the broader decline in COVID-only testing volumes. Management characterized the quarter as further evidence that its 2024 operational changes are positively impacting profitability and business stability. Looking ahead, QuidelOrtho's management sees its narrowed set of strategic priorities—expanding platform content, margin improvement, and targeted commercial execution—as key drivers for 2025. Blaser emphasized the company's plans to fully offset anticipated tariff headwinds, noting, 'We believe the incremental actions we are taking are sufficient to fully offset the tariff impacts as they stand today.' The company expects recurring revenues from consumables to underpin stability, supported by a diversified manufacturing footprint. CFO Joe Busky added that visibility into labs and immunohematology growth in China supports a mid- to high-single-digit outlook for that market, assuming the tariff environment remains unchanged. Management remains focused on delivering cost savings and maintaining profitability targets, while monitoring for potential shifts in COVID and flu testing demand. Management attributed the quarter's performance to solid growth in non-COVID segments, benefits from prior cost-reduction actions, and strong execution in the labs and flu testing businesses. Labs business momentum: Core laboratories led growth, with consistent demand in clinical chemistry and immunoassay testing, representing over half of Q1 revenue. Immunohematology stability: The immunohematology segment maintained its global leadership with steady 4% growth, particularly benefiting from strength in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region. Flu and combo testing resilience: Sales of flu tests and the COVID-flu combination test remained strong, offsetting the expected decline in pure COVID testing. The durability of the combo product contributed to recurring revenue streams. Cost savings initiatives: Operational changes—including staff reductions, procurement efficiencies, and expense controls—were credited with expanding non-GAAP margins and reducing operating costs. Management expects further incremental savings in 2025. Tariff mitigation efforts: The company outlined a multi-pronged strategy to counter expected $30–40 million tariff headwinds. Actions include re-sourcing materials, adjusting supply chains, selective pricing, and ongoing inventory repositioning. Management stated these steps are expected to fully neutralize tariff effects on financial results. QuidelOrtho's outlook for 2025 is anchored by recurring revenue growth in core segments, ongoing cost control, and strategies to manage external headwinds such as tariffs. Recurring consumables revenue: Management highlighted that over 90% of sales stem from consumables, providing a stable revenue foundation less susceptible to one-time instrument sales volatility. The company expects this model to drive consistent growth, especially in labs and immunohematology. Cost discipline and savings: The company is on track to realize the remainder of its $100 million annualized cost savings program, with additional procurement and cash flow initiatives expected to deliver a further $30–50 million in savings during 2025. These efforts are intended to support margin expansion even as the company faces external cost pressures. Tariff and macro environment management: Expected tariff headwinds are being addressed through supply chain adjustments, selective price increases, and cost reductions. Management expressed confidence that these measures will allow QuidelOrtho to maintain its guidance even if the tariff situation evolves, but noted that ongoing monitoring is required due to the dynamic nature of global trade policy. In the coming quarters, the StockStory team will be watching (1) the pace at which cost savings and procurement initiatives translate into sustained margin gains, (2) the impact of tariff mitigation actions on both supply chain flexibility and pricing power, and (3) any changes in demand for respiratory testing—particularly the COVID-flu combination test. Progress on Savanna respiratory panel submission and broader product pipeline developments will also serve as key signposts for tracking execution. QuidelOrtho currently trades at a forward P/E ratio of 12.1×. Is the company at an inflection point that warrants a buy or sell? The answer lies in our full research report (it's free). Donald Trump's victory in the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election sent major indices to all-time highs, but stocks have retraced as investors debate the health of the economy and the potential impact of tariffs. While this leaves much uncertainty around 2025, a few companies are poised for long-term gains regardless of the political or macroeconomic climate, like our Top 5 Strong Momentum Stocks for this week. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 183% over the last five years (as of March 31st 2025). Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,545% between March 2020 and March 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-micro-cap company Kadant (+351% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.
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First Post
30-05-2025
- Business
- First Post
US vulnerable to bird flu but Trump administration cancels $766 mn Moderna vaccine deal
The US Department of Health and Human Services, under Robert F Kennedy Jr, said that after reviewing the Biden-era deal, it was found that the Moderna project did not meet the scientific standards or safety expectations required for continued federal investment read more A test tube labelled "Bird Flu", eggs and a piece of paper in the colours of the US national flag are seen in this picture illustration, January 14, 2023. File Image/Reuters US President Donald Trump's administration has cancelled a deal with Moderna vaccine worth $76 million at a time when cases have started flaring up in the country, affecting poultry. The former Biden administration had awarded Moderna a $590 million contract to advance the development of its bird flu vaccine and support the expansion of clinical studies for up to five additional subtypes of pandemic influenza. That deal now stands null and void, which effectively means that the drug maker does not have the authorisation to create vaccines and sell their shots. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The US Department of Health and Human Services, under Robert F Kennedy Jr, said that after reviewing the Biden-era deal , it was found that the Moderna project did not meet the scientific standards or safety expectations required for continued federal investment. It is important to note that RFK Jr is a vaccine sceptic, particularly the mRNA technology that is employed in making Moderna vaccines. Moderna stocks tumble The company has been banking on revenue from newer mRNA shots, including its bird flu vaccine and experimental COVID-flu combination vaccine, to make up for waning post-pandemic demand for its COVID vaccine. After the announcement about its bird flu vaccine, shares of Moderna were flat in after-market trading. As it is, the company was not doing so good business-wise. In the first quarter, Moderna reported a loss of $2.52 per share on $86 million in product sales. While the loss was smaller than expected and an improvement over the $3.07 per-share loss from the same period last year, revenue fell short of expectations. Analysts polled by FactSet had projected sales of $107.3 million. Bird flu in US Bird flu has been spreading in the US for quite time, hitting the sale and consumption of poultry products and affecting businesses. As of May 6, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recorded 70 cases of avian influenza and one death. In April 2024, the CDC confirmed the first human case of bird flu in a Texas dairy worker who had been exposed to cows suspected of being infected. This case is believed to mark the first known transmission of the H5N1 strain from mammals to humans. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies
Int'l Business Times
29-05-2025
- Business
- Int'l Business Times
Moderna Loses $700M US Contract for Bird Flu Vaccine Development
The Moderna logo is seen at the Moderna campus in Norwood, Massachusetts on on December 2, 2020, where the biotechnology company is mass producing its Covid-19 vaccine. Moderna announced Wednesday that the Trump administration has canceled a major contract worth nearly $700 million for the development of its bird flu vaccine. This decision ends a key pandemic preparedness project started during the Biden administration. In January, Moderna received $590 million from the US government to support clinical trials and build a vaccine for H5N1, the bird flu virus that's been spreading among cattle and poultry. According to Reuters , the funding followed an earlier $176 million award given in 2024 for the same purpose. The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) said it ended the agreement after a full internal review. A spokesperson explained, "The project did not meet the scientific standards or safety expectations required for continued federal investment." Moderna's early data from testing showed strong results. In a study with around 300 adults, 98% of participants developed immunity within three weeks of the second shot. Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel said the vaccine was "well-tolerated" and produced a "robust immune response." 🚨BREAKING: HHS Terminates Moderna's $766 Million in mRNA Bird Flu Injection Contracts🔻 Ends all federal purchase commitments🔻 $590M canceled for late-stage clinical trials🔻 $176M canceled for early R&D support This marks a major policy shift away from dangerous mRNA… — Nicolas Hulscher, MPH (@NicHulscher) May 28, 2025 Moderna to Push Bird Flu Vaccine Without Federal Funding Despite the promising findings, the federal government pulled its support. Public health expert Amesh Adalja from Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security said canceling the deal "throws away one of the fastest tools we have" to fight a possible bird flu outbreak. He also noted the decision goes against the earlier rapid-response approach used during COVID-19. Bird flu has infected at least 70 people in the past year, most of them farm workers. It continues to spread among animals, raising concerns about a future outbreak in humans, AP News said. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has questioned vaccine use and previously suggested letting the virus spread in poultry to study natural resistance. His remarks were criticized by some members of Congress. Moderna said it still plans to move forward with its bird flu vaccine. The company will look for other ways to continue late-stage development and production. "We will explore alternative paths forward for the program," Bancel added. The company has been counting on its new mRNA vaccines—including the bird flu and a COVID-flu combo shot—to replace falling demand for its original COVID-19 vaccine. Moderna's stock price did not change much after the announcement, staying mostly flat in after-hours trading. Originally published on © {{Year}} All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
US cancels more than $700 million funding for Moderna bird flu vaccine
By Patrick Wingrove (Reuters) -The Trump administration has canceled a contract awarded to Moderna for the late-stage development of its bird flu vaccine for humans, as well as the right to purchase shots, the drugmaker announced on Wednesday. Shares of Moderna were flat in after-market trading. Moderna in January was awarded $590 million by the Biden administration to advance the development of its bird flu vaccine, and support the expansion of clinical studies for up to five additional subtypes of pandemic influenza This was in addition to $176 million awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) last year to complete the late-stage development and testing of a pre-pandemic mRNA-based vaccine against the H5N1 avian influenza. HHS told Reuters earlier this year that it was reviewing agreements made by the Biden administration for vaccine production. "The cancellation means that the government is discarding what could be one of the most effective and rapid tools to combat an avian influenza outbreak," said Amesh Adalja, senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, adding that it is the opposite approach Trump took with Operation Warp Speed to combat COVID-19. An HHS spokesperson said that after a comprehensive internal review, the agency had determined that the project did not meet the scientific standards or safety expectations required for continued federal investment. Bird flu has infected 70 people, most of them farm workers, over the past year as it has spread aggressively among cattle herds and poultry flocks. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has questioned the use of vaccines and earlier this year drew censure from some in the U.S. Congress after he suggested in a television interview that poultry farmers should let the bird flu spread unchecked through their flocks to study chickens who did not contract it. Moderna said it plans to explore alternatives for late-stage development and manufacturing of the vaccine. The company has been banking on revenue from newer mRNA shots, including its bird flu vaccine and experimental COVID-flu combination vaccine, to make up for waning post-pandemic demand for its COVID vaccine. Moderna also said on Wednesday that it had received positive interim data from a mid-stage trial set up to test the safety and immunogenicity of its bird flu vaccine targeting the H5 avian influenza virus subtype. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
