First MRNA Flu Vaccine mFlusiva Approved By FDA For Adults Over 50

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved mFlusiva, the first messenger RNA (mRNA) influenza vaccine developed by Moderna. The drug is indicated for adults aged 50 and older. The regulator applied two different approval pathways: adults aged 50 to 64 received standard approval, while those aged 65 and older were granted accelerated approval. This distinction addresses the need for more effective options for older adults, who often exhibit a diminished immune response to traditional vaccines. Mechanism and Clinical Data Unlike conventional vaccines that use inactivated or weakened viruses, mRNA technology delivers genetic instructions to cells. These instructions prompt the body to produce a specific viral protein, which the immune system recognizes as foreign and develops a defense against.