The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) agreed to fund Moderna’s mRNA H5 avian influenza vaccine candidate with up to $54.3 million to advance the program into Phase 3 testing. Moderna previously received substantial BARDA contracts that were later canceled; the CEPI award revives public‑private funding to push the candidate toward late‑stage studies. Under the agreement Moderna committed to allocate 20% of production capacity for low‑ and middle‑income countries in a pandemic scenario at affordable pricing. The funding comes amid renewed concern over avian influenza spillover and follows calls from public‑health stakeholders to prioritize rapid mRNA vaccine platforms for pandemic preparedness.