Moderna secured CEPI as a new funding backer to support a Phase 3 trial of its mRNA‑1018 H5 pandemic influenza vaccine after U.S. government funding was withdrawn. The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations agreed to front up to $54.3 million to keep the pivotal study on track. CEPI’s intervention came after HHS funding was scrapped, and the move preserves momentum on an mRNA‑based H5 candidate that could form part of pandemic preparedness portfolios. Moderna said the partnership will allow it to proceed with planned late‑stage testing and keep timelines viable for licensure discussions if the trial succeeds. The deal underlines the role of multilateral funders in de‑risking high‑cost pandemic vaccine trials and highlights how public funding shifts can force industry to seek alternative financing to advance platform‑based vaccine candidates.