Moderna reported that its cytomegalovirus (CMV) vaccine failed to meet its primary efficacy endpoint in a large Phase III trial and said it will stop most development of the program. The candidate, long touted as a potential follow-on blockbuster to mRNA COVID vaccines, showed efficacy well below expectations according to company statements and media coverage. Moderna’s leadership framed the result as a setback for its infectious-disease ambitions while reiterating ongoing efforts in oncology and other mRNA platforms. The readout amplifies scrutiny on mRNA vaccine programs beyond COVID‑19 and could reshape investor and strategic priorities at Moderna and peer companies.