From @WSJopinion: mRNA technology has enormous potential, but the Trump team is throwing out the President’s Operation Warp Speed baby with the Biden bath water https://t.co/XNHvnZJgUt ...

happy to have you here. Um, so it was the summer of 2016. It was June 2016 and it was a terrible crime.Um, it happened in a small legal office, a legal office that specialized in uh, real estate and in immigration matters. Um, at this little legal office, somebody saw smoke coming out of the stairwell at that office. They called the fire department.Um, firefighters showed up and they did what brave firefighters do. They charged right into that burning building. Firefighters immediately found the source of t ...

Over two million lives have been saved because of mRNA technology. It helped us develop CO 19 vaccines in record time. People are going to die because we're cutting short funding for this technology. People are going to die because we are cutting short funding for this technology.That person is Dr. . Jerome Adams. If he looks familiar to you at all, that's because he was surgeon general in Donald Trump's first presidential term, saying now that people are going to die because of a newlyannounced decision by ...

A major change in US health policy this morning. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.. announcing he will shift nearly $500 million of federal funding away from the development of MN mRNA technology based vaccines. Now Kennedy is a longtime vaccine skeptic. He's already gutted a vaccine advisory committee.He's cut billions to state health agencies and canceled an ad campaign for the flu shot. Here's what he says about this latest decision. After reviewing the science and consulting top ...

Core Insights - BioNTech reported significant advancements in its oncology strategy, including collaborations and acquisitions aimed at enhancing its product pipeline and capabilities [2][6][30] - The company experienced a substantial increase in revenues for the second quarter of 2025, driven primarily by its COVID-19 vaccine collaboration [3][4] - BioNTech's financial position remains strong, with substantial cash reserves and expected cash inflows from strategic partnerships [10][11][14] Financial Performance - Revenues for Q2 2025 reached €260.8 million, up from €128.7 million in Q2 2024, while total revenues for the first half of 2025 were €443.6 million compared to €316.3 million in the prior year [3][4] - The net loss for Q2 2025 was €386.6 million, a significant reduction from a net loss of €807.8 million in Q2 2024, with a total net loss of €802.4 million for the first half of 2025 compared to €1,122.9 million in the same period last year [7][8] - Basic and diluted loss per share improved to €1.60 for Q2 2025 from €3.36 in Q2 2024, and for the first half of 2025, it was €3.33 compared to €4.67 in the prior year [8][41] Research and Development - R&D expenses for Q2 2025 were €509.1 million, down from €584.6 million in Q2 2024, with total R&D expenses for the first half of 2025 at €1,034.7 million compared to €1,092.1 million in the previous year [4][5] - The company is focusing on its oncology pipeline, including the development of BNT327, a bispecific antibody candidate, and has initiated several clinical trials for various cancer treatments [6][23][27] Strategic Developments - BioNTech entered a collaboration with Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) for the co-development of BNT327, which includes an upfront cash payment of $1.5 billion and potential milestone payments totaling up to $7.6 billion [10][11][12] - The acquisition of CureVac is expected to enhance BioNTech's capabilities in mRNA technology, complementing its existing product offerings [2][6][30] - The company has received approval for a new variant-adapted COVID-19 vaccine, with preparations for launch underway [6][22] Financial Guidance - BioNTech reaffirmed its revenue guidance for the full year 2025, expecting revenues to be between €1,700 million and €2,200 million, with a focus on late-stage development and commercialization in oncology [14][16] - Planned expenses for 2025 include R&D expenses of €2,600 million to €2,800 million and SG&A expenses of €650 million to €750 million [15][16]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q2 2025, the company reported revenues of $100 million and a net loss of $800 million, aligning with expectations and reflecting the seasonal nature of its respiratory vaccine business [7] - Cash and investments at the end of the quarter stood at $7.5 billion, down from $8.4 billion at the end of Q1 2025 [18] - The company achieved a 35% reduction in combined cost of sales, R&D, and SG&A compared to 2024, with cash operating expenses reduced by $581 million year-over-year, representing a 40% reduction [8][12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net product sales for the quarter were $114 million, primarily driven by COVID vaccine sales, with the U.S. accounting for approximately 80% of sales [14] - R&D expenses were $700 million, down 43% from the previous year, mainly due to the wind-down of respiratory trials [15] - SG&A expenses were $230 million, reflecting a 14% year-over-year decrease due to broad-based cost reductions [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The updated 2025 projected revenue range is $1.5 billion to $2.2 billion, reflecting a $300 million reduction at the high end due to a timing shift of UK COVID shipments to 2026 [19] - U.S. product sales are expected to range from $1 billion to $1.5 billion, while international product sales are projected at $400 million to $600 million [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on three strategic priorities: driving the use of commercial products, advancing its pipeline to drive sales growth, and executing with financial discipline [9][44] - The company aims to achieve a significant reduction in annual GAAP operating expenses from $11 billion in 2023 to $5 billion or less by 2027 [24][25] - The company is leveraging AI to enhance business processes, with 100% of knowledge workers actively using AI tools [46] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ability to further streamline operations and achieve cash cost reductions to $4.2 billion by 2027, aiming for cash breakeven by 2028 [45][50] - The company remains cautiously optimistic about the upcoming fall and winter season for COVID vaccines, noting solid spring booster campaign results [78] Other Important Information - The UK Court of Appeal upheld the validity of Moderna's EP949 patent, which is infringed by Pfizer and BioNTech, and the company will continue to enforce its patent rights globally [13] - The company announced a workforce reduction of approximately 10% to align its cost structure with current business conditions [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Context for changes to CMV and rationale for secondary endpoints - Management explained that the addition of secondary endpoints aims to enhance the study's value and ensure comprehensive data analysis, with a focus on protecting the study's integrity [55][56] Question: Expectations for COVID vaccine pricing in the U.S. - Management indicated that pricing discussions are complete, and they are confident in their revenue range, factoring in competitive pressures and vaccination rates [62][64] Question: Demand for COVID vaccines for the upcoming season - Management noted that while there is uncertainty, early signs from the spring booster campaign are encouraging, and they expect to have a clearer picture by the end of Q3 [78][79]

Core Viewpoint - Moderna is currently facing challenges with declining revenue and stock performance, but has potential for long-term growth if its oncology pipeline proves successful [1][2][9]. Revenue Performance - In 2022, Moderna generated over $19 billion in revenue, which fell to $3.24 billion in 2024, raising questions about its future revenue potential [2]. - The recent approval of a COVID-19 vaccine for at-risk children aged 6 months and older may open new market opportunities, but it is uncertain if this will restore revenue to previous levels [2]. Pipeline Developments - Moderna is focusing on applying its mRNA technology to oncology, with the intismeran autogene vaccine currently in phase 3 trials for melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer [4][5]. - Other potential oncology applications include treatments for bladder cancer and renal cell carcinoma [4]. Valuation Insights - Valuation is challenging due to recent losses; analysts do not expect earnings per share until at least 2027, with a potential EPS of $3.52, leading to a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 9 times [8]. - The current price-to-sales ratio stands at 3.6 times fiscal 2024 sales, with projected revenue for 2025 expected to decline further to between $1.5 billion and $2.5 billion [10]. Market Potential - The oncology market is projected to reach $900 billion by 2034, representing a significant growth opportunity for Moderna if it successfully navigates clinical trials and regulatory approvals [9]. Investment Considerations - Investors need to be patient as Moderna works through its clinical trials and seeks approval for its oncology drugs, which are seen as key to regaining momentum [9][10]. - There is a risk of further stock decline if 2025 performance is weaker than expected, potentially creating better buying opportunities [11].

Core Viewpoint - Pfizer and BioNTech have received a positive recommendation from the European Medicines Agency's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use for their LP.8.1-adapted monovalent COVID-19 vaccine, COMIRNATY LP.8.1, aimed at preventing COVID-19 in individuals aged 6 months and older, in response to the evolving SARS-CoV-2 variants [1][2][6]. Group 1: Vaccine Development and Approval - The LP.8.1-adapted vaccine is designed to improve immune responses against multiple circulating SARS-CoV-2 lineages, including XFG and NB.1.8.1, compared to previous vaccine formulations [2][6]. - The European Commission is expected to make a final decision on the marketing authorization soon, with manufacturing already initiated to ensure supply readiness for the upcoming vaccination season [1][6]. - Over a billion doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine have been administered globally, demonstrating a favorable safety and efficacy profile supported by extensive data [6]. Group 2: Regulatory and Market Context - The CHMP's recommendation is based on a comprehensive body of evidence, including clinical, non-clinical, and real-world data, affirming the safety and efficacy of the vaccine [2][4]. - The companies are actively monitoring the epidemiology of COVID-19 to adapt to global public health needs and have submitted data for the updated vaccine to regulatory authorities worldwide [3][4]. - The LP.8.1-adapted vaccine will be available for individuals aged 6 months and older upon authorization by the European Commission [6].

Core Insights - Moderna (MRNA) received FDA approval for its COVID-19 vaccine, Spikevax, for children aged six months to 11 years at increased risk for the disease [1][6] - The vaccine was previously available under Emergency Use Authorization [1][6] - Following the announcement, Moderna's shares increased by 4.5% [1] Group 1: FDA Approval and Vaccine Availability - Spikevax is now fully approved for adults aged 65 and above, and individuals aged six months to 64 years at increased risk for severe COVID-19 [2] - The updated Spikevax will be available for eligible patients during the 2025-2026 vaccination season in the U.S. [2][6] Group 2: Stock Performance - Year-to-date, Moderna's shares have decreased by 17.5%, while the industry has seen a growth of 0.2% [3] Group 3: Competitive Landscape - Other COVID-19 vaccines include Pfizer (PFE)/BioNTech's (BNTX) Comirnaty and Novavax's (NVAX) Nuvaxovid, with Comirnaty also using mRNA technology [4] - Novavax's Nuvaxovid is the only non-mRNA vaccine in the U.S. and has received full approval for older adults and high-risk individuals aged 12-64 [7] Group 4: Company Ranking - Moderna currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [8]

Group 1: Moderna's Vaccine Approval - The U.S. FDA has approved Moderna's supplemental Biologics License Application for Spikevax, allowing its COVID-19 vaccine for children aged six months to 11 years at increased risk for COVID-19 disease [1] - Moderna's CEO emphasized the importance of vaccination for protecting children against severe disease and hospitalization, expressing appreciation for the FDA's review and approval [2] - The updated Spikevax vaccine is expected to be available for eligible populations in the U.S. for the 2025-2026 respiratory virus season [2] Group 2: Legal Challenges and Patent Issues - Pfizer and BioNTech have requested a reversal of a court ruling that found their COVID-19 vaccine infringed on a Moderna patent, while a previous ruling declared one of Moderna's patents invalid [3] - The companies argue that Moderna's mRNA technology is a continuation of earlier research, questioning the validity of the patent [4] - Moderna maintains that the court's decision to uphold the patent is correct and should remain [4] Group 3: FDA's Vaccine Approval Decisions - The FDA's top vaccine official overruled agency scientists to limit the approval of two COVID-19 vaccines, despite recommendations for broader use [6] - The official restricted the vaccines to higher-risk individuals, citing declining hospitalization and death rates from COVID-19 as a factor in the decision [7] - Following the news, Moderna's stock price increased by 3.60% to $33.97 [7]