Califf Says US FDA Ready If Human Avian Flu Infections Jump

The FDA commissioner said an H5N1 vaccine can be developed from the same mRNA platform used to create the COVID-19 vaccines, but funds are needed to ensure production can begin quickly if a human outbreak occurs.

Robert Califf
FDA Commissioner Robert Califf spoke to Senators about the FDA's avian flu response during a hearing on the agency's FY 2025 budget request. • Source: Screenshot of Senate Broadcast

Should the ongoing outbreak of avian influenza in US dairy cattle become a more widespread threat to humans, the US Food and Drug Administration can facilitate countermeasure development.

A human case of H5N1 infection already has occurred but only caused conjunctivitis. FDA officials also continue to test the...

Pink Sheet Podcast

Learn what's happening at the US FDA. On the go.

Derrick Gingery and the team bring you a weekly "Drug Fix".

More from Legislation

More from Pink Sheet