Moderna Takes $1.5B Contract with U.S. Govt. for Covid-19 Vaccine

Through its COVID-19 vaccine partnership with the U.S. government, Moderna picked up nearly $1 billion in research aid. Now, it's joining a list of other companies to take a supply order from the federal government. Under a deal worth up to $1.525 billion, Moderna agreed to deliver 100 million doses of its mRNA vaccine candidate if it succeeds in late-stage testing. The deal doesn’t stipulate a timeline for vaccine shipments, at least publicly, but does include “incentive payments for timely delivery,” Moderna says. The pact also includes an option for another 400 million doses. Combined, Moderna has scored $2.48 billion in R&D and supply funding from the U.S. government for its program. That would make the vaccine's price per dose just under $25, less than the $32 to $37 Moderna says it's been charging small purchasers.