FDA Grants Fast-Track Designation for Possible mRNA Bird Flu Vaccine, Company Says

The company making the shot, Arcturus Therapeutics, confirmed the development.

Test tubes labeled "Bird Flu" on June 10, 2024. Dado Ruvic/Illustration/REUTERS File Photo

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) moved last week to fast-track an mRNA vaccine candidate for a type of avian influenza, or bird flu, that has sickened more than 70 people in the United States this year, according to the company that developed the vaccine.

Arcturus Therapeutics said in an April 10 statement that the vaccine, ARCT-2304, is now in its Phase 1 trials.