FDA Reverses Decision, Will Review Moderna's mRNA Flu Vaccine
The Spin
Anti-Trump narrative
The FDA's chaotic flip-flop on Moderna's flu vaccine — refusing review one week, then reversing course the next — exposes an agency in disarray under political pressure. Vinay Prasad personally overruled career scientists to block the application, only to cave after industry backlash, undermining confidence in regulatory processes. This circus reveals an FDA beset by inconsistency and outside influence rather than sound science.
Pro-Trump narrative
Critics have this backwards. Moderna finally caved to the FDA's legitimate scientific demands after trying to blame regulators for its own shoddy trial design. The company pooled age groups to hide missing efficacy data for seniors over 65 and used weak comparators instead of the high-dose vaccines that specific population actually needs. FDA held the line on rigorous evidence standards, forcing Moderna to provide real data rather than statistical sleight of hand.
Narrative C
The FDA's sudden reversal on Moderna’s mRNA flu shot is a direct betrayal of MAHA’s promise to rein in rushed, liability-shielded genetic technologies in the wake of the COVID fiasco. After raising real trial concerns, regulators folded and reopened the door to a product that lacks long-term safety data and proper classification. Fast-tracking another mRNA platform for a seasonal illness signals that industry pressure still trumps caution, transparency, and the reform agenda that Make America Healthy Again voters were promised.
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