Moderna responses to Axios on BARDA contract disclosure:
Moderna response 1: We request BARDA review for each of our press releases or other
disclosures before we issue, in that way gaining approval for deviations from those
specific contract terms.
Moderna response 2: We collaborate with BARDA as we prepare our press releases
and other public disclosures to ensure accurate information, and are comfortable that
the information included in our public disclosures is consistent with BARDA's
expectations.
Moderna response 3: Our project as defined in the BARDA contract is fully funded by
BARDA. Every relevant press release issued has been reviewed by BARDA in advance
of release. For further background, our contracts are FARs-based contracts and the
other contracts you cited have "Other Transactions Agreements." The relevant
provision you cite is required in FARs based contracts, not in OTAs. In our
announcement of the original grant, we stated that: “BARDA will fund the
advancement of mRNA-1273 to FDA licensure.” We believe that made clear the extent
of BARDA’s 100% funding of the program described in the BARDA contract. BARDA
reviewed our release. We invite you to connect with BARDA or HHS if you wish to
investigate concerns with any potential issues re our meeting contract terms. Thank
you for your continuing interest in our efforts to help address the COVID-19
pandemic.