Moderna stock jumps after vaccine backing, pipeline news

Moderna shares rose 9.2% on Thursday after an FDA advisory panel unanimously supported the company’s mRNA-1010/mFLUSIVA influenza vaccine for adults aged 50 to 64 and those 65 and older. The stock reached a new annual high on Wednesday and briefly gained nearly 12% during trading. The panel recommendation comes ahead of a Prescription Drug User Fee Act decision scheduled for Aug. 5, 2026 and planned regulatory filings overseas.

At its Science Day presentation, Moderna outlined plans to extend its mRNA platform into cancer and autoimmune treatments. Company officials highlighted programs targeting multiple myeloma and ovarian cancer, described work on T-cell engager modalities and said they plan to start the in vivo CAR-T candidate mRNA-6007 in 2027. Executives also described greater use of artificial intelligence, machine learning, automation and robotics to speed research and development.

Analysts responded with mixed but generally constructive commentary. Jefferies maintained a Hold rating and a $45 price target, saying flu-related revenue is unlikely to be meaningful until 2027 even if the vaccine wins approval. Piper Sandler raised its price target to $77 from $69 and kept an Overweight rating after the recent rally.

Financial results show Moderna is investing heavily in development. The company reported about $389 million in quarterly revenue and roughly $1.94 billion in trailing 12-month revenue. It posted a net loss near $1.34 billion in the latest quarter and an EBITDA loss around $1.28 billion. Free cash flow was negative about $692 million. Moderna held approximately $5.21 billion in cash and short-term investments, reported a current ratio of 2.4 and long-term debt near $1.25 billion.

Chief Executive Stéphane Bancel described the company strategy: “Working across three strategic horizons, we are applying our mRNA platform expertise to validate, scale and expand our modalities, with new modalities in the clinic, including T-cell engagers, and new modalities soon to be in the clinic, like in vivo CAR-T. At the same time, we are driving innovation by using data, AI and machine learning, and robotics to accelerate discovery and continuously improve how we execute for near-term growth while fuelling the next generation of mRNA medicines for patients around the world.”

Market commentator Jim Cramer called the pipeline promising and advised patience: “For the first time in a long time, the company seems like it has something to get excited about. I recommend waiting for a pullback before you buy. Take your time. I think Moderna’s got a bright future though, but it’ll take years to get there.”

The advisory panel’s vote moves the influenza vaccine forward in the regulatory process ahead of the August 2026 PDUFA date and supports planned global filings. Moderna’s cash reserves and current balance-sheet metrics provide management flexibility as research and development spending continues.