Breaking News

Moderna’s vaccine hit, the MAHA report, and an ASCO preview

May 30, 2025

What does the MAHA Commission have planned for the drug industry? Why is Robert F. Kennedy Jr. targeting mRNA vaccines? And what are Adam and Elaine getting up to in Chicago?

We discuss all that and more on this week's episode of "The Readout LOUD," STAT's biotech podcast. The American Society of Clinical Oncology, or ASCO, kicks off its annual meeting this weekend in Chicago. We discuss what to watch at the meeting. Then, STAT's infectious disease reporter Helen Branswell joins us to discuss Kennedy's unprecedented move to strike Covid shot recommendations, and the cancellation of a $600 million contract with Moderna to develop, test and license vaccines for subtypes of flu. We also welcome chronic disease reporter Isa Cueto to discuss the key takeaways from a closely watched report from Kennedy's Make America Healthy Again Commission.

Listen Now

For more on Kennedy striking down Covid shot recommendations, go here; for Matt's take on what this means for public health, go here; to learn more about Moderna's cancelled influenza vaccine contract, go here; for Isa's story on the MAHA commission report, go here; for Allison's story on Vivodyne and its animal testing alternative, go here; and to follow STAT's coverage of ASCO or attend our event, go here.

Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to never miss an episode

Visit the archive to see past episodes 



Enjoying The Readout LOUD? Tell us about your experience
Continue reading the latest health & science news with the STAT app
Download on the App Store or get it on Google Play
STAT
STAT, 1 Exchange Place, Boston, MA
©2025, All Rights Reserved.

No comments