The Readout Loud
The Readout Loud
STAT
388: The FDA's refusal to review Moderna's mRNA flu vaccine
51 minutes Posted Feb 12, 2026 at 11:05 pm.
0:00
51:24
Download MP3
Show notes
We’re devoting our entire episode this week to one controversial and impactful topic: the FDA’s decision to block the review of Moderna’s mRNA flu shot.
STAT was the first to report that Vinay Prasad, the agency’s top regulator of vaccines, overruled the head of the FDA’s vaccine office and other staffers in making that decision. Prasad’s unilateral action has renewed concerns about the FDA’s regulatory posture under the Trump administration.
To help us dig deeply into this important story and its ramifications, we bring on STAT reporters Lizzy Lawrence and Matthew Herper. We also chat with Moderna President Stephen Hoge and former FDA official Jesse Goodman.