Trump Approves Firing of FDA Commissioner Makary
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: May 11 2026
0mins
President Trump has approved a plan to fire Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Marty Makary, Kristin Brown and Ed O'Keefe of CBS News reports, citing two sources. The timing of his potential termination remains unknown, CBS adds. Similar reports of y Makary's firing emerged on Friday. Biotech stocks that could be impacted by the news include Moderna (MRNA), Sarepta (SRPT), Xencor (XNCR), PTC Therapeutics (PTCT), Biohaven (BHVN), Edgewise Therapeutics (EWTX), Design Therapeutics (DSGN), Ultragenyx (RARE), Dyne Therapeutics (DYN), Wave Life Sciences (WVE), MeiraGTx (MGTX), uniQure (QURE), Regenxbio (RGNX), Novavax (NVAX) and Lexeo Therapeutics (LXEO).
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Analyst Views on MRNA
Wall Street analysts forecast MRNA stock price to fall
20 Analyst Rating
1 Buy
16 Hold
3 Sell
Hold
Current: 61.000
Low
17.00
Averages
32.47
High
63.00
Current: 61.000
Low
17.00
Averages
32.47
High
63.00
About MRNA
Moderna, Inc. is a biotechnology company advancing a new class of medicines made of messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA). It is engaged in developing medicines across infectious disease vaccines, oncology therapeutics and rare disease therapeutics. Its platform incorporates advances across three components, mRNA, delivery, and the manufacturing process, to advance its medicines. Its products are Spikevax and mNEXSPIKE (its COVID vaccines), and mRESVIA (its vaccine against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)). It also has a diverse development pipeline that consists of 35 therapeutic and vaccine programs, six of which are in late-stage development. It has regulatory filings under review for its seasonal flu+COVID vaccine (mRNA-1083) in Europe and Canada and for its seasonal flu vaccine (mRNA-1010) in the United States, Europe, Canada and Australia. Its rare disease programs are Propionic acidemia (mRNA-3927); Methylmalonic acidemia (mRNA-3705), and Cystic Fibrosis (mRNA-3692/VX-522).
About the author

Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
- Stock Surge: Moderna's stock has soared over 100% since the beginning of 2023, indicating a renewed investor confidence in the company's future potential, particularly after a decline in vaccine demand, showcasing a recovery in market sentiment.
- Vaccine Candidate Progress: The company is advancing its flu vaccine candidate mRNA-1010, which received unanimous support from an FDA advisory panel, with expectations for a launch in the 2026-2027 flu season, potentially providing new revenue streams for Moderna.
- Strong Pipeline: Despite setbacks with its CMV vaccine in late-stage trials, Moderna's mRNA technology remains promising, with plans to launch multiple new products, including flu and coronavirus vaccines, further solidifying its market position.
- Investor Confidence Rebounds: With the company's positive developments in the vaccine sector, investor confidence in Moderna is gradually returning, and following the FDA's final decision on August 5, the stock price may rise again, attracting more investor interest.
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- Clinical Trial Launch: The U.S. has provided doses of the experimental antibody drug MBP134 from Mapp Biopharmaceutical to combat the Ebola outbreak in Congo, marking the first direct support for clinical trials, although the exact number of doses remains undisclosed, potentially aiding future regulatory reviews.
- Epidemic Context: The Bundibugyo strain of Ebola has caused over 1,000 cases and 250 deaths in Congo, with the WHO declaring it a public health emergency, emphasizing the need for clinical trials to ensure safety before widespread use of treatments.
- Trial Collaboration: The clinical trial for the Mapp drug is sponsored by the WHO and conducted in partnership with the University of Oxford and the governments of Congo and Uganda, expected to commence in the coming weeks to assess the drug's efficacy and safety.
- Vaccine Development Progress: While vaccine trials are still in the pipeline, the WHO indicated that Phase 1 trials could begin in the UK and Uganda, involving candidates such as those developed by Oxford and the Serum Institute of India, reflecting ongoing global efforts to combat Ebola.
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- Stock Recovery: Moderna's stock has surged over 100% since the beginning of the year, reflecting a renewed investor confidence in the company's future potential, particularly against the backdrop of declining vaccine demand, indicating strong market belief in its mRNA technology.
- Product Launch Plans: The company aims to release three new vaccines between 2027 and 2028, including a combination flu and coronavirus vaccine, which will not only diversify its product line but also potentially create new revenue streams, enhancing its competitive position in the market.
- FDA Review Progress: The U.S. FDA advisory panel unanimously supported Moderna's flu vaccine candidate mRNA-1010, with a decision expected by August 5, which could pave the way for a market launch in the 2026-2027 flu season, marking a significant milestone for the company.
- Optimistic Market Outlook: Despite some risks, Moderna is accelerating its transition to a multi-product commercial stage, with investors eagerly anticipating future revenue drivers, especially following potential vaccine approvals, which may present opportunities for stock price increases.
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- Stock Pullback: Moderna's shares fell 6.10% to $60.06 on Monday, ending a six-session winning streak; however, the stock has been a standout performer recently, surging over 39% in the last six sessions, significantly outpacing the S&P 500's 3.2% gain.
- Impressive Year-to-Date Performance: As of 2026, Moderna's stock has climbed over 100.7%, compared to a mere 9.8% increase in the benchmark index, highlighting its strong market performance and investor confidence.
- Vaccine Approval Boost: The FDA advisory committee's recommendation for the approval of Moderna's seasonal influenza vaccine for adults aged 50 and older has bolstered investor optimism regarding the company's vaccine portfolio, contributing to the recent stock rally.
- Production Expansion Potential: Reports indicate that Moderna is evaluating production facilities in Germany that BioNTech plans to shut down, which could allow the company to expand its manufacturing capacity by leveraging existing infrastructure, thereby enhancing its competitive position in the market.
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- Vaccine Development Progress: Moderna is aggressively developing its mFlusiva seasonal influenza vaccine, which performed well in phase 3 trials, with the FDA's decision expected on August 5; if approved, it could provide a new revenue stream for the 2026-2027 flu season.
- Cancer Vaccine Innovation: The personalized cancer vaccine intismeran (mRNA-4157), developed in partnership with Merck, shows promising sustained efficacy in high-risk melanoma patients, with pivotal phase 3 data expected later this year, potentially opening new market opportunities for Moderna.
- Commercial Expansion Plans: Moderna aims to launch up to three new products between 2027 and 2028, including a novel norovirus vaccine and treatments for rare diseases, recently appointing a new chief commercial officer to drive successful global launches, reflecting confidence in future growth.
- Financial Status Analysis: Despite reporting $389 million in revenue for Q1, a 260% year-over-year increase, the company faced a $3.40 EPS loss due to a one-time litigation charge; however, with $7.5 billion in cash, Moderna has a comfortable runway to achieve its goal of breakeven by 2028.
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- Significant Revenue Growth: Moderna reported $389 million in revenue for Q1, marking a 260% year-over-year increase, demonstrating the company's successful diversification despite challenges from declining COVID-19 vaccine sales.
- Vaccine Development Progress: The mFlusiva seasonal influenza vaccine performed well in phase 3 trials, with the FDA's decision expected on August 5; if approved, it could provide a significant boost to the company's market share for the 2026-2027 flu season.
- Cancer Vaccine Development: The personalized cancer vaccine intismeran (mRNA-4157), developed in partnership with Merck, showed sustained efficacy in high-risk melanoma patients, with pivotal phase 3 data readouts expected later this year, potentially redefining the company's valuation.
- Financial Status and Risks: Despite reporting a Q1 EPS loss of $3.40, Moderna maintains $7.5 billion in cash and low debt levels, providing a solid financial runway for upcoming product launches, with a goal of achieving overall breakeven by 2028.
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