Moderna, Inc (formerly ModeRNA Therapeutics until 2018) is an American biotechnology company, founded in 2010 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, that aims to develop “protein therapies” based on messenger ribonucleic acid (messenger RNA) technology.

Our mission is to deliver on the promise of mRNA science to create a new generation of transformative medicines for patients. An mRNA can teach the body how to make a specific protein that can help your immune system prevent or treat certain diseases. Messenger RNA is not new technology, but we are discovering new ways to use it to treat and prevent illnesses and diseases. Since our founding in 2010, we have worked to build the industry’s leading mRNA technology platform. 

In 2010, Moderna’s name combines the words “modified” and “RNA”, which happens to contain the word “modern”. In 2011, Moderna begins research into the production of mRNA medicines. Stéphane Bancel joins as founding CEO. In 2014, New headquarters and labs open in Cambridge, Massachusetts. In 2015, Moderna initiates first-in-human dose of an mRNA vaccine (mRNA-1440), an H10N8 flu vaccine candidate.In 2016, Lease signed to build 200,000 sq ft GMP mRNA clinical manufacturing facility in Norwood, MA. In 2017, Moderna initiates first-in-human dosing for mRNA-1653, a combination vaccine with the potential to protect against more than one disease – human metapneumovirus (hMPV virus) and parainfluenza virus. In 2018, Moderna opens its state-of-the-art clinical development site in Norwood, MA. In 2019, Moderna announces dosing of the first antibody encoded by mRNA in a clinical trial. In 2020, The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention votes to recommend the use of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine in people 18 years of age and older in the U.S. In 2022, The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the Biologics License Application (BLA) for SPIKEVAX (COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA) to prevent COVID-19 in individuals 18 years of age and older in the U.S.