Moderna Stock Surges on $1.5 Billion Coronavirus Vaccine Deal with the U.S. Government

The United States of America is building its arsenal for the battle against COVID-19. The U.S. government has struck a blockbuster deal with Moderna (NASDAQ: MRNA) that will allow it to secure 100 million doses of the biotech company's experimental coronavirus vaccine, labeled mRNA-1273, for $1.525 billion, should it prove both safe and effective. The deal, announced Tuesday, will also give the U.S. the option to acquire an additional 400 million doses.