Moderna, Inc. (MRNA) shares plummeted 7.22% in intraday trading, as the biotech company faced a double whammy of a significant price target cut and broader concerns in the vaccine sector. The steep decline comes as investors reassess the company's prospects in a challenging market environment.

RBC Capital Markets dealt a blow to Moderna by lowering its price target from $40 to $32, while maintaining a Sector Perform rating on the stock. This dramatic reduction reflects growing concerns about Moderna's near-term outlook, particularly as demand for COVID-19 vaccines continues to wane. The move aligns with the overall cautious sentiment among analysts, with FactSet reporting an average "hold" rating for Moderna and a mean price target of $50.35.

Adding to the pressure on Moderna and other vaccine makers, the pharmaceutical sector is grappling with uncertainty surrounding potential tariffs and regulatory delays. While pharmaceutical products were temporarily spared from reciprocal tariffs announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, industry experts warn that tariffs targeting the pharma sector may still be on the horizon. Furthermore, a delay in the FDA's decision on Novavax's COVID-19 vaccine has raised concerns about the regulatory environment for vaccine approvals. Bank of America Securities analysts noted that this delay "confirms one of the biggest near-term risks for the industry." As Moderna navigates these challenges, investors will be closely watching the company's ability to leverage its mRNA technology platform for other therapeutic areas beyond COVID-19 vaccines.