US mRNA vaccine funding: The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that it is winding down federal investment in mRNA-based vaccine development and will instead prioritise alternative platforms through its Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA).
In a statement, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said BARDA will terminate 22 existing mRNA vaccine investments, citing concerns over effectiveness against upper respiratory infections such as COVID-19 and influenza. Despite widespread scientific consensus that mRNA vaccines significantly reduce the risk of severe disease and death, Kennedy said the decision was based on a review of current data and safety profiles.
“No new mRNA-based projects will be initiated,” the agency added, although some late-stage contracts will continue.
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According to HHS, BARDA will now redirect funding toward platforms with “stronger safety records and transparent clinical and manufacturing practices,” such as whole-virus vaccines and novel, non-mRNA technologies. The department will phase out projects that were initiated during the COVID-19 emergency phase but no longer meet its scientific criteria.
Among the impacted contracts is a cancelled award to Moderna and the University of Texas Medical Branch for an mRNA-based H5N1 (avian flu) vaccine. Contracts with Emory University and Tiba Biotech have also been terminated. The department is additionally “de-scoping” mRNA-related activities with Luminary Labs, ModeX, and Seqirus, and rejecting several pending proposals from companies including Pfizer, Sanofi Pasteur, and Gritstone. Total impacted projects are valued at approximately $500 million.
The move has drawn strong criticism from leading scientists and public health experts.
Dr. Peter Hotez, Director of the Center for Vaccine Development at Texas Children’s Hospital, called the decision a threat to national biosecurity and innovation. Dr. Paul Offit, a vaccine scientist at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, warned that abandoning mRNA research could leave the country vulnerable in future pandemics.
Moderna responded to the news by stating it was unaware of any new cancellations beyond its previously disclosed May termination of a pandemic flu contract. AstraZeneca declined to comment, while several other companies did not respond to inquiries.
