Reduced fundings for 22 mRNA vaccine advancement projects by the U.S.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced a significant change in its vaccine development strategy, moving away from mRNA vaccines due to concerns about their efficacy against respiratory infections like COVID-19 and flu [1][2][4].
On August 5, 2025, HHS revealed the shutdown of mRNA vaccine development programs under the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) [5]. This decision comes after a thorough analysis of mRNA investments during the COVID-19 public health emergency.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. cited scientific data as the rationale for canceling 22 grants supporting mRNA vaccine development [2][3]. Kennedy emphasised that funding is being shifted towards safer, broader vaccine platforms that remain effective even as viruses mutate.
However, this decision has faced criticism from vaccine experts and pandemic preparedness officials, who warn that it could severely weaken the U.S.'s ability to rapidly develop vaccines in future pandemics and thus increase health risks and potential loss of lives [2][3].
Notable projects affected by this decision include collaborations with Emory University, Tiba Biotech, Luminary Labs, Moderna/UTMB, and others [1]. HHS has not made any statements about its commitment to these collaborations or any other previously mentioned projects.
Dr. Peter Hotez, an American paediatrician and vaccine expert, warned that this move can undermine U.S. biosecurity [3]. Hotez highlighted the distinct advantages of mRNA technology for pandemic situations, new and previously unknown pathogens, cancer vaccines, and immunotherapeutic.
Despite this shift, HHS has not announced any changes in its commitment to "safety, efficacy, and quality" as stated in its previous announcements [1]. The department has also not provided any specific details about the alternative solutions it is seeking.
In a statement, Kennedy said, "We reviewed the science, listened to the experts, and acted." Although mRNA vaccines were effective during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kennedy asserted that data show they "fail to protect effectively against upper respiratory infections like COVID-19 and flu" [1].
Meanwhile, Moderna/UTMB is developing a vaccine to combat avian flu, while Emory University has been working on a dry mRNA powder that can be inhaled [1]. Tiba Biotech is creating a platform that utilizes nanoparticle carrier technology [1].
The decision to suspend investments in mRNA vaccine development does not affect contracts that are in the last stage of completion, including those with Arcturus and Amplitude [1].
References:
- Reuters
- Stat News
- The Hill
- The Washington Post
- The New York Times
- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has decided to shift funding away from mRNA vaccine development programs, focusing instead on safer, broader vaccine platforms that remain effective against viral mutations.
- The world is watching as the HHS's decision to shut down mRNA vaccine development projects under the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) may impact its response to future health-related crises.
- The who, including vaccine experts, pandemic preparedness officials, andcollaborators such as Emory University, Tiba Biotech, Luminary Labs, Moderna/UTMB, are voicing concerns about the potential negative impact on health-and-wellness, particularly in the event of future pandemics.
- While mRNA technology has been instrumental in vaccine development during recent health emergencies like COVID-19, the HHS believes that the data indicates mRNA vaccines fail to protect effectively against upper respiratory infections like COVID-19 and flu.
