Data show these vaccines fail to protect effectively against upper respiratory infections such as COVID-19 and flu, Kennedy says.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is canceling contracts and pulling funding for the development of mRNA vaccines for respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19 and the flu.
The decision affects 22 projects worth nearly $500 million, according to Tuesday’s announcement by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Kennedy said this is the beginning of a coordinated wind down of its mRNA vaccine development under the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA). This means the cancellation and de-scoping, or reduction, of various contracts and solicitations.
WHY THIS MATTERS
The decision follows a comprehensive review of mRNA-related investments initiated during the COVID-19 public health emergency, according to Kennedy.
“We reviewed the science, listened to the experts, and acted,” Kennedy said. “BARDA is terminating 22 mRNA vaccine development investments because the data show these vaccines fail to protect effectively against upper respiratory infections like COVID and flu. We’re shifting that funding toward safer, broader vaccine platforms that remain effective even as viruses mutate.”
HHS has also instructed its partner, Global Health Investment Corporation (GHIC), which manages BARDA Ventures, to cease all mRNA-based equity investments.
Other uses of mRNA technology within the department are not impacted by the announcement.
“Let me be absolutely clear: HHS supports safe, effective vaccines for every American who wants them. That’s why we’re moving beyond the limitations of mRNA and investing in better solutions,” Kennedy said.
Going forward, BARDA will focus on platforms with stronger safety records and transparent clinical and manufacturing data practices, Kennedy said. Technologies that were funded during the emergency phase but failed to meet current scientific standards will be phased out in favor of evidence-based solutions – like whole-virus vaccines and novel platforms.
The wind-down affects a range of programs including: termination of contracts with Emory University and Tiba Biotech; de-scoping of mRNA-related work in existing contracts with Luminary Labs, ModeX and Seqirus; and rejection or cancellation of multiple pre-award solicitations, including proposals from Pfizer, Sanofi Pasteur, CSL Seqirus, Gritstone and others.
It includes a restructuring of collaborations with DoD-JPEO, affecting nucleic acid-based vaccine projects with AAHI, AstraZeneca, HDT Bio and Moderna/UTMB.
Some final-stage contracts, such as for Arcturus and Amplitude, will be allowed to run their course to preserve prior taxpayer investment.
THE LARGER TREND
Kennedy’s announcement is the latest action to spark controversy about his views on vaccinations. Kennedy was questioned during confirmation hearings earlier this year whether he is anti-vaccine. Kennedy replied that he is not anti-vaccine, but pro-safety.
In June, Kennedy fired the 17 members of the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices, the panel that makes recommendations to the Centers for Disease Control and Development on immunizations.
Kennedy appointed new members, in a restructuring that sparked concern among medical groups.
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