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3w ago

HHS Ends 22 BARDA mRNA Vaccine Projects, Reallocates $500 Million

Kennedy is redirecting mRNA vaccine funds to whole-virus platforms to counter viral mutation risks.

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A man casts a shadow as he walks toward the Hubert H. Humphrey Building, headquarters of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), in Washington, D.C., U.S., April 1, 2025. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque/File Photo
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Kennedy speaking at the White House on July 31. Photo: Eric Lee/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Overview

  • HHS terminated or de-scoped 22 BARDA mRNA vaccine projects worth nearly $500 million.
  • The cancellations include awards to Moderna/UTMB for an H5N1 vaccine, contracts with Emory University and Tiba Biotech, and de-scoped work with Luminary Labs, ModeX and Seqirus, while pre-award solicitations from Pfizer, Sanofi Pasteur, CSL Seqirus and Gritstone were rejected.
  • HHS ordered its BARDA Ventures partner GHIC to cease all mRNA-based equity investments.
  • Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. cited data showing mRNA shots provide limited protection against upper respiratory infections and warned of antigenic shift risks.
  • BARDA will redirect resources toward vaccine platforms with established safety and transparent data, prioritizing whole-virus and other alternative technologies.