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2h ago

HHS Ends mRNA Vaccine Research Funding for Respiratory Illnesses

Kennedy’s decision has prompted warnings that withdrawing federal support from mRNA respiratory vaccines could erode the United States' rapid-response capacity.

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Overview

  • Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and NIH director Jay Bhattacharya directed BARDA to cancel roughly $500 million in contracts across about 22 mRNA respiratory vaccine projects.
  • HHS plans to reallocate remaining funds toward non-mRNA vaccine platforms it deems more effective against upper respiratory infections.
  • Researchers caution that cutting infectious-disease mRNA work will also impede cancer and autoimmune mRNA programs because the platforms share critical infrastructure.
  • Biotech executives report an immediate pullback in private investment that threatens ongoing trials and is prompting some companies to explore relocating research overseas.
  • Critics say the 181-page dossier cited by HHS relies on disputed studies and fringe analyses rather than broad scientific consensus to justify the policy shift.