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4w ago

HHS Winds Down $500M in mRNA Vaccine Projects to Support Broader Platforms

Data showing mRNA vaccines underperform against respiratory infections prompted HHS to redirect $500 million toward whole-virus vaccine strategies, novel platforms, expanded non-mRNA research

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is seen on stage at the inaugural Great American Farmers Market on the National Mall on Monday, August 4, 2025.
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Overview

  • HHS will wind down 22 BARDA contracts worth $500 million that funded mRNA vaccine development for respiratory viruses
  • The canceled projects led by Pfizer, Moderna, Sanofi Pasteur and other firms targeted vaccines against COVID-19, flu and H5N1
  • HHS said other mRNA applications remain unaffected and approved mRNA vaccines for COVID-19 and RSV will continue in use
  • Experts including Rick Bright and Mike Osterholm warned that ending mRNA research now could weaken future pandemic preparedness
  • Kennedy affirmed support for safe, effective vaccines and announced a shift toward whole-virus and novel vaccine platforms with work on a potential universal vaccine