Overview

• The Department of Health and Human Services terminated 22 BARDA contracts worth $500 million for respiratory virus mRNA vaccine development led by companies such as Pfizer and Moderna.
• Kennedy said internal data showed mRNA platforms underperformed against upper respiratory infections like flu and COVID-19, prompting the cancellations.
• He directed BARDA to reallocate funding to broader vaccine approaches beyond mRNA, including whole-virus vaccines and novel non-mRNA platforms.
• Public health experts including Mike Osterholm and Paul Offit warned that the funding withdrawal undermines preparedness for future pandemics and heightens risks from threats such as bird flu.
• HHS clarified the cancellations apply only to these respiratory vaccine projects and do not affect other departmental uses of mRNA technology.