Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to Cancel $500 Million in mRNA Vaccine Projects
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced on Tuesday that the government will stop nearly $500 million worth of vaccine development projects.
In a statement, Kennedy — who has long criticized vaccines — said all the projects being canceled involve mRNA technology, which is used in Covid-19 and flu vaccines.
“After reviewing the science and consulting experts at NIH and FDA, we have determined that mRNA technology carries more risks than benefits for these respiratory viruses,” Kennedy said in a video posted on X.
Who Is Affected?
The cancellations include work with:
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Emory University
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Tiba Biotech
Proposals from major companies like Pfizer, Sanofi Pasteur, CSL Seqirus, and Gritstone will also be rejected, according to HHS.
Experts Call It a Mistake
Rick Bright, former head of HHS’s Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), criticized the move, calling it a “huge strategic misstep.”
“This decision signals dangerous complacency,” Bright said.
“mRNA is one of the fastest tools to fight future pandemics. Pulling back now, especially when global bio-risks are rising, puts national security at risk.”
Details of the Cancellation
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22 projects worth nearly $500 million are affected.
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Some projects in their final stage will be allowed to finish so previous taxpayer money is not wasted.
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The Global Health Investment Corporation, which manages BARDA’s tech investments, has been told to stop all mRNA-based investments.
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Other mRNA projects within HHS will not be affected.
What’s Next?
HHS says future BARDA investments will focus on whole-virus vaccines and other new immunization technologies, moving away from mRNA for now.
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