US cancels mRNA vaccine contracts worth $500 million

U.S. Health and Human Services under Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced it would cancel contracts for 22 mRNA‑based vaccine development projects, cutting nearly half a billion dollars in funding .BARDA, the government’s biomedical development agency, managed the contracts. This unexpected policy shift signals that the U.S. is dramatically rethinking its stance on mRNA vaccine technology, which it previously celebrated for its rapid and effective response to COVID‑19

What Led to the Termination of 22 mRNA Vaccine Initiatives in the U.S.

Secretary Kennedy, who has long been skeptical about vaccines, said that data review showed mRNA vaccines do not provide strong protection against upper respiratory infections like COVID‑19 and the flu.

He claimed that these vaccines are less reliable when viruses mutate, and argued they carry more risk than benefit for respiratory illnesses. Based on that, BARDA is winding down existing projects and will not start new ones.

The government will allow some ongoing programs nearing completion such as those with Arcturus and Amplitude to finish in order to preserve prior taxpayer investment.

Changes in U.S. Vaccine Strategy Toward Safer, Broader Platforms

Kennedy said the government will now focus on alternative vaccine technologies, such as whole‑virus platforms or novel designs that may mimic natural immunity and remain effective despite viral mutations. These safer, broader alternatives will become the priority for federal funding instead of mRNA.

The canceled contracts included a late‑stage mRNA bird flu vaccine funded by Moderna.The policy shift also affects other projects led by pharma giants like Pfizer, Sanofi Pasteur, CSL Seqirus, Emory University, ModeX, Tiba Biotech, and Luminary Labs.

Other non‑vaccine applications of mRNA within HHS, such as treatments or diagnostics, will not be affected.

Policy Shift Behind Vaccine Innovation and Public Trust

This policy shift comes with broader changes under Kennedy’s leadership: he dismantled the CDC’s vaccine advisory panel, removed COVID‑19 vaccine recommendations, and ordered studies into now‑discredited vaccine‑autism links. Many observers believe this undermines public health expertise and trust.

The cancellation could also affect collaborations with pharmaceutical companies and universities that had planned future mRNA vaccine research. Moderna and other firms confirm that their projects tied to BARDA are now canceled or restructuring.

The cancellation of nearly $500 million in government‑backed mRNA vaccine contracts is a dramatic policy redirection. While proponents say it prioritizes safety and sustainability, many vaccine experts warn it may undermine the U.S. ability to respond quickly to future pandemics.

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