mRNA Vaccine Development Curtailed by HHS: Key Leaders Respond

Coronavirus or sars-cov-2 virus cell with messenger RNA or mRNA and syringe on blue background 3D rendering illustration with copy space. Vaccination or vaccine, science, medical technology concept. | Image Credit: © Matthieu - stock.adobe.com

The Aug. 5, 2025 announcement by the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that its Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, or BARDA, would be winding down messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine development activities meant the cancellation of more than 20 contracts and other projects worth a combined total of nearly $500 million dollars (1).

It also again raised questions about the intentions of HHS under Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.; although, Kennedy said his agency will continue to support “safe, effective vaccines for every American who wants them” (1).

Pharmaceutical Technology® Group covered some of the initial reaction from around the bio/pharmaceutical industry at the time of the announcement but has since independently reached out to various leaders to gather their opinions and speculation on what HHS’ decision may mean in both the short and long term.

Below are quotes sent directly to our editors by these experts, presented in their entirety with minimal editing for clarity.

The views expressed herein are those of the interviewees and do not represent the views of Pharmaceutical Technology® Group.

Major Gen. (Ret.) Paul Friedrichs, MD

Joint Staff Surgeon, 2019–2023

"In my 37 years of service as a military physician, my colleagues and I had the privilege of caring for Service members who were ill and injured, while leveraging medical advances to protect them from future biological threats. President [Donald] Trump, during his first administration, published the 2018 National Biodefense Strategy, designed to make America safer from rapidly evolving biological threats. Yesterday's announcement by Secretary Kennedy adds to the long list of actions Secretary Kennedy has taken to undermine President Trump's strategy. Secretary Kennedy is degrading our ability to protect and to care for Americans in harm's way and at home by denying access to cutting edge pharmaceuticals and vaccines. Kennedy's decisions will also damage American companies and their employees who are producing these life-saving products. Most worrisomely, because there are always bad people seeking ways to undermine our country, Secretary Kennedy is creating a roadmap of vulnerabilities which can be exploited by our competitors and adversaries. Secretary Kennedy's decisions are dismantling the progress which has been made since President Trump's 2018 Biodefense Strategy was published and will make America less secure, less prosperous, and will result in more Americans who are sick or who die of preventable illnesses" (2).

Robert Califf, MD

Former FDA Commissioner, 2016–2017 and 2022–2025

“mRNA technology is a critical component of an effective biosecurity strategy and one of the most promising areas of therapeutic drug development. Dismantling essential research will lead to more death and disability in the US population. The policy approach is also very concerning—statements were made about conclusions from evidence without any transparency as to sources and actual findings. This strategy of policy-based evidence (make up your mind and then only listen to evidence that supports your conclusion) versus evidence-based policy (get the evidence, have a discussion among agencies, scientific experts and the public; and then make a policy decision) is a dangerous approach that needs to change” (3).

Alliance for mRNA Medicines (AMM)

courtesy of Clay Alspach, executive director

“Support for mRNA technology, which was catalyzed by President Trump’s leadership during his first term, has been a vital component of the US national security strategy and is critical to protecting Americans against emerging threats. The science clearly supports utilizing mRNA medicines to protect Americans. Secretary Kennedy’s unscientific and misguided vilification of mRNA technology and cancellation of grants is the epitome of cutting off your nose to spite your face. Secretary Kennedy’s action constitutes the standing down of our national defense and ceding US scientific leadership to China and other countries” (4).

Katalin Karikó, PhD

Winner of 2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine

“Kennedy's decision to interfere with science is a huge mistake. [A] lot of knowledge will be lost. National security of our country will suffer tremendously. Globally, vaccine research will progress in other corners of the world—in Europe [and] Asia, especially in China. Scientists will relocate to countries where their research is supported” (5).

Special thanks to Chris Spivey for his assistance with this piece.

References

1. HHS. HHS Winds Down mRNA Vaccine Development Under BARDA. Press Release. Aug. 5, 2025.
2. Comments received via email correspondence, Aug. 8, 2025.
3. Comments received via email correspondence, Aug. 8, 2025.
4. AMM. AMM Statement in Response to Recent Actions by the US Department of Health and Human Services Regarding mRNA Technology. Press Release. Aug. 5, 2025.
5. Comments received via email correspondence, Aug. 8, 2025.