
Reaction and Fallout as HHS ‘Winds Down’ mRNA Vaccine Development, Canceling $500 Million in Projects
While no new mRNA-based projects will be eliminated, other uses of mRNA technology within HHS are not impacted by the announcement.
The United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced on Aug. 5, 2025 that it was launching a coordinated wind-down of all of its messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine development activities under the auspices of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) (1).
Reported failures of mRNA vaccines
HHS’ action includes the cancellation and de-scoping of 22 total projects worth nearly a combined $500 million and follows what the department said was a “comprehensive review” of investments related to mRNA advancement that were initiated during the public health emergency prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic (1).
“We reviewed the science, listened to the experts, and acted,” HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said in a press release, adding that “the data show these vaccines fail to protect effectively against upper respiratory infections like COVID and flu. We’re shifting that funding toward safer, broader vaccine platforms that remain effective even as viruses mutate” (1).
What’s being terminated
Contracts with
In addition, numerous pre-award solicitations from companies including
RFK Jr.’s record on vaccinations
Although Secretary Kennedy has garnered attention in this particular area of public health
The HHS press release said that, aside from the cancellation of the projects in development, “other uses” of mRNA technology would not be affected, though what those uses are were not specified.
“Let me be absolutely clear: HHS supports safe, effective vaccines for every American who wants them. That’s why we’re moving beyond the limitations of mRNA and investing in better solutions,” Kennedy said (1).
Former Trump officials respond
Even so, opposing reaction to HHS’ decision was strong and swift. Rick Bright, the former BARDA director who was
“BARDA invested in mRNA technology precisely because it could deliver safe, scalable vaccines in record time, a capability proven during COVID,” Bright said (3). “By dismantling that platform, we’re crippling our front-line defense, just ahead of unknown biological threats.”
Former US Surgeon General Jerome Adams, MD, who also served during the first Trump administration from 2017 to 2021, quoted one of Bright’s X posts while also delivering more elaborated thoughts
“I’ve tried to be objective and non-alarmist in response to current HHS actions—but quite frankly this move is going to cost lives,” Adams said (4). “mRNA technology has uses that go far beyond vaccines, and the [COVID-19] vaccine[s] they helped develop in record time is credited with saving millions.”
More of our mRNA coverage
In the days preceding HHS’ announcement, Pharmaceutical Technology® Group
References
1. HHS.
2. Florko, N.
3.
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