The Department of Health and Human Services is set to terminate agreements and withdraw financial backing for specific vaccines in development to combat respiratory viruses such as COVID-19 and influenza. This decision was disclosed by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Tuesday, who revealed that 22 projects utilizing mRNA technology, with a total funding of $500 million, will be halted.
Kennedy’s move to cease these projects is part of a series of actions reflecting his skepticism towards vaccines. He has cast doubt on COVID-19 vaccinations, disbanded the vaccine recommendation panel, and refrained from advocating strongly for vaccinations during a measles outbreak.
In a social media video, the health secretary criticized mRNA vaccines and clarified the rationale behind canceling projects led by major pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer and Moderna. These projects aimed to provide protection against viruses like influenza, COVID-19, and H5N1. Kennedy outlined plans to prioritize the development of safer and more comprehensive vaccine strategies, such as whole-virus vaccines and innovative platforms that are resilient to virus mutations.
Despite infectious disease experts asserting the safety of mRNA technology in vaccines and acknowledging its role in curbing the 2020 pandemic, Kennedy’s decision has been met with criticism. Experts warn that future pandemics may be harder to contain without mRNA technology.
Commenting on the shelving of mRNA projects, Dr. Paul Offit emphasized the life-saving impact of existing mRNA vaccines. While traditional vaccines require growing virus components in various mediums, mRNA vaccines rely on genetic instructions to prompt immune responses effectively.
HHS clarified that other applications of mRNA technology within the department remain unaffected by this decision. Although mRNA technology is utilized in approved COVID-19 and RSV vaccines, its approval for flu shots is pending. Moderna had been exploring a combined COVID-19 and flu mRNA shot with hopes of expediting flu vaccine production.
The shift in vaccine development priorities indicated by the termination of mRNA projects will see investments redirected towards alternative solutions. Kennedy affirmed HHS’s commitment to supporting safe and effective vaccines for all Americans while hinting at ongoing efforts to develop a universal vaccine mimicking natural immunity against coronaviruses and influenza.