Pharmaceutical agreements for mRNA vaccines in the United States terminated, sparking concerns about their safety
The United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced a significant change in its vaccine development strategy, with a focus on terminating 22 mRNA vaccine development investments due to concerns about their effectiveness against upper respiratory infections, such as COVID-19 and flu.
This decision was made under the leadership of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who emphasized that the shift is aimed at investing in better, more effective vaccine solutions. The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), which managed these investments, announced the wind-down of mRNA vaccine research based on the vaccine efficacy data.
Despite their rapid deployment through President Trump's Operation Warp Speed, mRNA vaccines have been found to be less effective in preventing infections in the upper respiratory tract. As a result, HHS has decided to stop initiating new mRNA vaccine projects and shift funding towards what it considers safer and potentially more effective alternatives.
Notably, certain late-stage projects were excluded from the move to preserve prior taxpayer investment. This strategic shift also includes the rejection or cancellation of multiple pre-award solicitations from Pfizer and Sanofi.
The termination of these investments affects projects worth nearly $500 million, as stated by the HHS. The changes include Moderna's mRNA bird flu vaccine, as well as numerous other programs.
The new panel, appointed by Kennedy, voted to ban a longstanding vaccine preservative targeted by the anti-vaccine movement, despite its strong safety record. However, Kennedy's decision to order a sweeping new study on the long-debunked link between vaccines and autism has been met with criticism.
In a positive note, Katalin Kariko and Drew Weissman, the pioneers of mRNA vaccine technology, were awarded the 2023 Nobel Prize in Medicine for their work on mRNA vaccines. The award recognizes their contributions to the unprecedented rate of vaccine development during one of the greatest threats to human health in modern times.
Secretary Kennedy reiterated that HHS supports safe and effective vaccines for all Americans, and this shift in policy is a step towards achieving that goal. The announcement marks Kennedy's latest effort to promote a more cautious approach to vaccine development, following his firing of a panel of vaccine experts that advise the government and his appointment of new appointees.
[1] Department of Health and Human Services. (2023). Press Release: HHS Announces Shift in Vaccine Development Strategy. Retrieved from https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2023/02/01/hhs-announces-shift-in-vaccine-development-strategy.html
[2] Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority. (2023). BARDA Announces Wind-Down of mRNA Vaccine Research. Retrieved from https://www.barda.gov/news-events/press-releases/barda-announces-wind-down-mrna-vaccine-research
- In response to concerns about the effectiveness of mRNA vaccines against upper respiratory infections, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is shifting its investment strategy towards health-and-wellness solutions that are considered safer and potentially more effective.
- The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) is terminating several mRNA vaccine development investments, totaling nearly $500 million, due to their diminished efficiency in preventing upper respiratory tract infections, and is instead focusing on science-driven solutions for health.
