United States halts $500 million investment in mRNA vaccine studies
The U.S. Health Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has announced the cancellation of nearly $500 million in funding for mRNA vaccine development projects under the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA). This decision means no new mRNA-based projects will be funded going forward, though some contracts already in late stages will be allowed to finish.
This funding cut comes after Kennedy's claim that mRNA vaccines "fail to protect effectively against upper respiratory infections like COVID and flu." Kennedy stated the money would be redirected towards "safer, broader vaccine platforms" less susceptible to viral mutations.
The decision has drawn widespread criticism from public health experts and scientists, who warn it will significantly impact America's pandemic preparedness. Experts highlight that mRNA vaccine technology has been pivotal in saving millions of lives during COVID-19, thanks to its rapid design and manufacturing capabilities. The halt threatens ongoing mRNA vaccine pipelines not only for infectious diseases but also indirectly risks mRNA oncology vaccine development by eroding critical manufacturing and research partnerships, increasing costs, and slowing clinical trials.
Leading voices in pandemic preparedness describe the move as creating "self-inflicted vulnerability" that will delay vaccine development and availability in future health emergencies. Experts emphasize that the cancellation contradicts extensive scientific consensus about mRNA vaccines' safety and effectiveness, potentially deepening vaccine hesitancy and politicizing public health efforts.
In summary, as of early August 2025, the U.S. federal government under HHS leadership is halting new mRNA vaccine research funding in a controversial move opposed by many health and scientific authorities, with concerns about negative impacts on rapid vaccine response capabilities for future pandemics and broader public health.
Meanwhile, geopolitical tensions continue to escalate. The US and Russia have markedly changed tone from earlier in the year, with Moscow saying it would stop abiding by a missile treaty. US President Donald Trump has threatened 50% tariffs on Brazilian imports over what he says is a "witch hunt" against the rightist leader. India is under escalating economic pressure from the US, while its regional rival Pakistan hails closer ties with Washington.
In other news, the world's economy has shown resilience, but cracks are emerging, and the US' recession risk is elevated, according to Goldman Sachs economists. The number of people going hungry worldwide fell by 15 million between 2023 and 2024, a new report said. However, child stunting and food insecurity levels fell, while adult obesity went up. Since 2016, there have been more obese people worldwide than underweight ones.
In the energy sector, Saudi Arabia's state oil giant, Aramco, reported a 10th consecutive quarterly profit decline, which threatens to slow the kingdom's economic transformation. On the other hand, BP made its largest global oil and gas discovery in 25 years off the coast of Brazil, boosting the British major's efforts to refocus on fossil fuels and shift away from renewables.
Lastly, negotiations over a global treaty to curb plastic pollution resume today, but opposition from the US and other oil-producing states has dimmed hopes for success. Plastic production is set to triple by 2060, and plastic pollution causes more than $1.5 trillion in health-related economic losses each year.
- As the U.S. halts new mRNA vaccine research funding, a decision criticized by many health and scientific authorities, the focus could potentially shift towards exploring safer alternatives for medical-conditions like COVID-19 and influenza in the realm of science and health-and-wellness.
- Encouraged by the discovery of their largest oil and gas reserve in 25 years, British oil giant BP is diverting resources towards fossil fuels, indicating a growing emphasis on traditional energy sources over sustainable, renewable alternatives in the science and energy sectors.
