
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced it will end mRNA vaccine development activities under its Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) unit. This decision affects 22 mRNA-related projects with a combined value of nearly $500 million.
The wind-down includes the cancellation of a contract with Moderna for the late-stage development of its human bird flu vaccine, as well as the rejection of multiple proposals from major pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer, Sanofi Pasteur, and CSL Seqirus.
According to U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the programs were terminated because data show these vaccines “fail to protect effectively against upper respiratory infections like COVID and flu.” He stated that funding would be redirected toward “safer, broader vaccine platforms” that remain effective even as viruses mutate. The decision follows a comprehensive review of mRNA-related investments initiated during the COVID-19 public health emergency.
Source:
https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/us-health-agency-wind-down-mrna-vaccine-development-2025-08-05/
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