HHS ends support for mRNA vaccines in favor of ‘novel platforms’
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is ending all government contracts related to mRNA vaccines, effectively axing 22 projects to develop new shots for COVID-19, seasonal influenza and other illnesses.
Messenger RNA technology became popular during the global pandemic, when it allowed companies such as Moderna and Pfizer to develop inoculations against COVID in record time. In the U.S., the two vaccines were the most popular, followed by one from Johnson & Johnson, whose vaccine was more traditionally made using a modified, inert virus.
In a Tuesday announcement, HHS said a review of available data and expert opinions led to the shift away from the use of mRNA vaccines, which arose under the duress of a public health emergency, and toward unhurried alternatives.
“We reviewed the science, listened to the experts and acted,” HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said in a statement. “The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority is terminating 22 mRNA vaccine development investments because 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.”
The agency said those alternatives include whole virus vaccines and “novel platforms,” which were not specified. However, in May HHS and the National Institutes of Health said they were working on “Generation Gold Standard,” a new project that would use whole viruses for broad spectrum coverage against seasonal illnesses, mainly COVID and the flu.
Regardless, Kennedy reassured the public that HHS is working on new vaccines as it winds down support for mRNA.
“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,” he added.
Ongoing work to continue
While all future investments in research and development of mRNA vaccines and related technology are officially cancelled, ongoing projects will be finished as normal. Cancellation impacts multiple companies, labs and academic institutions, including Emory University, Tiba Biotech, Luminary Labs, ModeX, Seqirus, Pfizer, Sanofi Pasteur, CSL Seqirus, Gritstone, AstraZeneca, Moderna and others.
HHS said the move will free up $500 million.
The change in policy does not impact federally backed research on other uses for mRNA, such as its possible viability as a cancer treatment.
The full announcement from HHS is available here.
Chad is an award-winning writer and editor with over 15 years of experience working in media. He has a decade-long professional background in healthcare, working as a writer and in public relations.