US Government Halts 22 mRNA Vaccine Projects, Cutting Nearly $500 Million in Funding

Washington D.C. – The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced in August 2025 its decision to wind down 22 mRNA vaccine development projects under the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), effectively halting nearly $500 million in investments. This move marks a significant shift in federal strategy concerning a technology widely hailed for its rapid response capabilities in public health.

The decision comes despite widespread recognition of mRNA technology's transformative impact, particularly its pivotal role in the swift development of COVID-19 vaccines. Experts and the scientific community have lauded mRNA for its flexibility and potential across various medical fields, including cancer therapies, autoimmune conditions, and vaccines for other infectious diseases. As noted by Scott Lincicome on social media, "> Awesome news. Man, mRNA tech is so amazing, and it's especially cool the US is once again leading the wa-", reflecting a common sentiment about the technology's promise.

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated that the funding would be redirected towards "safer, broader vaccine platforms that remain effective even as viruses mutate." This rationale suggests a pivot away from mRNA, which officials claim "fail to protect effectively against upper respiratory infections like COVID and flu," a claim that contradicts the scientific consensus on mRNA vaccine efficacy against severe disease.

Former BARDA director Rick Bright strongly criticized the decision, calling it "dangerous, shortsighted" and arguing that it "undercuts one of the most significant medical advances in decades." Bright emphasized that the early federal investments in mRNA, predating COVID-19, were crucial for establishing the foundation that enabled a rapid pandemic response, viewing mRNA as a "missile defense system for biology."

While the U.S. government scales back its direct investment, private sector companies like Moderna continue to advance a robust pipeline of mRNA-based therapies and vaccines for a wide range of indications. Globally, initiatives such as the WHO's mRNA Technology Transfer Programme are actively working to expand sustainable mRNA production capabilities, underscoring the international commitment to this innovative platform.