US EditionRFK Jr cancels $500m in mRNA vaccine development in the US
UNITED STATES, AUG 6 – Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. halted 22 mRNA vaccine projects worth nearly $500 million, citing ineffectiveness against respiratory viruses and shifting focus to broader vaccine platforms.
- On August 5, 2025, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced the cancellation of nearly $500 million in federal vaccine funding affecting 22 mRNA vaccine development projects targeting respiratory viruses including COVID-19 and influenza.
- Reflecting his skepticism, Kennedy paused a $240 million COVID pill project and $700 million in Moderna flu vaccine funding earlier in 2025.
- Insiders warn that around 22 BARDA-backed projects led by Pfizer and Moderna are affected, with executives warning delays could hinder innovation and shares dipping, according to MPR News.
- Critics caution that ousted HHS vaccine advisory panel members argue the move abandons rigorous science amid rising H5N1 bird flu threats.
- Future allocations include protein-based and live-attenuated vaccines as broader, safer strategies, and Kennedy’s team signals upcoming reviews of Gavi.
463 Articles
463 Articles
Denver Post
FACT FOCUS: RFK Jr.’s reasons for cutting mRNA vaccine not supported by evidence
By MELISSA GOLDIN Although mRNA vaccines saved millions of lives during the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. incorrectly argued they are ineffective to justify the Department of Health and Human Service’s recent decision to cancel $500 million in government-funded research projects to develop new vaccines using the technology. Related Articles Trump says he plans to put a 100% tariff on computer chips,…
Denver Gazette
Antigo Daily JournalFACT FOCUS: RFK Jr.'s reasons for cutting mRNA vaccine not supported by evidence
U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has incorrectly claimed that mRNA vaccines are ineffective against upper respiratory infections like COVID-19 and the flu. He used this argument to justify the Department of Health and Human Services' decision to cancel…
FACT FOCUS: RFK Jr.‘s reasons for cutting mRNA vaccine not supported by evidence
Although mRNA vaccines saved millions of lives during the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. incorrectly argued they are ineffective to justify the Department of Health and Human Service's recent decision to cancel $500 million in government-funded…
RFK Jr cancels $500 million in research contracts into 'ineffective' mRNA vaccines
HHS will instead prioritize 'safer, broader' vaccine strategies in lieu of the canceled mRNA research A total of 22 mRNA vaccine development contracts totaling roughly $500 million have been canceled, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced Tuesday. The mRNA investments were part of the government's Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), a division of HHS that drives some of the country's most advance…
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