U.S. to Wind Down mRNA Vaccine Development Projects, Cancels Moderna Bird Flu Deal

Washington, D.C. The United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced plans to scale back mRNA vaccine development efforts through its Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), the federal agency that has supported critical medical innovations during public health emergencies.

As part of the decision, HHS is cancelling a contract awarded to pharmaceutical giant Moderna for the late-stage development of its human bird flu vaccine. The contract had included an option for the U.S. government to purchase doses once completed. Several other pending proposals from companies including Pfizer, Sanofi Pasteur, CSL Seqirus, and Gritstone have also been rejected or withdrawn.

According to the agency, a total of 22 mRNA-related projects, valued at approximately $500 million, will be impacted by the policy shift.

The move marks a significant departure from previous pandemic-era investments and comes under the leadership of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a longtime critic of vaccine policies. Since assuming office, Kennedy has initiated sweeping reforms targeting vaccine, food, and medicine regulation.

Justifying the decision, Kennedy claimed current mRNA vaccines “fail to protect effectively against upper respiratory infections like COVID and flu,” though he did not provide scientific evidence to support the assertion.

“We’re shifting that funding toward safer, broader vaccine platforms that remain effective even as viruses mutate,” he said.

HHS stated the decision follows a comprehensive review of mRNA investments launched in response to the COVID-19 emergency. BARDA, established to prepare for public health threats, played a pivotal role during the pandemic by funding vaccine development and distribution.

The announcement has sparked debate within the scientific and public health communities, with critics warning that cutting back on mRNA research could hinder pandemic preparedness in the future.