The US Department of Health Services (HHS) is in talks to halt the major vaccine development projects worth $500 million. The projects aimed to fight respiratory viruses such as COVID-19 and influenza. These efforts focus on the use of mRNA technology, which played a major role during the pandemic.
RFK Jr’s Anti-mRNA Stance
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vocal vaccine sceptic and Republican presidential candidate, announced the cancellation of the contracts and withdrawal of funding on Tuesday. The move underscores his opposition to mRNA-based vaccines.
“To replace the troubled mRNA programs, we’re prioritising the development of safer, broader vaccine strategies, like whole-virus vaccines and novel platforms that don’t collapse when viruses mutate,” Kennedy said, reiterating his criticism of the technology.
Kennedy has reshaped the US vaccination facility in the past few months. This involved the removal of COVID-19 vaccine recommendations and dismissal of the whole CDC scientific advisory committee on vaccines.
HHS Responds: Broader mRNA Use Will Continue
Regardless of the changes, the Department of Health and Human Services clarified that this decision will not impact all the mRNA-based research. Other applications of the technology within the department will get the support.
“Let me be absolutely clear, HHS supports safe, effective vaccines for every American who wants them,” Kennedy stated in his announcement.
Expert Warnings: A Step Back for Public Health
Health experts have expressed serious concern over the decision to stop mRNA vaccine development. Many believe it could jeopardize the country’s preparedness for future outbreaks.
“I don’t think I’ve seen a more dangerous decision in public health in my 50 years in the business,” said Mike Osterholm, an infectious disease expert at the University of Minnesota, in an interview with the Associated Press.
Experts credit mRNA vaccines with helping to curb the spread of COVID-19 during the height of the pandemic. They also warn that eliminating them could make managing future pandemics significantly more difficult.
Beyond COVID: mRNA’s Wider Potential
The decision also threatens to derail promising mRNA research beyond infectious diseases. mRNA vaccines were being explored for use in cancer immunotherapy. Earlier this year, billionaire tech leader Larry Ellison commended mRNA vaccines for their potential in cancer treatment.
How mRNA Vaccines Work
Previously, vaccines used weak or inactivated viruses. However, mRNA vaccines use a snippet of genetic material, to which the body reacts by creating a harmless virus protein. It prompts a response from the immune system, teaching the body to fight the actual infections.
This technology is already a part of approved COVID-19 and RSV vaccines. However, flu shots still use conventional techniques. Moderna had been working on a combined mRNA vaccine for COVID-19 and influenza, aiming to streamline flu vaccine production.
