HHS to Wind Down mRNA Vaccine Programs
The move includes terminating 22 vaccine investments and canceling and shrinking various contracts and solicitations
- HHS is ending its mRNA vaccine development work under the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority.
- The decision follows a review that found mRNA vaccines ineffective against upper respiratory infections.
- The canceled projects include a Moderna grant and contracts with Emory University and Tiba Biotech.
The Department of Health and Human Services said it is winding down its mRNA vaccine-development activities under the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority.
The move includes terminating 22 vaccine investments and canceling and shrinking various contracts and solicitations, HHS said Tuesday.
HHS said it reviewed its investments in mRNA-related programs initiated after Covid-19 broke out. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said the review showed the vaccines fail to protect effectively against upper respiratory infections such as Covid-19 and influenza.
Included in the wind-down is the cancellation of BARDA’s grant to Moderna for its mRNA-based H5N1 vaccine, the termination of contracts with Emory University and Tiba Biotech and removing mRNA-related work in existing contracts with Luminary Labs, ModeX and Seqirus. The department is also rejecting or canceling multiple proposals for awards.
No new mRNA-based projects will be initiated, HHS said. The department has also told Global Health Investment Corp., which manages BARDA, to cease all mRNA-based equity investments. That would affect 22 projects worth nearly $500 million, HHS said.
The funding would be reallocated toward broader vaccine platforms, Kennedy said.