The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced it would begin the wind-down of mRNA vaccine development activities.
As part of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), HHS said it would be cancelling and de-scoping contracts and solicitations for mRNA vaccines. The move comes after a review of the mRNA-related investments initiated during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We reviewed the science, listened to the experts, and acted,” HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., said. “BARDA is terminating 22 mRNA vaccine development investments because the data show these vaccines fail to protect effectively against upper respiratory infections like COVID and flu. We’re shifting that funding toward safer, broader vaccine platforms that remain effective even as viruses mutate.”
Among the actions the department said would be taken are the cancellation of contracts with Emory University and Tiba Biotech, the de-scoping of mRNA-related work on existing contracts with Luminary Labs, ModeX and Sequirus, and a rejection or cancellation of multiple pre-award solicitations from Pfizer, Sanofi Pasteur, CSL Seqirus, Gritstone, and others, as part of BARDA’s Rapid Response Partnership Vehicle (RRPV) and VITAL Hub.
The department said some final-stage contracts would be allowed to run their course to preserve taxpayer investments, but no new mRNA-based projects will be initiated. HHS also instructed Global Health Investment Corporation, its partner that manages BARDA Ventures, to cease all mRNA-based equity investments. In all, the announcement will affect 22 projects worth nearly $500 million. Other uses of mRNA technology within the department are not impacted by the announcement, officials said.
“Let me be absolutely clear: HHS supports safe, effective vaccines for every American who wants them. That’s why we’re moving beyond the limitations of mRNA and investing in better solutions,” Kennedy said.