US terminates 22 mRNA vaccine programmes for ‘failing to protect against COVID and flu’

The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is winding down its mRNA vaccine development activities under the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA). According to an official statement from the HHS, the decision comes after a thorough examination of mRNA-related investments made during the COVID-19 public health emergency.HHS Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr. made the announcement, saying the BARDA was terminating 22 mRNA vaccine development investments. Kennedy stated that data show mRNA vaccines don’t protect effectively against upper respiratory infections like COVID-19 and flu.
In a post on X, he wrote, “We reviewed the science, listened to the experts, and acted. BARDA is terminating 22 mRNA vaccine development investments because the data show these vaccines fail to protect effectively against upper respiratory infections like COVID-19 and flu.”

We reviewed the science, listened to the experts, and acted. 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… pic.twitter.com/GPKbuU7ywN

— Secretary Kennedy (@SecKennedy) August 5, 2025

The department is shifting funding toward ‘safer, broader vaccine platforms’ that remain effective even as viruses mutate, he added.The termination affects 22 projects worth nearly $500 million, including collaborations with organisations like Emory University, Tiba Biotech, Moderna, Pfizer and Sanofi Pasteur. No new mRNA-based projects will be initiated, though some final-stage contracts will be allowed to be completed.

“While some final-stage contracts (e.g., Arcturus and Amplitude) will be allowed to run their course to preserve prior taxpayer investment, no new mRNA-based projects will be initiated. HHS has also instructed its partner, Global Health Investment Corporation (GHIC), which manages BARDA Ventures, to cease all mRNA-based equity investments,” read the statement.

Kennedy emphasised that HHS supports ‘safe, effective vaccines for every American who wants them’ and is moving beyond mRNA limitations for respiratory viruses and investing in better solutions.

“Technologies that were funded during the emergency phase but failed to meet current scientific standards will be phased out in favour of evidence-based, ethically grounded solutions – like whole-virus vaccines and novel platforms,” the official statement added.