HHS cancels $ 500 million mRNA vaccine contracts, transfers the financing of “safer” strategies

In total, 22 ARNM vaccine development contracts totaling around $ 500 million was canceled, the Ministry of Health and Social Services (HHS) announced on Tuesday.

MRNA investments were part of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (Barda) of the government, a division of HHS which drives some of the most advanced scientific research in the country, such as the development of vaccines, drugs and other tools to combat national health threats. The termination of the 22 Barda contracts follows an internal examination of several weeks to determine a path to follow with regard to these investments.

“We have examined science, listened to experts and act,” said HHS secretary on Tuesday, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. “Barda ends 22 investments in the development of mRNA vaccines because data show that these vaccines do not effectively protect themselves against higher respiratory infections like Cavid and the flu. safe and wider that remain effective even as viruses mutate. “

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The termination of the 22 Barda contracts follows an internal examination of several weeks to determine a path to follow with regard to these investments. (Getty Images / Fox News)

In a short video explaining this decision, Kennedy said that the advantages simply do not prevail over the risks associated with mRNA vaccines.

Kennedy then pointed out that not only the mRNA vaccines – as the COVVI -19 pandemic show – do not work well against viruses that infect the upper respiratory tract, but they do not defend themselves against the mutations of the viruses that they are intended to continue.

“This dynamic leads to a phenomenon called anogenic change, which means that the vaccine paradoxically encourages new mutations and can actually extend pandemics as the virus is constantly mute to escape the protective effects of the vaccine,” said Kennedy in the video.

For example, the HHS secretary underlined the omicron variant of the COVVI-19 virus, which infected several million, including those who had been vaccinated against COVID.

“A single mutation can make the vaccines of mRNA ineffective,” added Kebbedy, noting that the same risks also apply to the flu virus.

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The decision to cancel the mRNA contracts under Barda will not entirely cancel all research on mRNA vaccines carried out by the government, a familiar source with this decision indicated. In addition to allowing certain contracts in the final phase to take their course until the end in order to preserve the previous investments of taxpayers, the in progress research of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) will not be affected by this last decision.

In this composite image, the secretary of the HHS, RFK JR, testifies before the Credit Committee of the Chamber on May 14, 2025, and a close -up of a covid vaccine injection is observed in the opposite panel. (Getty Images)

Meanwhile, instead of research and investments related to mRNA finished in Barda, HHS will focus on “safer and wider vaccination strategies,” said Kennedy.

“To replace mRNA programs in difficulty, we would prioritize the development of safer and wider vaccine strategies such as whole vaccines and new platforms that do not collapse when viruses mutate,” Kennedy said in his video explanation on finished mRNA investments.

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During the video, Kennedy reiterated his support for “safe and effective vaccines” for any American who wants them.

“This is why we go beyond the limits of mRNA for respiratory viruses and invest in better solutions.”