HHS cuts funding to ‘under-tested’ mRNA technology for bird flu vaccines
President Donald Trump’s Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has made the decision to terminate awards totaling more than $750 million dollars that were initially provided to pharmaceutical manufacturer Moderna to support the production of mRNA-based bird flu vaccines. This move comes after President Joe Biden’s administration awarded $590 million to Moderna during his final week in office to accelerate the production of mRNA-based vaccines. Additionally, a separate $176 million award was given to Moderna earlier in the year for mRNA vaccine technology.
Messenger RNA vaccines, a newer type of vaccine technology utilized by companies like Moderna and Pfizer to develop their COVID-19 vaccines, have faced criticism for potential adverse side effects such as myocarditis. Despite the success of mRNA technology in combating the coronavirus pandemic, concerns over safety and efficacy have persisted.
Trump administration officials had previously hinted at the possibility of terminating funding for Moderna due to a lack of oversight under the Biden administration in vaccine production. HHS Communications Director Andrew Nixon stated, “After a rigorous review, we concluded that continued investment in Moderna’s H5N1 mRNA vaccine was not scientifically or ethically justifiable. This is not simply about efficacy — it’s about safety, integrity, and trust.”
The decision to terminate funding for Moderna reflects a shift in federal vaccine priorities, with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announcing that COVID-19 vaccines would no longer be recommended for children and pregnant women. A report released by Senate Republicans raised concerns about the Biden administration withholding safety data and downplaying risks associated with mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, particularly in relation to cases of myocarditis following vaccination.
In response to the termination of funding, Moderna released a statement acknowledging the move but highlighting the positive safety profile observed in their work on a new mRNA bird flu vaccine. CEO Stéphane Bancel emphasized the critical role of mRNA technology in addressing emerging health threats, despite the uncertainty created by the funding termination.
The decision to terminate funding for Moderna underscores the ongoing debate surrounding the safety and efficacy of mRNA vaccines, and the need for transparency and accountability in vaccine development and distribution. The future of mRNA technology remains uncertain, but its potential to combat emerging health threats continues to be a focus of research and development in the pharmaceutical industry.
