Nearly $500 million in mRNA vaccine development canceled
Enacted5/10
Federal · HHS/BARDA announcement, Aug. 5, 2025 · Effective Aug 5, 2025
Impact 5/10
On August 5, 2025, HHS announced the wind-down of mRNA vaccine development at BARDA, canceling 22 projects worth nearly $500 million, including pandemic influenza and other next-generation vaccine candidates from universities and manufacturers. Secretary Kennedy stated that mRNA vaccines fail to protect effectively against upper respiratory infections, a characterization disputed by vaccine scientists. The cancellations shrink the federal pipeline for rapid vaccine response to future pandemics.
HealthcareGovernment & civil service
Sources
✓ Verified against primary sources 2026-08-16