The United States is at risk of losing crucial mRNA vaccine research due to new regulations and funding cuts introduced under the administration. More than 30 grants for researching public mistrust of immunizations have been terminated, affecting vaccine hesitancy studies.
The role of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vocal vaccine skeptic, looms large in these cuts. Researchers have reported that NIH officials advised them to remove mRNA references from their grant applications.
mRNA technology is at the forefront of current medical developments, with its COVID-19 vaccines being highly effective and Nobel Prize-winning. The technology acts as a genetic script, prompting the body’s cells to produce proteins identical to the spike proteins on the coronavirus.
Research on malaria and cancer vaccines are also under development. An mRNA-based malaria vaccine has shown promise in animal models and is being tested in human trials. A pancreatic cancer vaccine has activated tumor-specific immune cells that remained in the body for nearly four years after treatment.
The halt of federal funding could impact developments like these, leaving researchers uncertain about their future prospects.
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/crucial-mrna-vaccine-research-at-risk-in-the-us/a-71989604