The US government’s decision to wind down 22 mRNA vaccine development projects under the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) is a significant setback for public health. As a former head of BARDA, I witnessed firsthand how this technology enabled rapid response to emerging biological threats like COVID-19.
In 2016, we invested in mRNA, a flexible and rapid-response technology that could be reprogrammed for any pathogen once its genetic sequence was known. This investment paid off when the first genetic sequence of the new coronavirus was posted online in early 2020, allowing scientists to design a vaccine within weeks. The result was unprecedented speed, saving millions of lives.
BARDA wasn’t alone in recognizing mRNA’s potential. Global efforts, including those from the Department of Defense, the World Health Organization, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, committed resources to advance the technology. By 2021, mRNA vaccines had saved an estimated 20 million lives globally, reducing hospitalization and death rates.
The mRNA technology is not a single vaccine but a platform that can be adapted quickly for new or mutating viruses. It’s being tested for personalized cancer vaccines, autoimmune therapies, and treatments for rare diseases. However, with the decision to halt nearly $500 million in investments, we risk sidelining this vital technology. This move undercuts our best chance to respond swiftly when the next global threat emerges.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/18/opinion/mrna-vaccines.html