US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr has announced the federal government’s decision to terminate 22 grants worth nearly $500 million for projects researching messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines, a technology that played a key role in saving millions of lives during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The decision is a significant blow to the field, which has shown potential for treating cancers, autoimmune diseases, and inherited conditions. However, Kennedy stated that “these vaccines fail to protect effectively against upper respiratory infections like COVID and flu.” This assertion has sparked criticism from mRNA and public-health researchers, who argue that it is unscientific and misguided.
The decision is not unexpected, as Kennedy’s views on vaccination are well-known and outside the research consensus. The Trump administration has been removing independent specialists and replacing them with political appointments in many cases, including health-related domains.
However, other countries have taken a different approach. Many nations appreciate that mRNA manufacturing can be repurposed for different uses, making it more efficient to stockpile vaccines for emergencies. Fifteen countries are on a programme to establish and eventually scale up manufacturing of mRNA technology, which is being implemented by Afrigen Biologics and Vaccines.
The cancellation of grants will leave people less protected when the next pandemic strikes, and it is irresponsible to remove funding for cutting-edge technology that has saved lives. The decision will slow global progress and undermine public confidence in vaccines.
Source: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-025-02612-9