Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced the suspension of approximately $500 million in federal funding for vaccine development projects using mRNA technology.
Kennedy cited safety and efficacy concerns as the reason for the funding halt. He stated that more research is needed before expanding the use of the technology.
mRNA vaccines were used during the COVID-19 pandemic by companies such as Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna. The technology involves using messenger RNA to instruct cells to produce a protein that triggers an immune response.
Kennedy acknowledged previous federal investments in mRNA vaccine development but said the current policy reflects a reassessment of research priorities.
He did not rule out future funding for mRNA research, contingent on additional safety and efficacy data.
The suspension affects multiple ongoing research projects. Some researchers have expressed concern about the impact on vaccine development.
Kennedy said the federal government will consider alternative vaccine technologies, including conventional methods.