Kennedy Jr. Slashes Half a Billion Dollars in mRNA Vaccine Investments.

Kennedy Jr. Slashes Half a Billion Dollars in mRNA Vaccine Investments.

In a move that could have significant implications for global vaccine development, US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has announced a decision to cut approximately $500 million in funding for mRNA vaccine development against respiratory infections like COVID-19 and flu[2][3][4]. This decision involves terminating about two dozen mRNA vaccine projects led by major pharmaceutical firms, including Pfizer and Moderna[3][4].

The potential implications and effects of this decision include a shift in vaccine development focus towards alternative strategies, such as whole-virus vaccines and other novel platforms[3]. This move aims to develop a "universal vaccine" that mimics natural immunity, potentially offering more durable and broad-spectrum respiratory virus protection[3]. However, this decision may slow the development of next-generation vaccines that had been seen as a breakthrough platform in rapidly addressing respiratory viruses, potentially delaying improved vaccines for flu and COVID-19 or diminishing vaccine effectiveness if alternative approaches prove less successful in practice.

Katalin Karikó, a scientist from the University of Pennsylvania and the recipient of the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 2023 for her work on mRNA vaccine development, has criticized Kennedy Jr.'s decision, stating it will set back global progress in vaccine development and science in general[5]. Progress in mRNA vaccine development is reportedly continuing in Europe and Asia, particularly in China[6].

Despite the controversy surrounding Kennedy Jr.'s stance on vaccinations, it is important to note that the cut in funding is specifically for mRNA vaccines, and other applications of mRNA technology are not affected[7]. For instance, Biontech, a Mainz-based company that brought the world's first mRNA vaccine to market during the corona pandemic, continues to see good prospects in mRNA technology[8]. mRNA-based vaccines have proven effective in protecting many people from severe diseases caused by Covid-19 and RSV infections[9].

On the other hand, developing a vaccine against bird flu in humans is not economically viable[10]. The US agency Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (Barda) is ending 22 investments in mRNA vaccine development, as announced by Kennedy Jr.[11]. However, the use of mRNA technology in cancer research appears to be excluded from Kennedy's decision to cut funding for mRNA vaccines and will likely continue in the USA[12].

In summary, Kennedy's funding cut could slow mRNA vaccine innovation against key respiratory diseases and reflect a controversial policy realignment toward vaccine approaches with uncertain efficacy, potentially impacting public health preparedness and trust in vaccine science in the US[2][3][4]. The decision has sparked intense criticism, particularly from Karikó, who fears it will set back global progress in vaccine development and science. Despite this, progress in mRNA vaccine development continues in other parts of the world, particularly in Europe and Asia.

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