U.S. Cancels 22 mRNA Vaccine Projects Due to Lack of Efficacy

22 mRNA vaccine projects canceled.

Funds redirected to new platforms.

Impact on major leading pharmaceutical companies.

U.S. Secretary of Health Robert Kennedy announced Tuesday the cancellation of 22 projects aimed at developing messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines, managed under the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA).

These projects, which represented an investment of $550 million, failed to demonstrate efficacy against common respiratory infections such as COVID-19 and influenza.

Kennedy explained that the decision was made after a thorough review of available data and consultation with experts in the field, according to the Efe agency.

In a statement, he said: “BARDA is canceling 22 investments in the development of mRNA vaccines because the data show they do not effectively protect against upper respiratory tract infections like COVID-19 and influenza.”

Cancellation of mRNA Vaccine Projects

U.S. Secretary of Health Robert Kennedy announces that approximately 22 projects for the development of messenger RNA vaccines, under BARDA’s authority and worth $550 million, will be canceled in a coordinated manner. https://t.co/PVgZr33txc

— EFE Noticias (@EFEnoticias) August 6, 2025

The Secretary emphasized that the released funds will be redirected toward the development of «safer and broader» vaccine platforms, capable of maintaining effectiveness even against virus mutations.

This decision will affect major pharmaceutical companies leading vaccine development, such as Moderna, which was working on an mRNA-based vaccine against H5N1.

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Additionally, the scope of several contracts with companies like Luminary, ModeX, Seqirus, Pfizer, Sanofi Pasteur, and Gritstone will be reduced.

Collaborations with the Department of Defense (DoD-JPEO) will also be reviewed, affecting projects related to nucleic acid-based vaccines with AAHI, AstraZeneca, and HDT Bio.

New, Safer Vaccine Platforms

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. cancels $500 million in funding for vaccine development in the United States. https://t.co/mtPZN4fe4P

— Univision Noticias (@UniNoticias) August 5, 2025

Although some projects in late stages of development will be allowed to continue, Kennedy clarified that no new mRNA vaccine projects will be initiated.

However, he assured that other advancements in mRNA technology will not be affected by this decision.

The Secretary of Health emphasized that his department remains committed to supporting «safe and effective vaccines.»

Despite the controversy generated, he stated that this redirection of funds aims to improve current solutions, although he did not provide details about the new projects to be funded.

Conclusion

22 mRNA vaccine projects canceled – Photo: Shutterstock

The measure comes amid growing uncertainty over the effectiveness of mRNA vaccines in combating virus variants.

The decision also aligns with previous actions by Kennedy, who in June dismissed members of the advisory committee on vaccination, drawing criticism from public health experts.