NIH Shifts Focus Away from mRNA Vaccines: A Necessary Pivot for Public Health Stewardship

The US Department of Health and Human Services has decided to wind down its mRNA vaccine development activities. The decision marks a necessary pivot in public health innovation, considering the strengths and weaknesses of mRNA vaccines and alternative technologies. This shift acknowledges public attitudes and experience with the technology, ensuring that public health efforts are guided by a balanced approach.

The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced a significant shift in its public health innovation strategy by winding down its mRNA vaccine development activities. This decision marks a necessary pivot in how the agency stewards public health innovations, particularly in the realm of vaccines [2].

Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., in a comprehensive review of mRNA-related investments initiated during the COVID-19 pandemic, determined that the current mRNA vaccines are not effectively protecting against upper respiratory infections like COVID-19 and flu. As a result, the HHS is terminating 22 mRNA vaccine development investments, totaling approximately $500 million (£375 million; €430 million) [1].

The decision to cancel these projects is part of a broader strategy to shift funding toward safer, broader vaccine platforms that remain effective even as viruses mutate. This approach aligns with the agency's commitment to considering the inherent strengths and weaknesses of technologies, as well as public attitudes and experiences with these technologies [2].

Former Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams, who served during the first Trump administration, has criticized the decision, arguing that it could lead to preventable deaths. Adams highlighted the effectiveness of mRNA vaccines in the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that they have saved millions of lives and enabled the rapid development of vaccines [3]. However, Kennedy maintains that the current vaccines do not provide adequate protection against upper respiratory infections, necessitating the shift in funding.

The HHS's decision also comes amidst broader discussions about the future of vaccine development and the role of mRNA technology. For instance, GSK has recently secured a $740 million settlement and future royalties after resolving key mRNA vaccine patent disputes with BioNTech and Pfizer. This settlement underscores the importance of clear royalty deals in the vaccine landscape and could set the tone for future collaborations [4].

The shift in funding strategy is intended to ensure that public health efforts are guided by a balanced approach, considering both the potential benefits and limitations of different technologies. This decision reflects a broader trend in the pharmaceutical industry, where major patent agreements and licensing deals are becoming increasingly common, facilitating smoother international partnerships and accelerating vaccine evolution [4].

References:
[1] Janice Hopkins Tanne. (n.d.). New York. The BMJ. Retrieved from https://www.bmj.com/content/390/bmj.r1664
[2] The Washington Post. (2025, August 12). The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ decision to wind down its mRNA vaccine development activities marks a necessary pivot in how we steward public health innovations in vaccines. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2025/08/12/nih-mrna-vaccines-jay-bhattacharya/
[3] CBS News. (2025, August 12). Ex-Trump surgeon general: 'People are going to die' if the U.S. backs away from mRNA vaccine development. Retrieved from https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/ex-trump-surgeon-general-rfk-mrna-vaccine-research/
[4] Finimize. (n.d.). GSK locks in mRNA vaccine royalties after Biontech settlement. Retrieved from https://finimize.com/content/gsk-locks-in-mrna-vaccine-royalties-after-biontech-settlement