What's happened
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has canceled funding for Moderna's H5N1 mRNA vaccine, forfeiting the government's right to purchase doses ahead of a potential pandemic. This decision follows concerns about the safety of mRNA technology, as voiced by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Moderna plans to seek alternative funding.
What's behind the headline?
Implications of Funding Withdrawal
- Safety Concerns: The decision reflects a significant shift in federal priorities regarding vaccine safety and efficacy, particularly concerning mRNA technology. Health Secretary Kennedy's skepticism has influenced this outcome.
- Impact on Pandemic Preparedness: The cancellation jeopardizes the U.S. government's ability to respond effectively to potential pandemics, as mRNA vaccines are considered adaptable and quick to produce.
- Future of mRNA Technology: Despite the setback, Moderna's CEO remains optimistic about the vaccine's potential, citing positive interim trial results. However, the broader implications for mRNA research and funding remain uncertain.
- Political Context: The decision may also signal a political agenda, as the current administration distances itself from the previous administration's approach to vaccine development and public health communication.
What the papers say
According to the New York Times, the HHS's decision was based on a 'rigorous review' that deemed continued investment in Moderna's vaccine 'not scientifically or ethically justifiable.' In contrast, Moderna's CEO, Stéphane Bancel, emphasized the positive interim results from their trials, stating, 'we are pleased by the robust immune response and safety profile observed.' The Independent highlighted that this funding withdrawal reflects a broader skepticism towards mRNA technology, with HHS spokesman Andrew Nixon asserting that the decision aims to avoid repeating past mistakes regarding vaccine safety. Meanwhile, Ars Technica noted that the funding was intended to support late-stage clinical trials, which are now in jeopardy due to the cancellation.
How we got here
The Biden administration had previously invested $766 million in Moderna's vaccine development, including $590 million in January 2025. The decision to withdraw funding comes amid ongoing concerns about the H5N1 bird flu virus, which has infected humans and animals across the U.S.
Go deeper
- What are the implications of this funding cancellation?
- How does this affect pandemic preparedness in the U.S.?
- What are the next steps for Moderna regarding their vaccine?
Common question
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Why Was Funding for Moderna's Bird Flu Vaccine Withdrawn?
The recent cancellation of funding for Moderna's H5N1 mRNA vaccine by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has raised numerous questions. This decision, influenced by skepticism towards mRNA technology, has implications for public health and future vaccine development. Here, we explore the reasons behind this funding withdrawal and its broader impact.
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More on these topics
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Moderna is an American biotechnology company focused on drug discovery, drug development, and vaccine technologies based exclusively on messenger RNA. It is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
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Robert Francis Kennedy Jr. (born January 17, 1954), also known by his initials RFK Jr., is an American politician, environmental lawyer, author, conspiracy theorist, and anti-vaccine activist serving as the 26th United States secretary of health and human
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The United States Department of Health & Human Services, also known as the Health Department, is a cabinet-level executive branch department of the U.S. federal government with the goal of protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential
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The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.