US Surgeon General Robert Kennedy Jr., a known vaccine skeptic, announced a halt to funding for mRNA research due to claims that "mRNA poses more risks than benefits against respiratory viruses," the BBC reports. This announcement closes the door to investment in research into this revolutionary technology, which has been widely used during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The affected projects total nearly $500 million. The minister's announcement cancels 22 government grants for vaccine research. He stated that mRNA vaccines are not effective in protecting against upper respiratory infections such as COVID-19 and influenza. "We are shifting this funding to safer and more widespread vaccination platforms that remain effective even when viruses mutate," Kennedy explained.
Pfizer, Moderna, and other pharmaceutical companies have lost funding. Experts and researchers studying mRNA technology believe the lack of financial support will leave the United States in a highly vulnerable position in the event of a potential future pandemic.
It's worth noting that the technology's applications extend far beyond respiratory viruses. mRNA vaccines are currently being actively and successfully tested for the treatment of cancer, HIV, muscular dystrophy, and many other diseases.
