L@B Brief - August 2025
US labs hit by ‘friendly’ fire
THE US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced the termination of 22 federally funded messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine research and development contracts, valued at nearly $500 million. The move includes the cancellation of funding for a Moderna mRNA vaccine candidate for avian influenza.
HHS Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated the decision followed a review of scientific evidence and expert consultation. He cited, but did not provide detail for, concerns about the effectiveness of mRNA vaccines against upper respiratory infections such as COVID-19 and influenza. Independent scientists have publicly refuted these claims, noting that mRNA vaccines were critical in reducing illness and mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic andthat there is no evidence linking them to increased viral mutation rates.
HHS has indicated that funding will be redirected toward vaccine platforms such as inactivated or attenuated whole virus vaccines. These older technologies involve growing viruses in egg or cell cultures and then weakening or inactivating them so they cannot cause illness while still eliciting an immune response.
While such approaches are well-established, they are typically slower to develop compared to mRNA-based vaccines, taking five to six months rather than six weeks.
US commentators have warned that reduced federal investment in mRNA R&D could slow the US response to future outbreaks, others hope that development in other countries and ongoing collaborations with international partners, may offset some of the impact. However, commentators within Europe have voiced fears that the significant reductions in investment in this area from US based companies will have a chilling effect worldwide.
Laboratory supply companies serving vaccine developers may see shifts in demand for reagents, cell culture systems, bioreactor capacity, and cold-chain infrastructure as federal investment priorities change. The pivot toward traditional vaccine platforms could increase the need for egg-based and cell-based production capabilities, while potentially slowing investment in RNA synthesis and lipid nanoparticle delivery systems.
One thing is sure, those at the cutting edge of this area of research will be looking to move out of the US and investments in the UK make it a particularly attractive alternative.
Toodle pip!
Jacqueline
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