HHS Rejects mRNA for Respiratory Viruses

HHS, led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., announced it is revoking roughly $500 million and moving away from mRNA platforms for respiratory pathogens after 'reviewing the science.' The agency says mRNA carries more risks than benefits for COVID‑like diseases and is restructuring BARDA collaborations, including a Moderna/UTMB H5N1 project, while emphasizing continued support for safe vaccines via alternative platforms. — A top health authority repudiating mRNA for respiratory disease would reset vaccine strategy, industry investment, and media narratives about platform safety and efficacy.