Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has ordered a wind-down of mRNA vaccine development and canceled $500 million in research contracts due to vaccine skepticism, especially regarding COVID-19 vaccines. mRNA vaccines proved highly effective at reducing pandemic deaths and offer potential beyond infectious disease, including work toward a universal cancer vaccine. The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) played a leading role in pioneering mRNA work in the United States under virologist Rick Bright. Bright was removed in May 2020 after a whistleblower complaint and has warned that American leadership in mRNA is a strategic advantage now at risk.
Perhaps most damningly, the younger Kennedy has elected to " wind down" the development of mRNA vaccines and cancel $500 million in research contracts because of his vaccine skepticism, particularly as it relates to COVID-19 vaccines. Along with its incredible efficacy at staving off further death from the coronavirus pandemic, researchers working with mRNA believe they may be close to achieving a monumental milestone: creating a universal cancer vaccine using the promising biotechnology.
Starting in 2016, virologist Rick Bright headed the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) - the agency that pioneered mRNA research in the US - until he was illegally ousted by president Donald Trump in May 2020 for a whistleblower complaint about his first administration's promotion of hydroxychloroquine as a COVID treatment. In an alarming piece for the New York Times this past week, Bright likened American supremacy on mRNA research to a military advantage - one that RFK Jr. is throwing away with his ill-advised anti-vax policies.
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