The cuts apply particularly to vaccines developed using so-called mRNA technology, which was also the basis for the vaccines against the coronavirus.
Vaccine skeptic Kennedy says in a statement that he wants the health department to invest in better and safer solutions, but gives no further details about what that would be.
To replace the problematic mRNA programs, we prioritize the development of safer, broader vaccine strategies, such as whole virus vaccines and new platforms that do not collapse when viruses mutate, says Kennedy in a video, without giving further clues about what the alternatives would be.
In total, 22 projects, led by pharmaceutical companies such as Pfizer and Moderna, will have their support withdrawn.
One of the advantages of mRNA technology is that it offers rapid production, which was crucial for limiting the coronavirus pandemic, according to experts.
I do not think I have seen a more dangerous decision in public health during my 50 years in the industry, says Mike Osterholm, expert on infectious diseases and pandemic preparedness at the University of Minnesota to AP.
