HHS Casts Doubts On mRNA Products, Funds Studies On Debunked Theories

The agency refuses to review Moderna's application for an mRNA-based flu vaccine while prioritizing research on unproven ideas.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has raised doubts about mRNA-based products, refusing to review Moderna's application for regulatory approval of an mRNA-based flu vaccine. Meanwhile, HHS is pursuing studies on debunked theories, such as a potential link between childhood vaccines and autism, and funding research into the use of ivermectin as a cancer treatment, despite a lack of high-quality evidence. This has led to concerns about an anti-mRNA bias and the potential opportunity cost of diverting resources away from promising research avenues.

Why it matters

The HHS's actions raise questions about the agency's priorities and the potential influence of unproven ideas on public health policy. The refusal to review Moderna's mRNA-based flu vaccine application, despite the company's successful clinical trials, contrasts with the agency's willingness to fund research on theories that have been repeatedly debunked. This raises concerns about the objectivity and evidence-based decision-making within the HHS.

The details

After Moderna tested an investigational influenza shot in 41,000 people and published peer-reviewed results, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) refused to even consider Moderna's application for marketing authorization. The FDA cited issues with the control group in the study, despite previously supporting the trial design. Meanwhile, the HHS has canceled $500 million in mRNA research, including 22 projects involving vaccines for diseases such as influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has claimed that mRNA technology poses more risks than benefits for respiratory viruses and announced a shift toward 'safer, broader vaccine platforms'.

  • In May 2025, HHS voided a $760 million contract with Moderna for bird flu vaccine development.
  • Last summer, HHS canceled $500 million in mRNA research, including 22 projects involving vaccines for diseases such as influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus.

The players

Moderna

An American biotechnology company that develops messenger RNA (mRNA) therapeutics and vaccines.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

The federal agency responsible for regulating and supervising the safety of food, drugs, and other products in the United States.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The current Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Jay Bhattacharya

The director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

National Cancer Institute

A component of the National Institutes of Health, the primary agency of the United States government responsible for cancer research and training.

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What they’re saying

“mRNA technology poses more risks than benefits' for respiratory viruses and announced a shift toward 'safer, broader vaccine platforms that remain effective even as viruses mutate.”

— Robert F. Kennedy Jr., HHS Secretary

“if lots of people believe it and it's moving public health, we as NIH have an obligation, again, to treat it seriously.”

— Jay Bhattacharya, NIH Director

What’s next

The FDA is expected to make a decision on the potential label change for acetaminophen in the coming months, and the National Cancer Institute's study on ivermectin as a cancer treatment is ongoing.

The takeaway

The HHS's actions raise concerns about the agency's objectivity and evidence-based decision-making, as it appears to be prioritizing research on debunked theories over the review of promising mRNA-based products. This could have significant implications for public health and the allocation of limited research funding.