Cells use mRNA to build proteins, and after years of research, scientists learned how to harness this molecule to develop effective, safe and quick-to-make vaccines. Since the advent of this Nobel Prize-winning technology, a handful of mRNA vaccines have been approved in the United States — namely, COVID-19 and RSV shots. Vaccines still in development could someday protect against seasonal flu, bird flu, HIV and more.
But now, the U.S. federal government is slashing its investments in mRNA vaccines — a move that will immediately impact 22 projects totaling nearly $500 million, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced Tuesday (Aug. 5).
