Summary
U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. canceled $500 million in government-funded projects to develop new mRNA vaccines for respiratory illnesses. mRNA vaccines have been important during the COVID-19 pandemic and are now being used to make potential treatments for other diseases. The technology allows for quicker vaccine development compared to traditional methods.
Key Facts
- mRNA vaccines played a critical role during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stopped $500 million in funding for new mRNA vaccine research.
- mRNA vaccines can be developed faster than traditional vaccines, which can take up to 18 months.
- Traditional vaccines involve growing viruses or parts of them in cells or eggs, a lengthy process.
- mRNA stands for messenger RNA, which provides instructions for cells to make specific proteins.
- COVID-19 mRNA vaccines can be updated more quickly each year than traditional vaccines.
- mRNA technology has potential use beyond vaccines, including treatments for diseases like cancer and cystic fibrosis.
