US FDA Commissioner Makary says FDA supports mRNA vaccines but US taxpayers should not bear the cost

Core Viewpoint - The FDA supports mRNA vaccines but believes that U.S. taxpayers should not bear the financial burden of their development, as companies involved can fund their own research [2][8]. Group 1: FDA's Position on mRNA Vaccines - FDA Commissioner Marty Makary defended the agency's stance on mRNA vaccines, stating that the FDA has approved two mRNA vaccines for RSV [3]. - The FDA is reviewing a Moderna flu vaccine, indicating ongoing support for mRNA technology [1][2]. Group 2: Funding Decisions and Rationale - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) cut funding for mRNA vaccine research, with Makary explaining that companies like Moderna and Pfizer, which made over $50 billion, can afford their own research [5][8]. - The HHS's decision to defund mRNA vaccine development was influenced by a belief that the vaccines were not effectively protecting against respiratory infections, despite contrary scientific evidence [5][6]. Group 3: Future Research Directions - Makary emphasized the need for government funding to focus on underfunded areas such as rare diseases and bespoke conditions, rather than mRNA vaccine research [9].