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Vaccines

Senator Hassan Requests Independent Analysis of Health and Economic Costs of Cancelling mRNA Research

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) has expressed deep concern about the abrupt cancellation of nearly $500 million in mRNA-related research and development contracts by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The sudden termination of funding for research that could lead to treatments and cures for deadly diseases, including cancer, has sparked fear among Americans of all ages who live with these conditions. In a letter to the Center for Infectious Disease Modeling and Analysis at the Yale School of Public Health, Senator Hassan is seeking a comprehensive assessment of the potential health and economic costs of abandoning mRNA research.

Key Takeaways:

  • Senator Hassan is requesting an independent analysis of the potential health and economic costs of cancelling mRNA research and development contracts worth nearly $500 million.
  • The cancellation of mRNA research could lead to a loss of cures for deadly diseases, including cancer, that are within the country's reach, resulting in more Americans falling sick or losing their lives in the coming years.
  • The mRNA vaccine platform is one of the most powerful new medical technologies discovered and used in the last decade, with the potential to revolutionize cancer treatment and prevention.
  • Senator Hassan has spoken out against Secretary Kennedy's abandonment of mRNA research and has called for his resignation, citing concerns about the health and safety of Americans.
  • The letter asks the Center for Infectious Disease Modeling and Analysis to respond to several questions, including the number of lives that could be saved using mRNA vaccines and immunotherapies, the economic cost of ceasing government investment in the mRNA platform, and the public health benefits of developing similar mRNA vaccines for other infectious diseases.

Statistics:

  • The cancellation of mRNA research contracts totals nearly $500 million.
  • The mRNA vaccine platform has the potential to revolutionize cancer treatment and prevention, with recent clinical advancements demonstrating tremendous potential for mRNA to reduce relapse rates and improve outcomes for patients.
  • Clinical trials have shown that mRNA vaccines can reduce relapse rates and improve outcomes for patients with challenging cancers, including melanoma, brain, pancreatic, and lung cancers.
  • The United States has made significant progress in developing mRNA vaccines, with over 22 contracts totalling $500 million cancelled by the HHS.

Sources:

  • Letter to the Center for Infectious Disease Modeling and Analysis, dated August 5, 2025, from Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) to Director Anthony I. Galvani, Yale University.

Note: The date of the letter "August 5, 2025" is included as it is explicitly mentioned in the source material.

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