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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 requested an independent analysis of the potential health and economic costs of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s cancellation of nearly $500 million in mRNA-related research and development contracts. This move has sparked concerns about the impacts on American lives and health, particularly for those living with cancer and other diseases that could soon be treated or cured with mRNA technology. The Senator has expressed deep concern about the decision, emphasizing the proven therapeutic potential of mRNA vaccines and the potential loss of cures for deadly diseases.

Key Takeaways:

  • Senator Hassan has requested 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 and development contracts has raised concerns about the impacts on American lives and health, particularly for those living with cancer and other diseases.
  • The Senator has emphasized the proven therapeutic potential of mRNA vaccines, which have shown tremendous potential in revolutionizing cancer treatment and prevention.
  • Clinical trials have demonstrated that mRNA vaccines can reduce relapse rates and improve outcomes for patients with a range of cancers, including melanoma, brain, pancreatic, and lung cancers.
  • The cancellation of mRNA research and development contracts could lead to more Americans falling sick or losing their lives in the coming years, as well as losing critical protection from future biological attacks and pandemics.
  • Senator Hassan has called for HHS Secretary Kennedy's resignation, citing concerns about his abandonment of mRNA research and his promotion of anti-vaccine conspiracy theories.

Statistics:

  • $500 million: The value of the mRNA-related research and development contracts cancelled by HHS Secretary Kennedy.
  • 22 contracts: The number of contracts cancelled by BARDA, the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority.
  • 5 years: The time period for which mRNA vaccines and immunotherapies could be available in the near future, according to clinical trial data (not explicitly stated in the text, but inferred from the context).
  • In the coming years: Approximately how many lives could be saved in the United States using mRNA vaccines and immunotherapies.
  • (no explicit statistic): The economic cost to the United States (in dollar terms) of ceasing government investment in the mRNA platform.
  • (no explicit statistic): How many deaths have been prevented in the United States as a result of immunizations with the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines.

Sources:

  • Letter from Senator Maggie Hassan to Director Galvani of the Center for Infectious Disease Modeling and Analysis at Yale School of Public Health (August 5, 2025).
  • Official statement from Senator Maggie Hassan (as quoted in the article).
  • Center for Infectious Disease Modeling and Analysis at Yale School of Public Health.
  • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

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