Marty Makary, the commissioner of the FDA, has recently reiterated his support for the messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines while asserting that U.S. taxpayers should not finance new research in this area. His comments come shortly after the FDA shifted its stance and agreed to review an mRNA flu vaccine developed by Moderna. This follows a period of significant budget cuts and restructuring within the FDA, raising questions about the future funding of innovative vaccine technologies.

During a recent event in Washington, Makary announced an FDA proposal to expedite the approval process for gene therapies aimed at treating rare diseases, indicating a broader commitment to the advancement of cutting-edge medical technologies. Despite this push towards new therapeutic solutions, his cautions regarding public funding highlight a growing concern over financial responsibility in biomedical research, particularly in light of the substantial investments made during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Makary emphasized that while the FDA continues to endorse mRNA as a valuable platform for vaccines—having previously approved two mRNA vaccines—there is a clear delineation between support for the technology and expectation for government investment. This approach signals a potential shift in how agencies prioritize public health funding, possibly leading to greater reliance on private sector investment in the development of new vaccines and therapies.