health

February 20, 2026

Vaccine Development and the Costs of Uncertainty

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Vaccine Development and the Costs of Uncertainty

TL;DR

  • The FDA refused to evaluate Moderna's mRNA flu vaccine, despite a $1 billion investment and positive trial data.
  • The refusal, issued via a 'Refuse-to-File' letter, caused shock and concern within the vaccine industry regarding regulatory risks.
  • Industry experts warned that unpredictable regulations could shift investment away from vaccine development.
  • The FDA reversed its decision approximately a week later, agreeing to review the vaccine.
  • The incident is seen as an example of policy shifts under new leadership, potentially impacting trust in established regulatory processes.
  • The article links this event to the Trump administration's broader skepticism towards vaccines and mRNA technology, mentioning Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

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