The mRNA technology that gained prominence during the Covid-19 pandemic allowed for the swift rollout of vaccines.
However, future responses may not be as quick.
In early August, the US Department of Health and Welfare announced a cut of up to $500 million in funding aimed at the research and development of mRNA vaccines. This has significantly hampered the US government’s ability to address biological threats.
This isn’t just about a future pandemic. The research is crucial for defending against potential biological dangers, whether they arise from accidents or intentional acts.
Consider a scenario where a virus engineered for an attack on the US emerges, with no vaccines available. Without investment in mRNA and other vaccine technologies, it could take years to create a safe and effective vaccine, mass-produce it, and distribute it, both domestically and globally. The potential death toll could be in the millions, alongside staggering economic losses.
This isn’t merely hypothetical; it’s a genuine concern we were preparing for until these funds were withdrawn.
We find ourselves in a time of rapid advancements in fields like life sciences and synthetic biology, especially with artificial intelligence. If misused, these tools could pose serious risks, and they’re becoming increasingly accessible. If someone intends to exploit these technologies to launch an attack on the US or its allies, we need to be ready.
By investing properly in biosecurity and pandemic preparedness, we can avert such calamities. Notably, ongoing funding for rapid vaccine development is crucial to respond to emerging biological threats. The mRNA vaccine represents a primary technology in this effort.
Support systems must function effectively to avert potential events and identify them promptly if they occur.
These investments are not just crucial for saving lives during health crises; they’re also vital for preventing biological attacks. If we’re successful, such investments could deter adversaries from using biological weapons in the first place—what some might call “deterrence by denial.” This is also important for safeguarding the US military and ensuring operational continuity during a pandemic.
In 2020, a Caribbean-based destroyer had to dock as crew members tested positive for the SARS-COV-2 virus. A stronger bio-defensive posture could help mitigate such situations.
Another pandemic is likely in our future, and it might be just as severe, if not worse, than Covid-19.
The risks of naturally occurring infections, like H5N1, along with the growing potential for biological science tools to be misappropriated, further heighten these concerns.
mRNA vaccines are critical for addressing these risks, saving lives in the US and abroad, as well as ensuring national and global security. They are among our most adaptable, scalable solutions against a spectrum of future biological threats.
We’ve learned a lot about mRNA vaccines in terms of safety and effectiveness through their use during the Covid-19 pandemic, showcasing their value in preventing serious illnesses, hospitalizations, and fatalities. There’s substantial documentation to support this in scientific literature, countering misleading claims that mRNA vaccines aren’t effective against respiratory viruses.
Further research is essential to explore how to adapt mRNA vaccines to address diverse threats, including future pandemics and biological attacks, and to enhance their immune response effectiveness.
Moreover, research into new distribution mechanisms for mRNA vaccines—like those that allow easier and cheaper storage—should proceed. For instance, some mRNA COVID vaccines do not require ultra-low temperature storage solutions.
If we don’t advance this vital research now to prepare for the next pandemic, we risk scrambling during a crisis. It’s critical; if the Department of Health and Human Services opts out of sustaining this investment, the Department of Defense could potentially step in with resources through Congressional approval available.
We could find ourselves vulnerable if we abandon current and future threat preparedness, neglecting essential tools that help secure our safety.
Margaret Hamburg, a former commissioner of the US Food and Drug Administration, and Dr. Jaime Jasiv, Vice President of Global Biological Policy and Programs for the Nuclear Threat Initiative, share these insights.
