Amanda Sicard Amanda Sicard

Bird Flu Vaccine Funding Cuts: Critical Error

By Michael Bronfman for Metis, June 30, 2025

H5N1 Bird flu vaccines

We at Metis are very concerned about a dangerous misstep by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) when it recently terminated a $700 million contract with a major pharmaceutical company for their H5N1 mRNA vaccine. Michael Bronfman writes why this is a disturbing trend in the following post. His article contends that bird flu poses a significant, non-theoretical threat with a high mortality rate and increasing human spillover and that current vaccines are outdated. Bronfman champions mRNA technology for its speed and adaptability in vaccine development, directly countering the current administration's skepticism and warning that the funding cut will lead to preparedness gaps, economic fallout, and a loss of public trust due to misinformation. He also tells us why we urgently need to restore funding, enhance surveillance, expand stockpiles, combat misinformation, and implement "One Health" strategies to prevent a potentially catastrophic H5N1 pandemic.

At the end of May 2025, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the termination of a roughly $700 million contract with Moderna, aimed at developing an mRNA vaccine for H5N1 bird flu. See: statnews.com+9usnews.com+9english.almayadeen.net+9economictimes.indiatimes.com+12vpm.org+12wprl.org+12.

This decision—from Health Secretary RFK Jr., a noted vaccine skeptic—marks a stark departure from past pandemic preparedness strategies. But why is this move so far-reaching—and so dangerous?

1. Bird Flu Isn't a Theoretical Threat

If H5N1 evolves into a transmissible strain, its impact could eclipse that of
COVID-19.

2. Vaccine Research Is Our First Line of Defense

A. Existing Vaccines Are Outdated

Three U.S.-licensed H5N1 vaccines (2007–2020) are available but target older strains and are held for stockpiling—not mass distribution. See: benzinga.com+14asm.org+14hms.harvard.edu+14. As Harvard experts warn, these old vaccines "do not match the current strains" and require urgent updating. See: hms.harvard.edu.

B. mRNA Offers Speed and Flexibility

C. Real-Time Preclinical Success

New vaccines—both traditional recombinant protein-based and mRNA—have demonstrated full protection in animal models, including mice, ferrets, and cattle. See:  pci.upenn.edu+1time.com+1.

Bottom line: mRNA is not theoretical—it's a demonstrated, powerful tool for pandemic preparedness.

3. Why Cutting the Funding Is Risky

A. Science Vs. Skepticism

Secretary Kennedy cited "safety concerns with mRNA vaccines," stating the Moderna H5N1 shots were "under‑tested". See dvm360.com+15pulmonologyadvisor.com+15arstechnica.com+15. Yet, Moderna's clinical data showed strong immune responses and good tolerability. See: time.com+2pulmonologyadvisor.com+2axios.com+2. Public health experts warn that this move prioritizes vaccine skepticism over solid science. See: reuters.com+2washingtonpost.com+2english.almayadeen.net+2

B. Preparedness Gaps

If H5N1 mutates and spreads easily, the U.S. could find itself without a viable, scalable vaccine. Traditional egg-based production is hampered by the virus's impact on poultry, and updating older vaccines could take months. See: washingtonpost.com+1statnews.com+1. The mRNA approach was designed to bridge that gap.

C. Economic and Social Fallout

Historical models, like the 1957 and 1918 flu, show pandemics impose massive economic costs—healthcare strain, GDP shrinkage up to 5 %, and millions of lost work days unmc.edu. A novel H5N1 pandemic could dwarf the 2020 financial collapse. Cutting vaccine funding is effectively playing with fire.

4. The Wildcard: Misinformation and Public Trust

A. Anti-Vaxx Influence

Secretary Kennedy, known for anti-vaccine stances, has:

Scaling back bird flu vaccine research undermines trust at a delicate moment for public health. It adds to the public's overall skepticism.

B. Implications for Public Confidence

When trusted authorities reduce financial investment in vaccines because of vague "integrity concerns," it fuels suspicion. This can cascade into lower uptake of other essential vaccines (influenza, measles, COVID-19 boosters), increasing vulnerability to both seasonal and pandemic respiratory diseases.

5. Why We Must Continue This Research

A. Vaccines = Prevention

Even if H5N1 doesn't become easily transmissible, vaccines play critical roles by:

  1. Protecting high-risk workers (poultry, livestock, lab personnel) with targeted early vaccination. See: asm.org.

  2. Curbing outbreaks in animals, thus reducing animal-to-human spillover through a "One Health" approach.

  3. Building public preparedness, offering science-based assurance before panic sets in.

B. Economic and Global Leadership

Delaying or stopping vaccine development risks:

  • Loss of global influence in response efforts,

  • Supply chain bottlenecks,

  • U.S. reliance on slower foreign-made vaccines.

Weaker preparedness invites more severe outbreaks and greater economic disruption.

C. Technical Innovation

Ongoing mRNA research against H5N1 improves:

  • Safety profiling,

  • Dose optimization,

  • Broad-spectrum vaccine development.

This translates into future readiness—not just for influenza but for unknown zoonotic threats.

6. The Road Ahead: Recommendations

Recommendation Rationale

Restore and protect funding Back Moderna's Phase 3 and other mRNA H5N1 trials—the world can only catch viruses early with swift vaccine deployment.

Scale genomic surveillance Track mutations across birds, mammals, and humans for early warning signs thesun.iethescottishsun.co.uk+5en.wikipedia.org+5asm.org+5thesun.ie+2asm.org+2time.com+2hms.harvard.edu

Expand stockpiles Update existing protein-based vaccines and purchase doses from CSL Seqirus, GSK, and others.

Combat misinformation Reinforce CDC advisory boards and science-based health communication to rebuild public trust.

Implement One Health strategies Combine farm biosecurity, animal vaccination, and human surveillance to halt cross-species spread.

7. Delay and Mixed Signals: Prevention Requires Commitment

These funding cust signal that vaccine readiness is considered optional. In public health, we don't get mulligans. The stakes are too high; scientifically and economically. The world has seen the devastating precedent of COVID-19; letting bird flu simmer unchecked is an even greater gamble.

If we delay now, we may be rewriting the script of the next global catastrophe. Investing in bird flu vaccines—especially with agile mRNA platforms—is not just wise. It's essential.

If you would like to discuss how this affects your organization and what we can do collectively, please get in touch with Metis Consulting Services.

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Background of the Breakthroughs of mRNA

By Michael Bronfman, June 23, 2025

Dr. Katalin Kariko, Nobel Prize winning scientist, mRNA vaccine pioneer

This week, The Guard Rail is diving into a topic that has truly revolutionized modern medicine: Messenger RNA, or mRNA. What was once merely a fascinating concept in biology has rapidly become a groundbreaking platform, and its incredible success in the COVID-19 vaccine development is just the beginning. Join us as we explore the captivating scientific journey of mRNA, highlighting the decades of innovation in molecular biology, chemistry, and nanotechnology that led to its triumph. We will also spotlight the key innovators who made it all possible, with a special nod to the remarkable influence of Dr. Katalin Karikó and Dr. Drew Weissman and peek into the exciting future promise of mRNA-based therapeutics.


The Arrival of a New Therapeutic Frontier

Messenger RNA (mRNA) has rapidly transitioned from a biological curiosity to a revolutionary platform in medicine. Its recent triumph—vaccine success against COVID-19—stemmed from decades of incremental yet transformative molecular biology, chemistry, and nanotechnology breakthroughs.


1. From Molecular Discovery to Therapeutic Aspiration

  • 1961 – mRNA Identified

Scientists first recognized mRNA as the key intermediary transmitting genetic information from DNA to ribosomes. This discovery laid the molecular foundation for engineering mRNA for therapeutic use.

  • 1990 – Synthetic mRNA Demonstrated

Jon A. Wolff and colleagues injected synthetic mRNA into mouse muscle, successfully producing proteins in vivo—an early hint at mRNA's therapeutic potential. See: time.com+3penntoday.upenn.edu+3science.org+3en.wikipedia.org+4en.wikipedia.org+4en.wikipedia.org+4.

Despite the promise, these pioneering experiments raised fundamental obstacles: mRNA's inherent fragility, strong immunogenicity, and inefficient cellular delivery.

2. Cracking the Code: Reducing Immunogenicity via Nucleoside Modification

  • 1997–1998 – The Penn Collaboration Begins
    At the University of Pennsylvania, biochemist Katalin Karikó and immunologist Drew Weissman formed a partnership driven by a shared interest in harnessing mRNA. See: nature.com+15bu.edu+15teenvogue.com+15.

  • 2005 – Seminal Discovery

    They revealed that unmodified synthetic mRNA activates Toll‑like receptors in dendritic cells, triggering inflammation. Crucially, swapping out uridine with pseudouridine (or other modified nucleosides) dramatically suppressed this response, mitigating immunogenicity and enhancing protein translation. See: jbiomedsci.biomedcentral.com+15nobelprize.org+15jci.org+15.


These findings marked a watershed—chemical modification of mRNA transformed it into a viable therapeutic candidate, earning the duo the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. See: en.wikipedia.org+3time.com+3nobelprize.org+3

3. Packaging Success: Lipid Nanoparticles Enable Delivery

  • Development of mRNA-LNP Systems

    Research in the late 2000s and 2010s refined LNP formulations tailored to shield mRNA from degradation, enable cellular entry, and facilitate efficient endosomal escape. See: mdpi.compubs.rsc.org.

Notable innovations include ionizable lipids, helper lipids, cholesterol, and PEGylated lipids, collectively optimizing pharmacokinetics, stability, and safety. See: mdpi.com.

  • Clinical Translation

    This chemistry and engineering synergy culminated in the approval and deployment of the first lipid nanoparticle-based mRNA vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic.

4. Pre-Pandemic Explorations

Even before 2020, mRNA therapeutics were under active development:

  • Cancer Vaccines: Preclinical and early clinical trials featured mRNA encoding tumor-specific antigens delivered via LNPs to prime anti‑tumor immunity.

  • Infectious Disease Vaccines: mRNA vaccines targeting rabies, Zika, influenza, and HIV entered early human trials, demonstrating both feasibility and promise. See: arxiv.org+3teenvogue.com+3wired.com+3.

  • Protein Replacement and Gene Editing: Applications using LNP-delivered mRNA for protein replacement therapies and CRISPR editing emerged in preclinical stages. See: mdpi.com+2pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+2pubs.rsc.org+2.

  • Pioneering Companies: Moderna (founded 2010) and BioNTech (2008) both built platforms centered on Karikó/Weissman technology and LNPs. BioNTech later partnered with Pfizer to develop its COVID-19 vaccine regimen.

5. The COVID‑19 Catalyst & Rapid Deployment

When SARS-CoV‑2 emerged in early 2020, the platform's modular nature and advanced formulations enabled unprecedented speed:

  • Clinical Trials: Moderna began human trials in March 2020. By December, both mRNA‑1273 (Moderna) and BNT162b2 (Pfizer‑BioNTech) secured Emergency Use Authorization based on ~95% efficacy. See: nature.com.

This success validated decades of incremental innovation: nucleoside-modified mRNA + optimized LNPs = real-world impact.

6. Recognition: The Nobel and Beyond

The scientific community honored Karikó and Weissman's pivotal contributions:

7. Beyond Vaccination: Broadening the mRNA Horizon

The mRNA platform's adaptability has ignited diverse research avenues:

  • Cancer Therapies: Personalized mRNA vaccines targeting neoantigens, mRNA‑encoded cytokines, and CAR-T therapies are progressing in clinical evaluation.

  • Gene Editing & Protein Replacement: mRNA-driven CRISPR approaches for in vivo editing, and LNP-encoded enzyme replacement therapies (e.g., for genetic disorders) are expanding mdpi.com+1jbiomedsci.biomedcentral.com+1.

  • Autoimmunity & Regenerative Medicine: Early-stage efforts are exploring mRNA-induced immune tolerance and tissue regeneration applications.


8. Continued Innovation & Challenges

Despite remarkable success, key areas require continued innovation:

  • Delivery Precision: Next-gen LNPs (e.g., organ-selective or SORT nanoparticles) aim to enable tissue-specific targeting beyond the liver en.wikipedia.org+1arxiv.org+1.

  • Stability & Design Optimization: Advanced methods like codon optimization and structure-prediction algorithms (e.g., LinearDesign) enhance mRNA stability and translational efficiency arxiv.org.

  • Manufacturing Scale & Supply: Scaling up mRNA and LNP production, maintaining cold chain logistics, and ensuring global access remain formidable obstacles wired.com+1mdpi.com+1.

  • Safety & Regulation: Comprehensive long-term safety monitoring—especially with novel ionizable lipids and repeated dosing—is critical pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.

  • Cost & Accessibility: Ensuring equitable pricing and widespread distribution, especially to low- and middle-income countries, remains essential.

9. Timeline of Key Milestones

Year Breakthrough

1961 Discovery of mRNA

1990 Synthetic mRNA expression in mice

1997–98 Karikó & Weissman collaboration begins

2005 Pseudouridine‑modified mRNA suppresses immune activation

2018 FDA approves LNP‑siRNA therapy Onpattro

2020 First mRNA COVID‑19 vaccine trials and rollout

2023 Nobel Prize for Karikó & Weissman

10. In Conclusion: A Platform Reborn

The mRNA story is a testament to scientific persistence, collaboration, and cumulative innovation. From a molecular curiosity to a global vaccine solution, the ascent of mRNA illustrates how challenges—fragility, immunogenicity, delivery—were methodically overcome with modified nucleosides and precision lipid carriers.

The result? A modular, adaptable therapeutic platform poised to revolutionize vaccines, cancer therapy, gene editing, and more. Let this narrative serve both as a chronicle of what has been achieved and a roadmap for what's next in the pharma world.

Your Organization and bench-to-bedside Drug Development with Metis Consulting Services

The groundbreaking advancements in mRNA technology demonstrate the power of specialized expertise and meticulous scientific guidance in navigating complex drug development landscapes. Just as decades of dedicated research led to the mRNA revolution, your next therapeutic breakthrough requires seasoned insight and strategic direction.

Don't leave your innovative drug development projects to chance. Let Metis Consulting Services help to leverage unparalleled expertise in navigating the intricate pathways of pharmaceutical research and development. We provide comprehensive guidance, from early-stage discovery to clinical translation, ensuring your projects are optimized for success.

Contact Metis Consulting Services today to unlock the full potential of your drug development pipeline and turn scientific aspirations into real-world impact.

Be sure to check out our podcast, Queens of Quality for more informative and interesting conversations about this and more bio/pharma hot topics.

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What Advances in Medicine and Healthcare Look Like: And Why We Must Keep Striving for More

We delve into the cutting edge of medical innovation, highlighting advancements in precision medicine, the revolutionary potential of mRNA and next-generation vaccines, and the transformative power of regenerative medicine and gene editing.

Advances in medicine -Scientist wearing a VR headset and interacting with virtual reality in the science lab

Written by Michael Bronfman, June 18, 2025

Welcome back to the Guard Rail! Metis Consulting Services’ Weekly Blog.

We delve into the cutting edge of medical innovation, highlighting advancements in precision medicine, the revolutionary potential of mRNA and next-generation vaccines, and the transformative power of regenerative medicine and gene editing. It also explores how digital health and artificial intelligence are changing the delivery and monitoring of care. And why continuous striving for more is so important, as is our continued commitment to pushing the boundaries of what's possible. In the past century, medicine has undergone a truly remarkable transformation, shaping how we live, age, and survive. Diseases that once claimed millions of lives are now largely under control, and concepts once confined to science fiction, like organ transplantation and mRNA vaccines, are now routine. This article reminds us that these incredible achievements are not endpoints, but rather stepping stones.

Let’s dig in,

The Ever-Expanding Frontier of Medical Progress

Advances in medicine and healthcare come in many forms: new drugs, improved diagnostics, better delivery systems, and increasingly personalized care. The 21st century has ushered in an era of biomedical innovation characterized by speed, precision, and complexity. Yet, many of the most transformative advances are those still in progress or just beyond the horizon.

1. Precision Medicine

Precision medicine has evolved from a buzzword into a foundational approach to healthcare. By tailoring treatment to an individual's genetic makeup, environment, and lifestyle, we are beginning to deliver more effective and less harmful therapies. In oncology, for instance, biomarker-driven therapies now allow oncologists to match cancer patients with targeted drugs for specific genetic mutations. Drugs like trastuzumab (Herceptin) for HER2-positive breast cancer or osimertinib (Tagrisso) for EGFR-mutant lung cancer are just the beginning.

In the future, precision medicine could redefine treatment not just in cancer but in cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders, autoimmune conditions, and rare genetic diseases. Combined with AI and real-world data, it offers a future where treatments are not just reactive but preemptive.

2. mRNA and Next-Generation Vaccines

The COVID-19 pandemic showcased the power of mRNA technology. In less than a year, mRNA vaccines were designed, tested, and deployed at scale, protecting millions from a novel virus. But this was only the tip of the iceberg.

mRNA platforms are now being explored for a range of infectious diseases:Zika, malaria, influenza, as well as for personalized cancer vaccines and autoimmune conditions. Unlike traditional vaccines, mRNA-based therapies can be rapidly adjusted and manufactured, making them ideal tools for a world facing increasingly complex public health threats.

3. Regenerative Medicine and Gene Editing

Stem cell therapies and regenerative medicine offer the tantalizing possibility of repairing damaged tissues or organs. From restoring sight in retinal diseases to regenerating heart muscle after a heart attack, regenerative medicine is becoming more real every year.

Meanwhile, CRISPR and other gene-editing technologies are poised to revolutionize the treatment of genetic disorders. In 2023, the first CRISPR-based therapy for sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia gained regulatory approval. As the technology matures, the list of treatable genetic conditions will grow, possibly eradicating inherited diseases at their source.

4. Digital Health and AI

From wearable biosensors to smartphone-enabled diagnostics, digital health is changing how care is delivered and monitored. Artificial intelligence enhances radiology, pathology, and even clinical decision-making by detecting patterns invisible to the human eye. Remote monitoring tools allow for chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension to be managed at home, increasing adherence and reducing hospitalizations.

Large language models (LLMs) and AI assistants are beginning to support physicians with documentation, diagnosis, and even treatment recommendations. While these tools require careful validation and oversight, they also promise to alleviate clinician burnout and democratize access to medical expertise.

Why Keep Striving for More?

While the current landscape of healthcare innovation is impressive, resting on these laurels would be a mistake. Here is why:

1. Unmet Medical Needs Still Abound

For all our advances, there remain countless diseases without effective treatments. Alzheimer's disease continues to ravage millions, and current therapies only modestly slow progression. Pancreatic cancer has a 5-year survival rate of just 12%. Rare diseases, affecting an estimated 300 million people worldwide, remain largely untreated or undiagnosed due to limited commercial incentive and research funding.

Infectious disease threats, both familiar (tuberculosis, HIV) and new, (Nipah virus, antimicrobial resistance) persist and evolve. The rise of antibiotic resistance is especially concerning, with the World Health Organization labeling it a "silent pandemic" that could kill 10 million people annually by 2050 if left unchecked.

2. Health Inequities Persist

Medical advances often reach the privileged before they reach the vulnerable. From access to diagnostics and medicines to disparities in healthcare delivery, equity remains a persistent challenge. We must strive for more innovation and broader access to its benefits.

Digital health, telemedicine, and decentralized clinical trials have shown promise in expanding access. However, innovation must be coupled with policy, infrastructure, and global health initiatives that prioritize underserved populations to truly close the gap.

3. Climate Change and New Public Health Threats

The climate crisis is reshaping health landscapes. Heatwaves, natural disasters, and changing disease vectors are increasing the burden of respiratory illness, mental health conditions, and vector-borne diseases. Innovations in public health surveillance, mobile health clinics, and environmental diagnostics will be essential to mitigate these risks.

Moreover, as the COVID-19 pandemic proved, we must be prepared for future pandemics. Continued R&D into vaccine platforms, diagnostic agility, and global response frameworks is non-negotiable.

4. The Pace of Science Is Accelerating—We Can't Afford to Fall Behind

Biomedical science today is not incremental—it is exponential. Tools like CRISPR, AI, spatial omics, and quantum computing are accelerating discovery at unprecedented speed. If we stop investing in innovation, we won't merely stagnate; we will fall behind a rapidly advancing frontier.

Public and private research funding must match this acceleration. Delays in translating research into practice can mean years of suffering for patients waiting for a cure, or even a diagnosis.

How We Can Continue Advancing

So, how do we ensure that innovation continues, not just in volume but in impact?

1. Sustain Research Funding

Innovation doesn't happen in a vacuum. It requires sustained, strategic investment in basic science, translational research, and early-stage biotech development. Governments, philanthropic organizations, and private investors all play a role.

In the U.S., NIH and NSF funding remain essential drivers of global biomedical leadership. In Europe, initiatives like Horizon Europe support cross-border collaboration. Around the world, new research hubs are emerging in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, signaling a more globalized innovation ecosystem.

2. Support Regulatory Agility

Medical innovation is only useful if it reaches patients. Regulatory bodies like the FDA, EMA, and MHRA must continue evolving to balance speed with safety. Adaptive trial designs, real-world evidence, and conditional approvals can get life-saving therapies to patients faster without compromising rigor.

Regulators must also engage with emerging technologies early—such as AI and gene editing—so that frameworks evolve alongside innovation rather than lagging behind.

3. Strengthen Public-Private Collaboration

Some of the most significant medical breakthroughs—like the COVID-19 vaccines—have emerged from partnerships between academia, industry, and government. We need more of this.

Collaboration is critical, whether it is developing antibiotics, advancing rare disease research, or launching digital health platforms. When aligned around patient needs, these partnerships can combine the agility of startups, the rigor of academia, and the scale of industry.

4. Foster Ethical Innovation

With new capabilities come new responsibilities. As we edit genes, collect personal health data, and automate medical decisions, we must build systems that protect individual rights, ensure transparency, and prioritize patient trust.

Ethical frameworks, patient involvement, and inclusive trial design must be built into innovation from the ground up—not added on after the fact.

A Call to Keep Pushing Forward

It's easy to marvel at the milestones we've achieved in healthcare and medicine. From genome sequencing to CAR-T therapy, the progress is undeniable. This is not a time to become complacent. Innovation in medicine is not a luxury, it is a necessity. Every disease left untreated, every patient without access, and every preventable death is a reminder of why we must keep striving for more. The future of healthcare is not just about curing diseases, it is about creating systems that are smarter, more equitable, and more resilient.

Pharma and biotech leaders, clinicians, regulators, investors, and policymakers all have a part to play. By supporting science, embracing collaboration, and championing the patient's voice, we can ensure that the next chapter of medicine is even more transformative than the last.

In the end, the reason we keep pushing is simple: because our lives are worth it.




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What We Lose by Cutting Research Funding in the U.S.A. 

For decades, the United States has led the world in biomedical innovation, powered by long-term investment in public research infrastructure. Institutions like the NIH, NSF, and CDC have been cornerstones of medical progress and global health preparedness. But that leadership is slipping. Research budgets are flattening or declining in real dollars, while political instability further threatens their continuity.

By Michael Bronfman, June 10, 2025

Author assisted by AI

Cutting Research Funding

This week, The Guard Rail is proud to feature a crucial topic impacting the very foundation of innovation in the pharmaceutical and life sciences industries. This comes on the heels of ongoing discussions about the importance of sustained investment in research and development. Our latest post, "What We Lose by Cutting Research Funding in the U.S.A.," delves into the far-reaching consequences of diminishing public funding for scientific endeavors. Please let us know what you think.

Science isn’t self-sustaining. It needs fuel, and that fuel is funding. 

For decades, the United States has led the world in biomedical innovation, powered by long-term investment in public research infrastructure. Institutions like the NIH, NSF, and CDC have been cornerstones of medical progress and global health preparedness. But that leadership is slipping. Research budgets are flattening or declining in real dollars, while political instability further threatens their continuity.

In biopharma, where product pipelines rely on early-stage discovery science, this isn’t just a government problem. It’s an industry crisis in the making.

 Slower Drug Discovery and Development

Fact: Every one of the 210 new drugs approved by the FDA between 2010 and 2016 was linked to publicly funded research. Biopharma companies rely on foundational science to guide their pipelines, but they rarely fund that science directly. The risk is too high and the payoff too far off. It’s public institutions that decode disease mechanisms, identify new drug targets, and lay the groundwork for innovative therapies.1

Cuts to NIH funding don’t just slow university research—they erode the pipeline feeding the next generation of breakthrough medicines.

Weakened Global Competitiveness

STAT: China now leads the world in total scientific publications and is rapidly closing the gap in high-impact research.(Source: Nature Index, 2023)2 While U.S. funding stagnates, China and the EU are aggressively investing in research. China, in particular, has made biomedical innovation a national priority, pouring billions into AI in drug discovery, gene editing, and translational medicine. As funding dries up at home, U.S. scientists—especially early-career researchers—are lured by more stable prospects abroad. That includes faculty appointments, lab funding, and full-stack innovation ecosystems. Innovation is global. If the U.S. doesn’t lead, someone else will.

Loss of Talent and the “Leaky Pipeline”

STAT: Less than 17% of U.S. biomedical PhDs secure tenure-track positions.(Source: NIH Biomedical Workforce Report, 2021) 

“Nowadays, less than 17% of new PhDs in science, engineering and health-related fields find tenure-track positions within 3 years after graduation (National Science Foundation, 2012; Chapter 3). Many PhDs who do not find tenure-track positions turn to positions outside academia. Others who think that they will have better future opportunities accept relatively low-paying academic jobs such as postdoctoral positions and stay in the market for a prolonged period (Ghaffarzadegan et al., 2013). Many engineering PhDs go the entrepreneurial route and become involved in startups or work in national research labs or commercial R&D centres. But our focus is academia.”

Science takes a long time. Researchers spend over a decade training before leading independent labs. But the bottleneck isn’t talent—it’s funding.

When grant paylines fall and budgets shrink, postdocs and junior faculty face fewer opportunities. Many leave academia entirely. Others go overseas. This brain drain disproportionately impacts women and underrepresented minorities, who face systemic disadvantages and less funding security.

Losing these scientists means losing not just skill, but diversity of thought—and long-term industry innovation.

Fewer Breakthroughs in Rare and Neglected Diseases

STAT: 50% of rare disease research projects rely heavily on NIH funding. (Source: NIH Office of Rare Diseases Research)3 Pharma’s ROI models don’t always support research in areas with small patient populations. Rare diseases, neglected tropical illnesses, and pediatric cancers often fall outside commercial viability. Public funding fills this gap—fueling the early science, infrastructure, and data that eventually enable therapies. The first gene therapies, mRNA vaccines, and targeted oncology platforms were born out of public research on “unprofitable” conditions. Cutting funding abandons these patients—and the innovation that often follows from solving hard, overlooked problems.

Delayed Preparedness for Future Pandemics

STAT: NIH invested over $700M in coronavirus research before COVID-19 emerged.(Source: Congressional Research Service, 2021)4 The rapid development of COVID-19 vaccines didn’t happen overnight. It was built on decades of NIH-funded virology, structural biology, and RNA delivery research. Agencies like BARDA and DARPA took the financial and technological risks long before private companies stepped in. The Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines succeeded because the science—and the funding—was ready. Cutting infectious disease research now will leave us vulnerable to the next pandemic. Public health readiness can’t be “turned on” in a crisis—it must be sustained year-round.

A Fragile Clinical Trial Ecosystem

STAT: Over 40% of U.S. clinical trials are led or supported by NIH, VA, or academic medical centers.(Source: ClinicalTrials.gov data analysis, 2023)

“The claim that over 40% of U.S. clinical trials are led or supported by the NIH, VA, or academic medical centers is supported by multiple sources.

NIH's Role in Clinical Trials

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is the largest funder of biomedical research in the United States. In 2024, more than 80% of its $47 billion budget was allocated to support research, including clinical trials, at over 2,500 scientific institutions. Notably, 60% of this extramural research occurred at academic medical center campuses. (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, aamc.org)

VA's Contribution to Clinical Trials

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) also plays a significant role in clinical research. Through its Office of Research and Development, the VA supports numerous clinical trials. As of November 2023, approximately 932,000 veterans were enrolled or expected to be enrolled in studies funded by the VA. (en.wikipedia.org, congress.gov)

Academic Medical Centers and Clinical Trials

Academic medical centers are integral to the U.S. clinical trial landscape. Institutions like Massachusetts General Hospital and Stanford University collaborate with the VA and NIH, contributing to a substantial number of clinical trials. (journals.lww.com)”

Private pharma drives large-scale, late-phase trials. But early-phase, rare disease, and non-commercial trials rely heavily on public funding and academic infrastructure.

From the Cancer Moonshot to the All of Us initiative, federal investment creates platforms and protocols that benefit the entire ecosystem. Without that scaffolding, trials become slower, more expensive, and riskier for sponsors.

When government funding falters, it’s not just public labs that lose—it’s the entire translational pipeline.

Reduced Return on Public Investment

STAT: Every $1 of NIH funding generates over $8.38 in economic activity.(Source: United for Medical Research, 2020)6

Research isn’t charity, it’s investment. From university spinouts to biotech accelerators, public science creates real economic value. This includes IP generation, job creation, tax revenue, and long-term cost savings in healthcare.

Cutting research funding doesn’t save money—it sacrifices return. And once lost, scientific momentum is hard to regain. Labs close. Talent relocates. Innovation stalls.

We’re not just undermining future therapies—we’re eroding the base of an entire innovation economy.

Erosion of Scientific Literacy and Trust

STAT: Public trust in science has dropped by 10+ points since 2020, especially among younger (U.S.) Americans.(Source: Pew Research, 2023)7

Public research supports more than lab benches—it funds data-sharing, transparency, education, and outreach. From open-access journals to science museums and K–12 programs, public science is a social good.

Without investment, we lose more than knowledge. We lose shared understanding. That void gets filled by misinformation, distrust, and anti-scientific sentiment—especially in an era of rapid technological change.

A well-funded, transparent research ecosystem builds trust, and trust saves lives.

Final Thoughts: Innovation Requires Stability

Cutting research funding may seem like a short-term budget fix. But the long-term cost is far higher.

We lose:

  • Therapies that never make it to trials.

  • Scientists who leave the field.

  • Competitive edge in a global biotech arms race.

  • Preparedness for emerging diseases.

  • Public trust in health science.

The U.S. has always been a leader because it invested in being one. That’s not guaranteed. Leadership in science is a choice—a policy decision. One that affects every sector of pharma, from discovery to market.

If you’re in biopharma, policy, or research, your voice matters.

Support stable, bipartisan investment in:

  • NIH, NSF, and BARDA budgets

  • Early-career research funding

  • Open science infrastructure

  • Translational and rare disease initiatives

Let’s ensure the U.S. remains a place where great science thrives—and where public funding continues to fuel private innovation for decades to come.

Let’s continue the conversation.

What impact have you seen from federal research funding in your work? What do we risk losing? Drop a comment or share this post to keep science at the center of policy.

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The Resurgence of Measles: A Wake-Up Call for Global Public Health and Pharma

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, global measles cases increased by over 40% in 2024 compared to the previous year, with over 500,000 confirmed infections and at least 70,000 reported deaths—the highest since 2019. 

By Michael Bronfman, May 26, 2025

Author assisted by AI

Resurgence of Measles

Metis Consulting Services is continuing our series on unmet medical needs. This week we are looking at what happens when progress and even disease eradication is derailed. For example, let’s look at Measles 

 

Once thought to be on the brink of eradication, measles is making an alarming comeback across the globe. A disease that was largely under control thanks to widespread immunization is now resurging—causing renewed strain on healthcare systems, hospitalizations, and deaths. As cases spike in both developing and developed nations, we are facing a crucial moment: how to respond to a preventable crisis amid growing vaccine hesitancy, logistical gaps, and global inequity. 

The Numbers Don’t Lie: Measles on the Rise 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, global measles cases increased by over 40% in 2024 compared to the previous year, with over 500,000 confirmed infections and at least 70,000 reported deaths—the highest since 2019. 

 

In Europe and the U.S., localized outbreaks are being fueled by declining vaccine coverage in specific communities. In lower-income countries, fragile health systems and vaccine shortages have contributed to the unchecked spread of the virus. 

 What is Measles? 

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease caused by the measles virus (MeV). It spreads via respiratory droplets and has an R₀ (basic reproduction number) between 12–18, making it one of the most infectious human diseases known. 

 

Symptoms 

  • High fever 

  • Cough and runny nose 

  • Conjunctivitis (red eyes) 

  • Koplik spots (small white lesions inside the mouth) 

  • Widespread red rash 

 

Complications 

  • Pneumonia 

  • Encephalitis 

  • Blindness 

  • Death (particularly in children under 5) 

 

Measles is preventable with two doses of the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella)—which provides 97% efficacy after full immunization. 

 Vaccine Hesitancy and Misinformation 

A Major Barrier to Elimination 

 

Despite the availability of safe, effective vaccines, public trust in immunization has eroded in many regions. This is due to: 

  • Religious or cultural beliefs 

  • Distrust in pharmaceutical companies or governments 

  • Online misinformation campaigns 

  • Political polarization of health policies 

 

In high-income countries, social media-fueled disinformation has been particularly damaging. A 2024 Pew Research survey found that 23% of U.S. adults believe vaccines “may do more harm than good”—a staggering figure with real-world consequences. 

 

Meanwhile, in low-income countries, vaccine hesitancy is often compounded by lack of access, poor infrastructure, and conflict. 

 Uneven Vaccine Coverage: A Global Equity Issue 

The WHO recommends at least 95% immunization coverage with two doses to achieve herd immunity. However, as of 2024: 

  • Global first-dose coverage: 83% 

  • Global second-dose coverage: 74% 

  • Some African and Southeast Asian countries report rates below 50% 

 

This disparity is not just a logistical issue—it reflects deep-rooted inequalities in funding, infrastructure, and international collaboration. 

 

Key Factors 

  • Pandemic-related disruption to childhood vaccination programs 

  • Health worker shortages 

  • Displacement due to war or climate change 

  • Underinvestment in national immunization programs 

 Pharma’s Role: From Manufacturer to Advocate 

 The pharmaceutical industry is uniquely positioned to help stem the tide of measles, and it must go beyond manufacturing vaccines. It must become a vocal proactive partner in public health. 

 

1.  

Scaling Production 

 

Companies like Merck & Co., a major MMR vaccine manufacturer, have ramped up production in response to global shortages. However, production must be matched with fair distribution and nonprofit pricing models in low-resource settings. 

 

2.  

Innovating Delivery 

 

New technologies are in development, including: 

  • Needle-free vaccine patches (e.g., microarray patches) 

  • Thermostable vaccines that don’t require cold chain 

  • Single-dose formulations to improve compliance 

 

These could prove game-changing in remote or conflict-affected areas. 

 

3.  

Fighting Misinformation 

 

Pharma companies must take an active role in: 

  • Funding public education campaigns 

  • Collaborating with NGOs to train community health workers 

  • Partnering with tech platforms to flag and correct false content 

 

Silence in the face of misinformation is not an option. 

 Public-Private Partnerships: A Model for the Future 

The fight against measles must be a collaborative effort. Initiatives like Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and COVAX have shown that public-private cooperation can improve access to vaccines. The pharmaceutical industry should: 

  • Offer tiered pricing for vaccines based on country income levels 

  • Support capacity-building in low-income countries (e.g., local vaccine production) 

  • Commit to transparency in pricing and supply contracts 

 

Only by building trust and long-term investment in health systems can we prevent future resurgences. 

 The Case for R&D: Addressing Future Needs 

While the MMR vaccine is effective, measles eradication may ultimately require: 

  • More heat-stable vaccines 

  • Combination vaccines that reduce the number of injections 

  • Improved serological diagnostics to identify immunity gaps 

  • AI-powered outbreak prediction tools 

 

Pharma R&D should be oriented not just toward profit but toward global resilience. 

 The Cost of Inaction 

Letting measles regain a foothold is more than a medical failure—it’s a policy and systems failure. The economic costs are enormous: 

  • Parents miss work to care for sick children 

  • Outbreak response drains public health budgets 

  • Hospitalizations strain already burdened health systems 

  • Long-term disabilities impact productivity 

 

Measles also weakens the immune system for months, increasing susceptibility to other infections. It’s not just a “childhood illness”—it’s a public health threat multiplier. 

 A Path Forward  

The measles resurgence is a warning sign, and it’s also an opportunity. If we act now, we can reverse the trend and prevent future outbreaks. Here’s what needs to happen: 

 

Governments Must: 

  • Counteract misinformation through trusted messengers 

  • Increase funding for immunization programs 

  • Mandate school-entry vaccination 

 

Pharma Must: 

  • Actively advocate for vaccines as a public good 

  • Support delivery innovation 

  • Scale vaccine production and reduce prices 

 

Communities Must: 

  • Educate each other with empathy, not fear 

  • Support immunization drives 

  • Demand transparency and accountability 

 Conclusion: The Time to Act Is Now 

 

The rise in measles cases should not surprise us—it is the predictable outcome of misinformation, declining vaccination rates, and global inequality. And it doesn’t have to be our future. 

 

As stakeholders in health, the pharmaceutical industry must lead with ethics, innovation, and compassion. The tools exist. The science is sound. What’s needed now is collective will—before another generation faces the consequences of our inaction. 

 

Is your organization prepared to respond to the global measles resurgence? Contact Metis Consulting Services to learn how pharma partners can accelerate access, education, and innovation. 

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