TAG challenges HIV vaccine cuts as Robert F. Kennedy fires entire CDC vaccine expert advisory panel

6 June 2025. Related: Treatment access, Activism & advocacy, Research studies.

Simon Collins, HIV i-Base

On 5 June 2025, NYC-based organisation Treatment Action Group (TAG) challenged the drastic cuts in US funding on research in vaccines, including for HIV, COVID and Ebola.

The press release was responding to news that the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) has unilaterally ended funding for HIV vaccine research.

Other impacts on research include

  • Stopping funding for studies by the HIV Vaccine Trials Network (HVTN).
  • Cancelling more than $500 million grants to Moderna for mRNA-based research, including for Avian flu.
  • Cancelling contracts for early pre-clinical assessments of HIV vaccine candidates.
  • The Department of Health and Human Service (HHS) has reportedly instructed NIH “not to issue any more funding in the next fiscal year for HIV vaccine research, with only a small handful of exceptions.”

Please see the press release for further details and full references.

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Shortly after this article was posted, Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr. fired and all 17 members of the CDC vaccine advisory panel. [2]

Nature journal reported that the eight new appointees not only bypassed the usual vetting process but that they include people with a history of anti-vaccine and vaccine-sceptic profiles. It also reports of the devastating impact this action could have on public health. [3]

Reference

  1. TAG press release. Treatment Action Group Statement on termination of HIV vaccine research funding. (5 June 2025).
    www.treatmentactiongroup.org/statement/treatment-action-group-statement-on-termination-of-hiv-vaccine-research-funding
  2. Reuters. Kennedy dismisses entire US CDC vaccine panel, replacing all 17 members. (June 2025).
    www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/all-members-vaccine-advisory-panel-will-be-retired-us-health-secretary-kennedy-2025-06-09/
  3. Nature. Who is on RFK Jr’s new vaccine panel — and what will they do?
    https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-025-01852-z

Links to other websites are current at date of posting but not maintained.