science
Vaccine Makers at BIO Conference Report Greater Optimism Than a Year Ago
Executives at the BIO international conference in San Diego said they feel more optimistic despite recent federal actions on mRNA contracts and research funding. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has cancelled major mRNA vaccine contracts and cut government support for vaccine research. Stat reported the comments from unnamed vaccine makers on June 25, 2026.
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Vaccine makers gathered at the BIO international conference in San Diego this week said they feel more optimistic than they did a year earlier. Stat reported that executives interviewed at the event acknowledged recent federal changes but pointed to signs the field can continue to advance.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has cancelled major mRNA vaccine contracts, dismantled universal vaccine recommendations, and implemented cuts to government funding for vaccine research. The secretary, a longtime vaccine critic, has introduced disruptions that industry participants described as once-unthinkable.
The conference took place during the week of June 25, 2026. Stat correspondent Daniel Payne wrote that attendees viewed the current period as unusual for the vaccine business yet not altogether bleak. Executives noted that additional policy shifts from Washington remain possible.
They framed their outlook against the backdrop of those prior federal actions on contracts and research support.
