In a forceful response to a major shift in federal research priorities, Dr. Larry Schlesinger, CEO of the Texas Biomedical Research Institute, has issued a public warning over the Department of Health and Human Services’ decision to cancel nearly $500 million in contracts tied to mRNA vaccine development. While Texas Biomed is not directly affected by the funding cancellations, Dr. Schlesinger cautioned that the repercussions could reverberate throughout the scientific and public health communities, weakening the nation’s ability to respond swiftly and effectively to future infectious disease threats.
The funding termination, implemented through the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), affects 22 ongoing projects that focused on next-generation vaccines for COVID-19, influenza, and other infectious diseases. These research efforts have been at the heart of efforts to translate pandemic-era progress into long-term tools for global disease prevention. The decision to pull back on mRNA-related investments has drawn criticism from public health experts and researchers who see the platform as one of the most versatile and promising advancements in modern medicine.
Dr. Schlesinger described the funding reversal as a strategic misstep, particularly at a time when viral threats remain a constant global concern. He emphasized that mRNA platforms—proven during the COVID-19 pandemic for their speed and adaptability—are central to the nation’s scientific readiness. Curtailing support now, he argued, signals a retreat from the innovations that helped turn the tide in one of the most challenging public health crises in recent history.
Though Texas Biomed did not lose a direct grant in this round of cuts, the institute has already absorbed approximately $2 million in losses tied to grant delays and cancellations from related programs. These setbacks have forced adjustments to ongoing projects and prompted a reassessment of financial planning and partnerships. Dr. Schlesinger noted that the institute is actively seeking to diversify its revenue streams through increased philanthropic contributions and private partnerships, aiming to safeguard its research agenda against fluctuating federal priorities.
He also called for a broader national dialogue about the long-term sustainability of scientific research in the United States. According to Schlesinger, the current funding environment is increasingly unpredictable, and institutions must not only adapt, but also advocate for more stable and forward-looking support structures. Without this, he warned, the U.S. risks losing its leadership position in biomedical research and innovation.
The reaction from the wider public health community has echoed Schlesinger’s concerns. Figures such as Dr. Peter Hotez and other prominent vaccine scientists have argued that withdrawing funding from mRNA platforms is not only shortsighted, but could cost lives in future pandemics or global outbreaks. They point to mRNA’s rapid response capability, scalability, and modular design as unmatched assets in the fight against emerging pathogens.
The policy shift comes at a time when geopolitical tensions, zoonotic spillover events, and climate-related health risks are increasing the likelihood of novel disease outbreaks. Experts argue that walking back investments in foundational technologies like mRNA now, especially after billions of dollars were spent to build the infrastructure during the COVID-19 era, undermines both preparedness and public trust.
In San Antonio, institutions like Texas Biomed are more than just research hubs—they are engines of regional innovation and economic activity. The institute’s collaborations with companies like Pfizer and Moderna have positioned it as a key contributor to national and global health strategies. Dr. Schlesinger emphasized that protecting these institutions should be a matter of bipartisan national interest, given their role in vaccine development, pandemic response, and public health advancement.
As policymakers reassess spending priorities, Texas Biomed’s leadership continues to advocate for a resilient, diversified funding model that aligns short-term fiscal realities with long-term scientific goals. For Dr. Schlesinger, the message is clear: investing in science today is not just about tomorrow’s breakthroughs—it’s about being ready when the next crisis hits.
