mRNA at a Crossroads: Transformative Medical Breakthroughs Threatened by Policy Uncertainty

Experts warn that weakening mRNA support could create a domino effect—undermining America's scientific leadership, diminishing bioeconomic competitiveness, and compromising national security and pandemic preparedness

WASHINGTON, May 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A survey released today from the Alliance for mRNA Medicines warns that cuts to biomedical research and threats of anti-mRNA policies risk delays to therapeutic advances in cancer, rare diseases, and other diseases, loss of billions in potential healthcare savings, and place US biomedical leadership and national security in the hands of other countries. In the survey, 81% of industry leaders expressed concern that anti-mRNA policies would cause manufacturing, research, and related jobs to leave the U.S. in favor of pro-innovation environments in Europe and Asia.

Once hailed as the cornerstone of pandemic response, mRNA is now evolving into a revolutionary therapeutic platform poised to reshape modern medicine—if supported by strategic policy and sustained investment. Recent research highlights mRNA's transition from a vaccine platform into a versatile therapeutic engine, enabling personalized cancer immunotherapies, targeted therapies for rare genetic diseases and chronic illnesses, and rapid responses to infectious diseases. Breakthroughs in on-site manufacturing, delivery mechanisms, and next-generation RNA architectures are accelerating this revolution.

"The U.S. has led the world in the discovery and development of mRNA products and catalyzed a sector that will transform the future of medicine.  Unfortunately, today, anti-mRNA policies, including funding cuts at the National Institutes of Health, threaten U.S. manufacturing and research jobs as well as the opportunity to address the unmet needs of those living with cancer and rare diseases," said Clay Alspach, Executive Director, Alliance for mRNA Medicines. "With appropriate policy support and investment, mRNA can deliver innovative and lower cost therapies for patients with unmet needs and enhance national security preparedness. US policymakers should seize this opportunity to help patients, create jobs, lower costs, and protect the country."

The survey provides a timely assessment of the impacts of policies that are proposed and, in some cases, already implemented like funding disruptions and anti-mRNA policy developments. Key findings of the survey include:

• 48% of surveyed mRNA organizations have already experienced direct impacts from recent policy disruptions and funding cuts. Those impacts include:
• 54% were forced to cut back on mRNA R&D and postponed studies
• 46% experienced budget freezes and reductions
• 46% cancelled collaborations
• 46% delayed capital investments
• 30% initiated hiring freezes or layoffs among specialized scientific personnel
• 20% are relocating projects, divisions or entire company, particularly moving from the U.S. to Europe or Asia
• 66% of mRNA-related jobs are located in the U.S. and up to 45% of those U.S. positions are potentially at risk, with 21% of organizations indicating all such U.S. roles could be eliminated under hostile policy conditions, based on survey results.

According to Andy Geall, PhD, Chief Development Officer at Replicate Bioscience and Chair of the Board of the Alliance for mRNA Medicines, "The report is clear: by retreating from mRNA, the United States risks losing an entire generation of innovation and intellectual capital." Geall continued, "This would transform the United States from the mRNA leader to one reliant on the rest of the world for biomedical advances."

Respondents identified that a pro-mRNA agenda should include increased investment and regulatory clarity – advancing mRNA's therapeutic potential while accelerating next-generation solutions across three core domains: personalized cancer immunotherapies, rare disease treatments, and infectious disease prevention.

As the global race for biotech leadership intensifies, policy decisions made today will determine whether the United States continues to lead or becomes reliant on foreign advances. Experts urge Congress and federal agencies to act now—preserving America's hard-won momentum and securing the health, security, and prosperity of future generations.

About the Survey

The survey for "The mRNA Innovation Ecosystem (U.S.): 2025 Assessment of Economic Impact, Therapeutic Potential & Policy Implications" was commissioned in March and April 2025 by the Alliance for mRNA Medicines. It gathered insights from 106 senior leaders across biopharma, pharmaceuticals, contract manufacturing organizations, life science technology firms and academic research institutions, with the majority having over a decade of industry experience. A summary and the full report can be found here: https://mrnamedicines.org.

Alliance for mRNA Medicines (AMM)

The Alliance for mRNA Medicines (AMM) is the leading global organization dedicated to advancing and advocating for mRNA and next-generation encoding RNA therapeutics and vaccines for the benefit of patients, public health, and society. Our mission is to propel the future of mRNA medicine, improve patients' lives, and advance scientific knowledge by convening and empowering mRNA industry leaders, innovators, scientists, and other key stakeholders. Learn more at https://mrnamedicines.org

Media Contact:
Clay Alspach
Executive Director
Alliance for mRNA Medicines
[email protected]
215-287-2854

SOURCE The Alliance for mRNA Medicines (AMM)