RFK Jr. to wind down $500M mRNA vaccine development
The unit, Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, helps companies develop medical supplies to address public health threats, and had provided billions of dollars for development of vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic.
HHS said the wind down includes cancellation of a contract awarded to Moderna for the late-stage development of its bird flu vaccine for humans and the right to purchase the shots, as previously reported in May.
The U.S. health agency said it was also rejecting or canceling multiple pre-award solicitations, including proposals from Pfizer, Sanofi Pasteur, CSL Seqirus, Gritstone and others.
This is the latest development under U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a long-time vaccine skeptic who has been making sweeping changes to reshape vaccines, food and medicine policies.
Kennedy said the HHS is terminating these programs because data show these vaccines "fail to protect effectively against upper respiratory infections like COVID and flu," but did not offer scientific evidence.
"We're shifting that funding toward safer, broader vaccine platforms that remain effective even as viruses mutate," Kennedy said.
Did you see? President Trump's favorite candymaker is not RFK-approved. Is a clash brewing?
In total, the decision affects 22 projects worth nearly $500 million, the agency said.
HHS said the decision follows a comprehensive review of mRNA-related investments initiated during the COVID-19 public health emergency.
Reporting by Christy Santhosh in Bengaluru; Editing by Leroy Leo
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: RFK Jr. to shutter $500M mRNA vaccine development
Solve the daily Crossword
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
21 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Biotricity Reinforces Growth Trajectory, Kicking Off Fiscal 2026 with Strong First Quarter Results Featuring Revenue Growth, Positive EBITDA and Improved Margins
REDWOOD CITY, CA, Aug. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Biotricity Inc. (OTCQB:BTCY) ("Biotricity" or the "Company'), an innovative Technology-as-a-Service (TaaS) company committed to redefining the landscape of the healthcare industry with state-of-the-art remote monitoring and diagnostic solutions, today announced its financial results for its first quarter of fiscal 2026, ended June 30, 2025. Dr. Waqaas Al-Siddiq, Biotricity Founder & CEO, said, "We're proud to deliver another quarter of strong performance and a shift to positive EBITDA, which demonstrates the scalability of our business model and strength of our team. Management believes that this a foundational milestone for Biotricity, exemplifying our ability to grow our business as we go from a loss-producing startup to a business that can operate profitably. Following a massive year of positive transformation for Biotricity, we continue to harness the power of workflow automation, AI technology, and other technological enhancements to further improve our operational expenses, margins, and revenues. This powerful combination has set the foundation to fuel ongoing growth. In doing so, we demonstrate our ability to scale with strategic focus and long-term sustainability. The expansion of our Cardiac AI Cloud platform, empowered by strategic partnerships with industry giants, showcases our commitment to revolutionizing medical diagnostics and consumer healthcare. Leveraging over 2 trillion beats of anonymized data, our AI-driven platform is set to enhance clinic profitability, paving the way for transformative advancements in diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes. Importantly, we remain on track to pursue FDA clearance for our groundbreaking AI clinical model in the coming months. Strategic alliances forged during fiscal 2025 and 2026 have positioned us to capitalize on expansive market channels, providing access to approximately 90% of all hospitals in America and opening the door to managed care programs, which is a new vertical strategy for Biotricity. These developments mark a significant leap forward in our mission to deliver innovative, accessible, and high-quality cardiac care solutions." Q1-FY26 Financial Highlights Revenue increased 21% to $3.9 million, compared with $3.2 million in Q4 FY24 Gross margin was 80.5% for the three months ended June 30, 2025, as compared to 73.8% in the corresponding prior year quarter; this is the result of expansion in the recurring technology fee revenue base, efficiencies gained in using proprietary AI in operational automation, and improvement in monitoring and cloud cost structure. Net loss decreased to $0.75 million, or $0.03 per share, from a net loss of $6.9 million, or $0.49 per share, in Q1-FY25; this was an 80.6% improvement even after removing the effects of a $3 million one-time deemed dividend in the corresponding prior year period. Positive EBITDA of $333,337, first time in the Company's history; EBITDA increased by 118.7% compared to corresponding prior year quarter; this is the result of growth and operating efficiencies. Operating Highlights for Q1-FY26 and the Future Q1-FY26 recurring (TaaS) Technology Fees rose a robust 11.8% from the corresponding period of the prior year, to $3.4 million, which is also 7.9% increase from the immediately preceding three-month period. Company maintained its track record of strong customer retention, supported by the quality of customer and physician-friendly support services which emphasize the accuracy of our diagnostics and ease-of-use of our solution. Leveraging on its adept development of a range of state-of-the-art products to service a total addressable market of $35 billion. Working on achieving regulatory approval in internation markets, with a view to laying the foundation for distribution in those markets in the coming years, after successfully achieving approvals in Canada, Saudi Arabia and Argentina. Expansion of geographic footprint across 70% of the US, with penetration across thousands of physicians over hundreds of centers, including those acquired through relationships with strategic partners. Secured strategic alliances with three of the top GPOs representing 90% of all hospitals in the US. Full details of the Company's financial results will be filed with the SEC on Form 10-Q and available by visiting Financial Results and Business Update Conference Call Management will host a conference call on Thursday August 14, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. ET to discuss its financial results for fiscal first quarter of 2026 and provide a business update. Additional details are available under the Investor Relations section of the Company's website: Event: Biotricity First Quarter Fiscal 2026 Financial Results and Business Update CallDate: Thursday, August 14, 2025Time: 4:30pm ET (1:30pm PT) Toll Free: 1-877-269-7751 International: 1-201-389-0908 Webcast URL: Investors can begin accessing the webcast 15 minutes before the call, where an operator will register your name and organization. The call will be in listen-only mode. A replay of the call will be available approximately three hours after the live call via the Investors section of the Biotricity website at Toll Free Replay Number: 1-844-512-2921 International: 1-412-317-6671 Replay Access ID: 13755374Expiration: Thursday, August 28, 2025 at 11:59 PM ET About Biotricity Inc. Biotricity is reforming the healthcare market by bridging the gap in remote monitoring and chronic care management. Doctors and patients trust Biotricity's unparalleled standard for preventive & personal care, including diagnostic and post-diagnostic solutions for chronic conditions. The Company develops comprehensive remote health monitoring solutions for the medical and consumer markets. To learn more, visit Non-GAAP Measures Non-GAAP financial information presented may be determined or calculated differently by other companies and may not be directly comparable to that of other companies. It is management's intent to provide non-GAAP financial information to enhance the understanding of Biotricity's GAAP financial information, and it should be considered by the reader in addition to, but not instead of, the financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP. We believe that providing these non-GAAP measures in addition to the GAAP measures allows management, investors and other users of our financial information to more fully and accurately assess business performance. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization ('EBITDA') is one such measure: 3 months endedJune 30,2025 3 months endedJune 30,2024 $ $ Net loss attributable to common stockholders (754,293 ) (6,948,292 ) Add: Provision for income taxes - - Interest expense 850,254 768,673 Accretion and amortization expenses 153,572 1,144,728 Depreciation 1,488 1,488 Preferred stock dividends 82,316 3,253,772 EBITDA 333,337 (1,779,631 ) Weighted average number of common shares outstanding 26,284,734 14,169,441 Profit (Loss) per Share, Basic and Diluted 0.013 (0.126 ) Important Cautions Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Any statements contained in this press release that do not describe historical facts may constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements, which involve assumptions and describe our future plans, strategies, and expectations, are generally identifiable by use of the words "may," "should," "would," "will," "could," "scheduled," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "believe," "intend," "seek," "project," or "goal" or the negative of these words or other variations on these words or comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements may include, without limitation, statements regarding (i) the plans, objectives and goals of management for future operations, including plans, objectives or goals relating to the design, development and commercialization of Bioflux or any of the Company's other proposed products or services, (ii) a projection of income (including income/loss), earnings (including earnings/loss) per share, capital expenditures, dividends, capital structure or other financial items, (iii) the Company's future financial performance, (iv) the regulatory regime in which the Company operates or intends to operate and (v) the assumptions underlying or relating to any statement described in points (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) above. Such forward-looking statements are not meant to predict or guarantee actual results, performance, events or circumstances and may not be realized because they are based upon the Company's current projections, plans, objectives, beliefs, expectations, estimates and assumptions and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties and other influences, many of which the Company has no control over. Actual results and the timing of certain events and circumstances may differ materially from those described by the forward-looking statements as a result of these risks and uncertainties. Factors that may influence or contribute to the inaccuracy of the forward-looking statements or cause actual results to differ materially from expected or desired results may include, without limitation, the Company's inability to obtain additional financing, the significant length of time and resources associated with the development of its products and related insufficient cash flows and resulting illiquidity, the Company's inability to expand the Company's business, significant government regulation of medical devices and the healthcare industry, lack of product diversification, existing or increased competition, results of arbitration and litigation, stock volatility and illiquidity, and the Company's failure to implement the Company's business plans or strategies. These and other factors are identified and described in more detail in the Company's filings with the SEC. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect any event or circumstance that may arise after the date of this release. Contacts Investor RelationsBiotricity Investor RelationsInvestors@ SOURCE: Biotricity Inc.
Yahoo
21 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Cardinal Health's $1.9 Billion Urology Bet Sends Shares Sliding -- But Could Spark Long-Term Growth
Cardinal Health (NYSE:CAH) is making another big move in specialty healthcare, agreeing to acquire Solaris Health for $1.9 billion. The deal builds on the company's growing footprint in urology, a space CEO Jason Hollar describes as an attractive specialty for the business. This acquisition follows other recent plays in the sector, including the purchase of Academic Urology & Urogynecology. Solaris Health brings a network of more than 750 providers across 14 states, positioning Cardinal to further strengthen its multispecialty strategy. Warning! GuruFocus has detected 3 Warning Signs with CAH. Management paired the announcement with an upgrade to its fiscal 2026 adjusted earnings per share forecast, now expected at $9.30 to $9.50 above analyst expectations. The Dublin, Ohio-based healthcare giant, known for its pharmaceutical distribution, medical product manufacturing, and home-health services, also delivered fiscal fourth-quarter results that topped EPS estimates, with revenue roughly in line with consensus. The market's reaction was less enthusiastic in the short term, with shares down nearly 10% on the news and since then has bounced back a bit. Currently, stock remains up over 25%. For investors, the short-term pullback could reflect caution over integration risks and near-term costs, while the long-term view hinges on whether Cardinal can unlock the growth potential it sees in urology and multispecialty care. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
21 minutes ago
- Yahoo
eCap Launches Groundbreaking Catalyst Program to Spotlight Startups Solving Healthcare's Toughest Challenges
PHOENIX, Aug. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- eCap, the leading community and event platform for skilled nursing facility (SNF), operators, healthcare executives and investors, today announced the launch of Catalyst, a high-impact Long-term Care startup showcase and innovation accelerator debuting at eCapWest this fall in Phoenix, AZ. Designed in response to the growing need for practical, scalable innovation in healthcare, the Catalyst Program will spotlight and support early-stage companies tackling the industry's most pressing operational, clinical, and workforce challenges. Participating startups will gain unparalleled exposure, mentorship, and the opportunity to pitch in front of hundreds of healthcare operators, investors, and industry leaders. Adding to the excitement, Randi Zuckerberg — entrepreneur, investor, bestselling author, and founder of Zuckerberg Media, will serve as the official facilitator and emcee for the live pitch series. With her expertise in technology, innovation, and storytelling, Randi will guide the audience through an interactive and dynamic showcase, helping bring each founder's vision to life on stage. "Healthcare innovation is often trapped in white papers and pilot purgatory. Catalyst is about execution, outcomes, and momentum," said Kim Silberman, Executive Vice President at eCap. "We're giving the platform to founders who are building solutions that actually move the need for real people - patients, providers, and operators alike". Co-chaired by the founders of eCap and Apploi, Catalyst is guided by a council of influential leaders from across the healthcare ecosystem. Founding members include executives and investors from Ensign Services, Legacy Healthcare, Marquis Health Consulting Services, ignite Medical Resorts, OLUMIE Holdings, TriEdge Investments, Eshyft, Wyatt, Tarrant and Combs, LLP, Equitage Ventures, Lone View Capital, Transformation Capital, and Houlian Lokey. Why Catalyst? The eCap community has long been a place where healthcare leaders connect to share insights, close deals, and shape the future of care. Catalyst builds on that momentum by: Creating a stage for 10 high-potential startups to pitch live at eCapWest2025 Curating a council of healthcare experts, operators, and investors to guide the selection process. Elevating solutions with measurable impact, market readiness, and real-world relevance. Program Timeline: Application Period: Open now through September 17, 2025 Finalists Announced: September 30, 2025 Live Pitch & Demo Day: November 3-5, 2025 Finalist Benefits: Discounted access to eCapWest Featured press and media opportunities Mentorship from top-tier operators and investors Dedicated showcase at the conference Eligibility for prize and strategic partnerships Who Should Apply? Healthcare startups across all verticals are encouraged to apply, especially those with: Demonstrated operational or clinical value Early traction and a scalable model A team ready to execute Compliance with healthcare regulations and data protection standards Whether you're streamlining back-office workflows, improving care delivery, reimagining staffing, or leveraging AI to drive better outcomes, Catalyst wants to hear from you. How to Apply: Visit to learn more and submit your to apply: September 17, 2025 About eCap eCap is a trusted ecosystem for skilled nursing facility (SNF) operators, healthcare executives, investors, and innovators. Through curated events, digital communities, and strategic content, eCap accelerates connection and innovation in the healthcare industry. With Catalyst, eCap takes another step forward in turning great ideas into real solutions. Media Inquires & Interviews: To speak with a member of the Catalyst team, arrange interviews with featured startups, or receive press credentials for eCapWest, contact Jennifer Bodnar, Chief Marketing Officer at - jbodnar@ Contact:Jennifer Bodnar - Chief Marketing Officer, Executive Capital Summitjbodnar@ 887.1290http:// View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE eCap Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
