Base to Base biotech podcast 24: Dissecting the US cuts to mRNA vaccine projects and Herantis takes on Parkinson’s disease

This week, we look at Herantis Pharma's work on Parkinson's disease, with the company's CEO, Antti Vuolanto, and we have an in-depth look at the recent cuts to mRNA vaccine projects, with Jean Peccoud, GenoFAB founder and professor at Colorado State University.

Interview times:

03:22 Herantis

16:28 mRNA cuts

Cuts to mRNA vaccine projects

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently announced a major shift in its vaccine development priorities, initiating a “co‑ordinated wind‑down” of mRNA vaccine projects under the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA). The move cancels or scales back 22 contracts worth nearly $500m, affecting research partnerships with universities, biotech firms, and major pharmaceutical companies.

The cuts have sparked concern among scientists and public health experts, who note that mRNA technology was pivotal in the rapid development of COVID‑19 vaccines and has potential applications far beyond the pandemic. Critics warn that ending federal support could slow innovation in areas such as pandemic preparedness, cancer immunotherapy, and treatments for emerging infectious diseases. While some late‑stage contracts will be allowed to conclude to preserve prior taxpayer investment, no new mRNA‑based projects will be initiated under BARDA. The decision marks a significant re‑alignment of US vaccine R&D strategy, with future BARDA funding expected to focus on whole‑virus vaccines and other platforms with longer safety track records.

We have a wide-ranging discussion with Jean Peccoud, GenoFAB founder and professor at Colorado State University, about the effect of the cuts.

Herantis takes on Parkinson’s disease

Herantis Pharma is a Finnish clinical-stage biotech developing disease-modifying therapies to stop Parkinson’s disease.

Its lead product HER-096, a first-in-class, subcutaneously administered therapy designed to stop—and potentially reverse—the progression of PD, with brain penetration already demonstrated. It is in the clinic (phase 1b) in PD patients which is also evaluating selected biomarkers to identify novel treatment response biomarkers and monitor symptoms in patients – topline data is expected in September.

Herantis is among a limited group of companies worldwide that are preparing for Phase 2 clinical trials with a drug candidate designed to stop or slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease.

HER-096 is a small peptide with a multi-modal MOA that targets key drivers of neurodegeneration: cell stress, protein misfolding, and inflammation, while achieving excellent brain penetration.

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