HHS Stops Funding for Next-Generation COVID-19 Vaccine Developed by Geovax Amid Biden Administration's Shift in Priorities

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has stopped funding for a next-generation COVID-19 vaccine, Geo-CM04S1, developed by Geovax. The stop-work order affects an award of $24.3 million from the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA). Geovax's president and CEO, David Dodd, stated that the financial impact of the canceled funding on the company will be less than $750,000 annually. The vaccine's development will continue, and the company remains committed to it.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has terminated funding for GeoVax Labs' next-generation COVID-19 vaccine, GEO-CM04S1, in a move that affects an award of $24.3 million from the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA). The stop-work order, effective April 11, comes as part of the broader Project NextGen initiative, which aims to accelerate the development of next-generation COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics [1].

GeoVax Labs, a biotechnology company based in Atlanta, Georgia, has been working on GEO-CM04S1, a phase 2b multi-antigen COVID-19 vaccine designed to protect individuals who are not sufficiently shielded by existing vaccines. The vaccine is currently in mid-stage trials and is being evaluated as a primary vaccine for immunocompromised patients, a booster vaccine for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and a more robust, durable COVID-19 booster among healthy individuals who have previously received mRNA vaccines [2].

In a statement, GeoVax President and CEO David Dodd expressed disappointment over the termination but emphasized the company's commitment to the critical medical need addressed by GEO-CM04S1. Dodd noted that the financial impact of the canceled funding on the company will be less than $750,000 annually, as the majority of the funding was earmarked for an external clinical research organization to conduct the clinical trial [1].

Despite the stop-work order, GeoVax will continue to work on two other ongoing, mid-stage COVID studies for its investigational vaccine. The company also has other candidates in its pipeline, including an mpox/smallpox vaccine and a mid-stage cancer candidate dubbed gedeptin [1].

GeoVax Labs is scheduled to provide an update on the recent BARDA contract termination at the next Emerging Growth Conference, which will be held April 16-17, 2025. The company's Chairman and CEO, David Dodd, will present and open the floor for questions during the event [2].

References:
[1] https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/hhs-abruptly-terminates-funding-atlanta-biotechs-trio-studies
[2] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/geovax-present-emerging-growth-conference-172532874.html