US Halts Funding for Gain‑of‑Function Virus Research Over COVID‑19 Origin Concerns

The United States announced new rules that will end federal financing for gain‑of‑function research on viruses, both within the country and in foreign institutions. The policy cites suspicions that the COVID‑19 pandemic may have stemmed from such work in a Chinese laboratory. Under the rules, federal support for dangerous gain‑of‑function studies is prohibited, and any high‑risk work must undergo rigorous independent review. The Department of Health and Human Services also says it will sanction institutions that lack adequate biosafety and security standards. NIH director Jay Bhattacharya highlighted the balance between scientific benefit and risk in a Wall Street Journal op‑ed. The measures follow a 2025 decree signed by former President Donald Trump that already sought to curb the most hazardous virology work.