Partnership supports UK’s Readiness with Vaccines against Viruses

Following an agreement in principle announced during summer 2022, the final stages of a 10-year strategic deal struck between biotech Moderna and the UK Government are set to see the establishment of a high-tech mRNA research, development and manufacturing facility in the UK, with the capability of producing up to 250 million vaccines a year in the event of a pandemic.

Once operational, the Moderna Innovation and Technology Centre (MITC) is intended to provide domestically manufactured future mRNA vaccines against respiratory viruses, such as flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) pending regulatory assessments and licencing, as well as supporting the UK in its global efforts as part of its ‘100 Days Mission’ to reduce impacts of future pandemics.

"Our new state-of-the-art facility will bring mRNA manufacturing to UK shores, providing the UK public with access to pandemic response capabilities through Moderna COVID-19 vaccines and future respiratory virus vaccine candidates," said Stéphane Bancel, Chief Executive Officer of Moderna. "We look forward to being part of the UK's world-renowned science and innovation community, contributing to the UK health ecosystem through significant investments in R&D activities and expanding our clinical trial footprint across the country."

"We are excited to continue our collaboration with the UK government and UK Health Security Agency to establish the UK as a world-leading mRNA center of excellence," said Darius Hughes, Moderna's General Manager for the UK. "When constructed, our facility will harness mRNA science with the aim of developing and manufacturing vaccines that have the potential to address future threats posed by respiratory viruses."

Commencement of construction is proposed for early 2023, with the facility expected to become operational by 2025, subject to planning and regulatory approvals.

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