Moderna, Inc. (NASDAQ: MRNA) announced that the Moderna Innovation and Technology Centre (MITC) at the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus in Oxfordshire, has been officially opened by the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Rt Hon Wes Streeting.
The MITC will now produce British-made mRNA respiratory vaccines for the UK public to support NHS seasonal vaccination programmes. Beyond respiratory diseases, the MITC will also support research into the potential of mRNA science in areas such as cancer, rare diseases and immune disorders.
“The opening of the Moderna Innovation and Technology Centre marks the first facility in the UK to manufacture an onshore supply of mRNA vaccines,” said Stéphane Bancel, Chief Executive Officer of Moderna. “Our strategic partnership with the UK has already delivered more than 20 clinical trials across 110 sites nationwide, making Moderna the largest commercial sponsor of trials in the country.
Together, we successfully delivered this vision from concept to operational readiness in under two years. This latest milestone underscores the UK’s commitment to improving health security, both against global health emergencies and ongoing seasonal respiratory threats.”
The site can produce up to 100 million mRNA vaccine doses per year, with the capacity to increase to 250 million in the event of a pandemic. The Clinical R&D facility at the MITC also includes laboratories that will analyse samples from Moderna’s clinical trials globally.
The grand opening event was also attended by Health Ministers Ashley Dalton and Dr Zubir Ahmed; Science Minister Lord Vallance, Professor Susan Hopkins – CEO of the UK Health Security Agency; Lawrence Tallon – CEO of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency; as well as stakeholders from the UK life sciences ecosystem.
The MITC is part of a global network of advanced manufacturing hubs, alongside facilities in Australia and Canada, that collectively strengthen pandemic readiness by maximising geographic coverage and minimising response times.
Darius Hughes, UK General Manager of Moderna, said: “It has been incredible to see the MITC built at speed to bring our mRNA manufacturing to the UK, and this progress wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our partners and the UK Government. With the facility now open and operational, we’re proud to be the first company to have established a UK-based mRNA manufacturing capability to support NHS seasonal vaccination programmes.
This mission-driven collaboration strengthens the UK’s pandemic preparedness and is a win-win-win for patients, for government, and for the life sciences sector.”
Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, said: “Life sciences are a great British success story and this new cutting-edge facility is the next pivotal moment in boosting our nation’s health, innovation and economy. The government is investing billions into this vital sector and partnering the might of Moderna with the brilliance of our NHS will enable us to benefit from innovative vaccine technology as we shift healthcare from treatment to prevention.
Pioneering centres like these will help ensure this country remains a powerhouse in this growing industry, as part of our comprehensive Plan for Change.”
Science Minister Lord Vallance said: “The UK’s life sciences sector is a fundamental part of our nation’s health and economy, and will be critical to our ambitions going forward. The pioneering work Moderna will be doing, here in the UK, on mRNA is a prime example of the opportunity we want to grasp.
“It’s the chance for new treatments that save lives, and new products that drive growth and job creation, all made possible thanks to our world-class institutions, skills, and the NHS. It is this unique mix that makes the UK a life sciences destination that punches well above its weight.
“The opening of this centre is proof of the brilliant things coming out of the deep and meaningful relationships we’re determined to forge with companies like Moderna. This Innovation Centre will strengthen the UK’s growth, health, and our resilience.”
Professor Susan Hopkins, CEO, UK Health Security Agency said: “The opening of this impressive state of the art facility in Harwell, alongside Moderna’s substantial investment in UK research and development, will help ensure the NHS has rapid access to mRNA vaccines if needed in a future pandemic. It will also open doors to new vaccine products, helping support the Government’s 10 Year Health Plan and the focus on prevention.
“I’m delighted that UKHSA leads the partnership on behalf of government. It is an exemplar on how we and government can work closely with industry to prepare and respond to emerging health threats. It will support the UK’s ambitions towards the 100 Days Mission, helping put the UK at the forefront of pandemic preparedness and new technologies whilst driving economic growth.”
Lawrence Tallon, Chief Executive of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), said: “The MHRA is proud to have played a pivotal role in bringing this world-class facility to operational readiness. Our rigorous assessment and swift authorisation of the Moderna Innovation and Technology Centre demonstrates how robust regulation can enable innovation while maintaining the highest standards of safety and quality.
The UK was the first country to authorise mRNA vaccines during the pandemic, and this facility builds on that legacy of scientific excellence and regulatory agility. Through close collaboration with Moderna and our government partners, we’ve ensured that the UK now has the capability to rapidly translate cutting-edge mRNA science into safe, effective medicines for patients.”
Image provided by Harwell Campus