Moderna to establish mRNA Innovation and Technology Center in UK
Cambridge: Moderna, Inc ., a biotechnology company pioneering messenger RNA (mRNA) therapeutics and vaccines, has announced an agreement in principle with the United Kingdom government to establish an mRNA Innovation and Technology Center in the UK.
This state-of-the-art mRNA vaccine manufacturing facility is expected to provide access to rapid pandemic response capabilities and Moderna's respiratory virus vaccine candidates. Additionally, Moderna plans to expand its presence in the UK through investments in research and development (R&D) activities.
"We are excited to be able to continue our collaboration with the UK government and Vaccine Taskforce with this new mRNA Innovation and Technology Center in the UK. The UK has established a world-class life sciences and research community," said Stéphane Bancel, Chief Executive Officer of Moderna. "We are committed to global public health, and as we continue to expand internationally, we are pleased to bring local mRNA manufacturing to the UK. We look forward to establishing our R&D activities and capabilities in the country."
Moderna expects its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility to produce mRNA vaccines, including vaccines against COVID-19, seasonal influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and potential other vaccines, with the collaboration of the United Kingdom government.
The facility is intended to also be activated on an urgent basis to support the UK with direct access to rapid pandemic response capabilities and will support the UK in its global efforts as part of its "100 Days Mission" to reduce the impact of future pandemics.
The Company plans to expand its presence in the UK through investments in R&D to complement its substantial global R&D activities. Moderna is collaborating with the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) on a Phase 3 study investigating Moderna's bivalent Omicron-containing booster candidate (mRNA-1273.214) in the UK.
Separately, the UK government purchased 60 million doses of Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine, which may include authorized booster vaccine candidates for delivery in 2022 and 2023.
Read also: Moderna coronavirus vaccine effective for kids under five years: USFDA
