by Covid-19 vaccine maker Moderna has announced it is planning to build its new research and manufacturing base in Oxfordshire to develop the next generation of vaccines.
The biotechnology company will establish its Moderna Innovation and Technology Center in Harwell “to provide the UK public with access to mRNA vaccines for a wide range of respiratory diseases”.
The move is expected to create hundreds of jobs in both construction and operations of the manufacturing facility, which is expected to be operational in 2025.
Darius Hughes, UK General Manager at Moderna, said: “Once built, our Harwell facility will leverage mRNA science, which aims to develop and deliver to the UK public innovative vaccines that address the emerging respiratory virus threats that our population is exposed to.”
Health and Welfare Secretary Steve Barclay said: “Moderna’s new innovation and technology center means NHS patients will have access to cutting-edge mRNA vaccines to fight against future variants of Covid, as well as other respiratory viruses, while also creating hundreds of jobs .
“Harwell is already at the forefront of science and innovation in the UK and we look forward to the opening of this new mRNA centre.”
Investment Secretary Dominic Johnson said: “Moderna’s 10-year partnership with the Government has made Moderna a key partner in Britain’s journey to becoming a science and technology superpower.
“I very much look forward to putting this into practice, boosting economic growth, creating quality jobs and supporting our NHS.”
Dame Jenny Harries, Chief Executive of the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), said: “I look forward to continuing our collaboration with Moderna as we strengthen our vaccine development and research capacity, taking us to the forefront of new science and enhance our capabilities to protect the nation from respiratory diseases and future pandemics.
“The new Moderna center in Oxfordshire will also provide an important boost to our UK life sciences economy and our onshore vaccine manufacturing capabilities.”
Harwell Campus Chief Executive Stuart Grant said: “mRNA technology has the ability to transform the way we treat a wide range of diseases and improve the UK’s resilience to future pandemics.
“I am delighted that Moderna has chosen the campus as the location to expand its globally important life sciences research, development and manufacturing capabilities, a move that will drive innovation in the UK and investment in this breakthrough technology.”
