Moderna to build UK center for mRNA vaccines
A medical workers holds a vial of the new Moderna child Covid-19 vaccine before filling syringes with it at Temple Beth Shalom in Needham, Massachusetts on June 21, 2022. AFP
LONDON — Moderna and the UK government on Wednesday announced a deal for the US biotech firm to build a cutting-edge centre to develop and produce mRNA vaccines for respiratory diseases, including Covid.
The company and the health ministry said in a joint statement that work could start on the manufacturing and research and development centre as early as this year.
The first UK-developed mRNA vaccine is scheduled to be produced in 2025.
No financial details or location for the centre were given but ministers said the deal would give patients on the state-run National Health Service access to “next generation” vaccines and treatments.
It would also ensure “consistent home-made supply” and allow increased production in the event of any future health crisis, allowing the hub to be a global base for clinical trials.
“mRNA technology has proven to be one of the fastest routes to develop highly effective vaccines during the pandemic and has been pivotal in protecting people,” the health ministry said.
It the technology could lead to breakthrough treatements in a number of disease areas, including cancer, flu, dementia and heart disease.
“Our investment will guarantee jabs in arms against some of the toughest viruses out there, bringing us to the forefront of the fight against future threats,” added Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Britain was one of the worst-hit countries by the Covid outbreak, with nearly 180,000 deaths.
It bought vaccines in bulk even before they were given regulatory approval for use, including Moderna and Pfizer’s mRNA jabs.
AstraZeneca working with scientists at the University of Oxford developed their own more conventional vaccine.
RELATED STORIES
Moderna plots vaccines against 15 pathogens with future pandemic potential
Next pandemic could be more lethal than COVID-19, Oxford vaccine creator says
Prepare for the next pandemic like a ‘war,’ says Bill Gates
How can we stop the next pandemic? Here’s what WHO panel recommends
For more news about the novel coronavirus click here.
What you need to know about Coronavirus.
For more information on COVID-19, call the DOH Hotline: (02) 86517800 local 1149/1150.
The Inquirer Foundation supports our healthcare frontliners and is still accepting cash donations to be deposited at Banco de Oro (BDO) current account #007960018860 or donate through PayMaya using this link.
