Moderna’s new vaccine facility fuels the UK pharmaceutical industry

Image Credit: Pharmaceutical Technology

Announcement

Moderna, the leading vaccine maker, has inaugurated the new manufacturing space in Oxfordshire in an acceleration of the pharmaceutical company after another crucial firm listed or halted the plans regarding UK investment this year. The company claimed that the Moderna innovation and technology center (MITC) at the Harwell innovation and science campus, near Chilton, is one of the UK’s first-ever facilities to manufacture mRNA onshore. The facility has the potential to produce over 100 million doses each year.

During the pandemic, it increased by over 250 million doses and is expected to introduce nearly 150 skilled jobs, the government claims. Moderna’s highest investment in the UK research and development is a part of the 10-year smart partnership with the government. The expansion of the new vaccine facility is like a future investment in the lives of pandemic patients. This will help the UK pharmaceutical industry to develop and introduce life-changing vaccine treatment globally.

Effective contributions in the healthcare sector

UK pharmaceutical leader GSK last week unveiled plans to invest around £22 billion into US research and development as well as manufacturing over the next five years. The approach became effective after the US-related drugmaker Merck commented that its UK operation will plan for a £1 billion site in London’s King Cross. It is expected to open in 2027. The bosses pointed fingers at the government for lower pay for medicines, with the government's less investment in this market.

After a few days, AstraZeneca paused the investment plan worth £200 million at a Cambridge research site.  The company bosses said, “A difficult environment and pricing pressure had turned the UK less attractive investment space than other countries like the US.”

The health secretary, Wes Streeting, said, “The robust facility in Oxfordshire symbolizes the next vital moment in empowering our nation’s innovation, economy, and health. The government is investing immensely in this crucial market, and collaborating with Moderna, with the expertise of the NHS, will allow us to benefit from the innovative vaccine technology as we push healthcare from treatment to prevention.”

The UK general manager of Moderna, Darius Hughes, said, “The site will be sharpening the country’s pandemic readiness.”

The chief executive of the firm, Stephane Bancel, said, “This recent milestone shows the UK’s dedication to enhancing health security against ongoing seasonal respiratory threats and worldwide health emergencies.”