Moderna Launches mRNA Innovation Hub in Oxfordshire to Scale UK Vaccine Capabilities

Moderna has opened its Moderna Innovation and Technology Centre at the Harwell Science Campus in Oxfordshire, the first facility of its kind in the UK dedicated to mRNA vaccine manufacturing and research. The centre is part of a 10 year strategic partnership with the UK Government, involving more than one billion pounds of investment.

The site has the capacity to produce up to 100 million mRNA vaccine doses each year, with potential to scale to 250 million in a pandemic scenario. It will support NHS vaccination programmes and allow rapid adaptation of vaccines for emerging viral threats.

In addition to respiratory illnesses, the centre will focus on research into cancer, rare diseases and immune disorders. It has also secured a manufacturing licence from the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, enabling commercial production.

The facility will house laboratories for processing clinical trial samples, employ scientists and technicians, and reinforce Oxfordshire’s role in the UK’s growing life sciences sector. Moderna has highlighted that vaccines fall outside the UK’s pricing framework, which has been the subject of industry debate, and the company emphasised its commitment to long term UK investment.