COVID-19: Britons get access to vaccines and treatments for the first time as new super science center opens | UK News

Britons will have access to all the latest vaccines and treatments when a new research and manufacturing center opens in the UK.

American pharmaceutical giant Moderna is opening a new mRNA Technology and Innovation Center, which will develop vaccines for a variety of respiratory diseases, including COVID Vaccines can protect against many variants.

Construction is expected to begin as early as this year, with the first mRNA vaccine to be produced in the UK by 2025.

Full details of the joint venture, including its location, are not yet available and are described as “commercially sensitive”.

But government officials say the deal will give NHS patients access to “advanced” vaccines while being able to sign up for clinical trials of a vaccine developed by the company. .

Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccines use messenger RNA (mRNA) – these vaccines teach the body’s cells how to make a protein that will trigger an immune response.

The technology is expected to continue to be used to treat a range of other ailments including cancer, dementia, the flu and heart disease.

Ministers said the new strategic partnership with the company would make it “future proof” for the UK against future health threats.

Explainer: Everything you need to know about the Moderna vaccine

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “We are bringing home-made supercharged vaccines right to our shores.

“I want the UK to be the brightest and best in research and technology, creating more jobs and securing our economic future.

“Our investment will ensure resistance to some of the toughest viruses available, putting us at the forefront of the fight against future threats.

“We’ve all seen what vaccines can do, and today’s partnership brings us one step closer to finding cures for some of the most devastating diseases.”

Next generation

Health Secretary Sajid Javid said the partnership with Moderna would “strengthen the UK’s position as a scientific superpower” and boost the economy by creating jobs.

He said it could also help “unlock the next generation of advanced vaccines”.

“MRNA is a truly transformative technology and we have seen its life-saving potential in times of pandemic,” he said.

Moderna’s chief executive, Stephane Bancel, said the company was “delighted” to partner with the UK.

And the government’s chief scientific adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance, said the announcement was “great news for UK R&D and future possibilities”.

He added: “Rapidly advanced vaccines are crucial in the response to the COVID pandemic.

“Developing the next generation of mRNA vaccines will be critical in enhancing our ability to prevent and respond to a wide range of respiratory diseases in the future.”