Moderna Launches Cutting-Edge Innovation Centre in UK

The Moderna Innovation and Technology Centre (MITC) has officially opened its doors in the UK, marking a significant step in the country’s efforts to enhance pandemic preparedness. Completed earlier in 2023, this state-of-the-art facility aims to provide direct access to Moderna’s infectious disease vaccines and advance the technologies behind them.

This initiative aligns with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and its ambitious 100 Days Mission, which seeks to drastically reduce the time needed for vaccine development in response to emerging health threats. The establishment of MITC supports the UK government’s goals by enabling local production of vaccine doses, thereby allowing for rapid response to potential outbreaks.

Strategic Location and Advanced Capabilities

Situated at the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus in Oxfordshire, the MITC benefits from a unique ecosystem of research institutions and organizations dedicated to vaccine and nucleic acid technology development. This high-tech manufacturing facility expands Moderna’s global footprint, complementing its existing sites in Norwood, USA, Australia, and Canada. Collectively, these locations form a network designed to enhance global pandemic readiness while ensuring efficient distribution of vaccines and therapeutics.

The MITC comprises two primary facilities: a drug substance manufacturing site and a clinical research and development (R&D) hub. The manufacturing facility is poised to produce mRNA vaccines for infectious diseases, directly supporting NHS vaccination programs and protecting vulnerable populations. It is designed as a multi-product facility, capable of adapting to the manufacturing needs of various products based on emerging health threats.

Research and Development Hub

The clinical R&D facility positions Moderna as a leader in the UK biopharmaceutical landscape. Equipped with cutting-edge laboratories for clinical biomarker, bioanalytical, and molecular assays, it plays a critical role in analyzing samples from global clinical trials. These samples, including blood, urine, and saliva, are meticulously transported under strict conditions to maintain their integrity for analysis.

In addition to its research capabilities, the MITC will function as a training center, offering opportunities for apprentices, undergraduate students, PhD candidates, and Moderna fellows. This initiative aims to foster innovative research in vaccine development, global health, and mRNA science, while also addressing other health concerns such as cancer.

The facility also hosts advanced technologies, including Moderna’s Biobank, which features the UK’s first Hamilton BiOS system. This fully automated storage system can hold up to 1.5 million clinical samples at temperatures of -80°C, ensuring precise tracking and retrieval. Furthermore, an automated cryogenic storage system from Azenta Life Sciences provides additional capacity for long-term preservation of sensitive materials.

Through its focus on both rapid-response vaccine production and comprehensive data analysis, the MITC not only addresses current health challenges but also prepares for future pandemic threats. The establishment of this center positions the UK at the forefront of mRNA science and underlines the importance of cultivating the next generation of scientific talent.

This article is derived from the New Statesman report, The UK’s mRNA opportunity: Growth, resilience, leadership, funded by Moderna, with preparation completed in October 2025.