The Moderna Innovation and Technology Centre (MITC) has officially opened at the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus in Oxfordshire, becoming the UK’s first facility to manufacture an onshore supply of mRNA vaccines. 

The new facility will produce British-made mRNA respiratory vaccines for the UK public to support the National Health Service (NHS) seasonal vaccination programmes.

Beyond respiratory diseases, the MITC will drive research into the potential of mRNA science in areas such as cancer, rare diseases and immune disorders.

"The opening of the Moderna Innovation and Technology Centre marks the first facility in the UK to manufacture an onshore supply of mRNA vaccines," said Stéphane Bancel, Chief Executive Officer of Moderna.

"Our strategic partnership with the UK has already delivered more than 20 clinical trials across 110 sites nationwide, making Moderna the largest commercial sponsor of trials in the country. Together, we successfully delivered this vision from concept to operational readiness in under two years. This latest milestone underscores the UK's commitment to improving health security, both against global health emergencies and ongoing seasonal respiratory threats,” he added.

The site can produce up to 100 million mRNA vaccine doses per year, with the capacity to increase to 250 million in the event of a pandemic. The Clinical R&D facility at the MITC also includes laboratories that will analyse samples from Moderna's clinical trials globally.

The MITC is part of Moderna’s global network of advanced manufacturing hubs, alongside facilities in Australia and Canada, that collectively strengthen pandemic readiness by maximising geographic coverage and response times.