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The UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has approved Moderna’s plans to manufacture commercial mRNA vaccines at its existing facility in Harwell in Oxfordshire.

The decision marks a milestone in Moderna’s mission to develop a reliable supply of mRNA vaccines for future pandemic-preparedness.

Darius Hughes, Moderna’s UK general manager, said: “This significant achievement marks a major step forward in our mission to establish end-to-end mRNA manufacturing capabilities in the UK, and we are proud to have reached it in less than two years since breaking ground on the site. This important step brings the company closer to ensuring a reliable, onshore supply of mRNA vaccines within the UK.”

Hughes added: “Through our investment in the UK, we are playing a vital role in strengthening national and global health security. We have established a state-of-the-art mRNA vaccine manufacturing facility, creating highly skilled jobs and investing in a robust domestic supply chain to support long-term resilience.”

The MHRA granted a a manufacturer and importer's license to the Modern Innovation and Technology Centre (MITC) and operations at the facility have now been permitted following a successful inspection that confirmed its compliance with the principles and guidelines of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP).

The establishment forms part of a ten-year strategic partnership between Moderna and the UK government, overseen by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) aiming to bolster pandemic preparedness. Together, they seek to produce at least 250 million doses during a pandemic for the NHS and UK public.

The Oxfordshire site forms one of many, with additional sites in Canada and Australia, strategically located to ensure a quick and efficient rollout of vaccinations where needed.