Moderna, Inc. (NASDAQ:MRNA) has solidified its position as the United Kingdom's leading clinical trial sponsor, marking significant progress in its strategic partnership with the UK government. The announcement came during a milestone event at the Harwell Campus in Oxfordshire, where construction of the company's new state-of-the-art facility nears completion.
Unprecedented Clinical Trial Growth
In a remarkable demonstration of research commitment, Moderna has initiated 23 clinical trials across 110 sites throughout England, Scotland, and Wales since 2021. The company now accounts for one in five participants in industry-sponsored clinical research during 2023/24, up from one in seven in the previous year.
The trial portfolio showcases diverse therapeutic areas, with eight new trials launched in 2024 alone. These include four oncology studies and four infectious disease trials targeting mpox, seasonal flu, and norovirus. Notably, Phase 3 trials for influenza and norovirus have already enrolled over 5,000 participants across 70 UK sites.
Innovation Center Milestone
The Moderna Innovation and Technology Centre (MITC) represents a cornerstone of the company's UK investment. The facility will initially focus on COVID-19 vaccine production for the NHS vaccination programme, with pandemic response capabilities of manufacturing up to 250 million vaccine doses annually.
Beyond manufacturing, the MITC features advanced laboratories designed for pre-clinical and clinical-stage assays, including biomarker, bioanalytical, and molecular testing facilities to support ongoing clinical trials.
Strategic Research Partnerships
Dr. Stephen Hoge, President of Moderna, emphasized the company's commitment: "By investing heavily across clinical trials and research, we aim to drive breakthroughs that could improve patient outcomes, support the UK healthcare ecosystem and ultimately shape the future of medicine."
The company has established four mRNA Access Partnerships with prestigious institutions including the University of Oxford, Imperial College London, University of Surrey, and Aberystwyth University. These collaborations focus on developing vaccines for emerging and neglected infectious diseases.
Innovative Trial Recruitment Approaches
Moderna has pioneered novel recruitment strategies to enhance trial accessibility and diversity. Partnerships with Boots pharmacies and primary care providers have embedded research within local communities. The company has also deployed mobile research vehicles to reach participants in Blackpool and Cornwall.
Professor Dame Jenny Harries, Chief Executive of the UKHSA, highlighted the partnership's significance: "The completion of construction of this impressive facility marks a real milestone and doing so in less than two years is a remarkable achievement. Once regulated, it will help ensure the NHS has rapid access to mRNA vaccines if needed in a future pandemic as well as open doors to new vaccine products."
Future Impact and Operations
The facility is expected to become fully operational later this year, marking a significant step in strengthening the UK's position in life sciences innovation. Darius Hughes, General Manager of Moderna UK, noted that the facility will soon deliver British-made COVID-19 vaccines, ensuring robust supply for the UK public while advancing the company's broader mission to transform healthcare through mRNA technology.
