Moderna’s new Innovation and Technology Centre (MITC) in Oxfordshire has officially opened, which will produce millions of vaccines for seasonal viruses such as COVID-19, flu and RSV.

The site will also play a key role in pandemic preparedness, with the capacity to manufacture up to 250 million doses a year in the event of a global health emergency.

The centre is expected to support around 150 highly skilled jobs and accelerate innovation in RNA-based medicines, including potential cancer therapies.

Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, said: "Life sciences are a great British success story and this new cutting-edge facility is the next pivotal moment in boosting our nation’s health, innovation and economy.

"The government is investing billions into this vital sector and partnering the might of Moderna with the brilliance of our NHS will enable us to benefit from innovative vaccine technology as we shift healthcare from treatment to prevention."

The Innovation and Technology Centre marks a significant milestone in Moderna’s 10-year strategic partnership with the UK government, which includes over £1 billion of investment in UK research and development.