A research center at Porton Down, Wiltshire is to allow the creation of vaccinations against potential pandemic infections.
A completely novel vaccine research facility in the UK has been opened by ministers, where scientists will work to create vaccines for “disease X,” the next pandemic virus that is likely to spread.
Located at the UK Health and Security Agency’s (UKHSA) Porton Down site in Wiltshire, the highly sophisticated Vaccine Development & Evaluation Centre is cutting edge.
Live viruses will be maintained on-site in specialized containment facilities so that researchers can evaluate infections for which there is no vaccine yet or for which immunization could be improved, such the flu or mpox.
Prof. Dame Jenny Harries said, “What we’re attempting to do now is keep that really excellent study from Covid and ensure that we utilize that as we go forward for any forthcoming pandemic threats.”
Here, she added, “we attempt to keep an eye on those that we do know. As an instance, we are still testing the updated forms of Covid with the available immunizations to ensure their continued efficacy.
However, we are also considering how soon we can create a brand-new test that might be applied if a completely new pathogen appeared elsewhere.
The facility’s establishment has been announced following testimony during the Covid inquiry that past administrations’ pandemic preparations were inadequate because they placed too much emphasis on the potential for a global epidemic of influenza rather than other viral infections. Former Prime Minister David Cameron had admitted that the move was a “mistake”.
Prof. Isabel Oliver, director of the UKHSA’s scientific section, said, “We know that through scientific advancements, we are able to recognize and manage such outbreaks earlier they have the same impact on our daily lives as Covid-19 did.”
“It’s not easy, but we know we could do so much more if we increase surveillance and speed up the research and development of diagnostics, vaccines, and medicines.
“We must be ready for all threats, even those that are still being identified.” The G7 set the 100 Days Mission as a global objective in 2021 with the intention of delivering a vaccine for any new pandemic danger after a hundred days of identification. The government stated the center also highlighted the UK’s commitment to the mission.
“This new center cements the UK’s global leadership championing preparedness for pandemics, vaccine development, and scientific discovery,” said the health secretary, Steve Barclay.
This cutting-edge facility will also assist us in keeping our promise to produce new vaccinations within 100 days of the discovery of a new hazard.