100 million Covid-19 vaccines could be made in Scotland
The UK government has agreed to partner with a vaccine producer that operates a facility in West Lothian.
If the deal goes ahead, 100 million doses of a potential Covid-19 vaccine could be produced at the Valneva plant in Livingston.
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Hide AdThe move is part of the government’s Covid-19 vaccine response programme, which is designed to secure early UK access to promising drugs.
The deal could also bring a number of jobs to the town, as the government helps fund clinical trials, and negotiate payments to expand Valneva’s plant there.
Thomas Lingelbach, CEO of the France-based Valneva, said: “We are delighted to have been selected to participate in this important programme with the UK Government.
“This recognises the strong track record and capabilities that we have built in the last 15 years both in the UK and beyond.
“Our Livingston facility has been FDA approved for over a decade and we have a strong team both there and in Solna (Sweden).
UK Government business secretary Alok Sharma said: “The hunt to find a vaccine is a truly global endeavour and we are doing everything we can to ensure the British public get access to a safe and effective coronavirus vaccine as soon as possible.
“This new partnership with some of the world’s foremost pharmaceutical and vaccine companies will ensure the UK has the best chance possible of securing a vaccine that protects those most at risk.
“The public can also play their part in vaccine research through the new NHS vaccine research register. By signing up and participating in important clinical studies, together we can speed up the search for a vaccine and end the pandemic sooner.”
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