Will the Minister outline how the pharmaceutical industry is supporting pandemic preparedness and resilience in Wales?
The Welsh Government is working with the UK Government on its 100 Days Mission to Respond to Future Pandemic Threats. The mission aims to reduce the impact of future pandemics by making diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines available within 100 days.
A 10-year partnership between the UK Government and Moderna was announced in December 2022. The Moderna Innovation and Technology Centre (MITC) will deliver an innovative new vaccine research and manufacturing centre in Harwell, Oxfordshire. This new facility enables the rapid development of vaccines and secure the supply of Covid-19 vaccines for the four UK nations and potential vaccines developed for other respiratory infections. We are engaging with Moderna under the partnership arrangements in place to support our preparedness.
Regular relationships continue between officials and other pharmaceutical manufacturers to understand product development, horizon scanning and supply availability.