Biotech firm Moderna has inaugurated its new international centre for analytical excellence in Madrid. The aim of this new infrastructure will be to develop the analytical tests required for certifying batches of messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines for subsequent distribution, both in Spain and in other markets outside the United States.

The commissioning of this facility makes Spain the site of Moderna's largest integrated production centre outside the United States. Spain is also the only country in the European Union where the company handles the complete mRNA vaccine manufacturing process. A total of 22 million euros has been invested in the launch of the centre.

New headquarters in Spain
The new investment by the US company is in addition to that made previously as part of the collaboration with the firm Rovi to manufacture mRNA vaccines in Spain. In this case, Moderna's headquarters in Spain has been set up in the same space as the new centre for analytical excellence.

The company's Senior Vice President and General Manager for Europe, the Middle East, Australia and Canada (EMEAC), Chantal Friebertshaeuser, explained, “The international centre for analytical excellence in Madrid is a key scientific investment, as we now have comprehensive manufacturing capability in Europe. This is crucial as we expand our manufacturing network to meet the demands of our exciting mRNA product portfolio. She went on to conclude, “Spain is a strategic location for Moderna, as evidenced by our partnership agreement, and investments in manufacturing”.

New jobs
Juan Carlos Gil, General Manager for Spain and Portugal, stressed that “Moderna's commitment to Spain is firm”, and he added,, “We reiterate that the country's potential is unquestionable, and for this reason we have chosen Madrid to build our facilities equipped with the latest technologies, something which will undoubtedly contribute to positioning Spain at the forefront of innovation and medicine worldwide. In addition, we plan to create around 80 jobs by 2023: 25 in the laboratory and 55 in our offices, which may be expanded in the coming years.”

The newly opened laboratory occupies a surface area of 1,625 square metres, divided into two areas that have been equipped with the latest technology: one for validating analytical methods and the other for quality control. It also has a room for presenting new technologies and digital tools and another for training. It is located in the modern OM Infinito building in Madrid's Simancas district.

^{Photo: Moderna}