Updated Monday, March 25, 2024-13:55

MadridLab, the International Center of Analytical Excellence of Moderna, the pioneering biotechnology company in messenger RNA (mRNA) therapies and vaccines, has just celebrated its first year with a very positive balance. "

MadridLab is being a key scientific commitment for Moderna

, since, since the launch of these facilities, the company is strengthening its international operational capabilities and relationships with regulatory entities throughout the European Union. This is crucial as we expand our manufacturing network to meet the demands of our portfolio of products based on messenger RNA," explains

Juan Carlos Gil

, general director of Moderna for Spain and Portugal.

With an investment of 22 million euros, MadridLab is Moderna's main Center of Analytical Excellence outside the US

He adds that Moderna has the capacity to continue supplying Covid vaccines from Spain to different countries in the European Union and that the company is participating in a European-level procedure for the bidding of mRNA vaccines with the aim of ensuring access to member states. to a diversified portfolio of mRNA-based Covid-19 vaccines.

"In Spain, Moderna remains committed to its mission of

guaranteeing that citizens have access to an adequate supply in the face of emerging variants of the coronavirus

. Precisely for this reason, we are working with the administrations to renew our agreement and be part of the companies that provide our country with vaccines against Covid, as in the pandemic," says the general director of Moderna for Spain and Portugal.

And Covid-19 has not disappeared. In fact, World

Long Covid

Day or

persistent Covid

has just been commemorated

, which has concluded that vaccines are effective in preventing this condition. "After a review of the available evidence, researchers behind a recent study by the

United Kingdom Health Security Agency

have concluded that

people who have received one or more doses of the Covid-19 vaccine are less likely to develop this persistent Covid condition

. Therefore, health professionals are insisting on the importance of vaccination to prevent the spread of the virus, especially in risk groups in which these diseases can have severe consequences on people's health," says the expert.

Bet on talent

Since its launch a year ago, MadridLab has

created around 80 jobs

: 25 in the laboratory and 55 in the offices, which may be expanded in the coming years. Furthermore, Gil explains that Moderna's commitment to Madrid has contributed to positioning Spain at the forefront of innovation and global medicine by having become the only country in the EU that covers the complete production and manufacturing process of products based on in mRNA. "Moderna's commitment to Spain is firm. MadridLab reaffirms that the country's potential is unquestionable and, therefore, the work to provide this center with qualified personnel and the latest technologies does not stop. We are helping to position Spain in the vanguard of innovation and world medicine, not only because of the scientific investment that is being made with and from this laboratory, but also because of the

mission of the Spanish affiliate to attract and retain the talent

of our professionals and offer them the possibility of developing their careers and achievements in a pioneering company in mRNA therapies," emphasizes Gil.

Employee training

is

another pillar of MadridLab. Thus, the

Lighthouse

entertainment room

is a clear example of Moderna's commitment to

training employees in the latest techniques, methodologies and digital tools.

The laboratory also has a training room where onboarding and continuing education programs are provided for employees. "In the

Lighthouse

training room,

scientists have the opportunity to constantly update themselves on the most recent advances in their field, allowing them to stay at the forefront of research and development of new therapies. The

Lighthouse room

is a space dedicated to the introduction of new technologies and digital tools that have the potential to transform the way biomedical research is conducted."

Medical innovation and safety

The new Moderna center - which will allow the pertinent analytical tests to be carried out to certify batches of mRNA vaccines for distribution in Spain and in markets outside the US - has two areas equipped with the most advanced technologies: the AS&T unit (

Analytical Science and Technology

) and Quality Control (QC). With LEAN design, advanced technology and focused on operational excellence and continuous improvement, both areas are key pillars in Moderna's mission to transform the lives of patients with mRNA.

Thus, the

analytical methods validation area is equipped with cutting-edge and standardized technology

, and is where the testing of research samples is carried out, technical support for the resolution of analytical problems and support for the training of laboratory personnel.

The QC unit, for its part, focuses on carrying out analyzes of mRNA products to

ensure that they have the appropriate quality before being distributed to the market

. Through a complete analytical panel and support services at various stages of the process, the work of this unit is essential in batch certification and compliance with regulatory standards. Additionally, it offers contracting services for external laboratories in the European Union, thus supporting Moderna's global expansion and its commitment to technical excellence and patient safety.

Microbiology and bioassays

MadridLab not only stands out for its focus on the development and analysis of mRNA vaccines, but also for its dedication to microbiology and bioassays, fundamental areas to guarantee the safety and effectiveness of pharmaceutical products.

"Within these specialized facilities a series of extensive tests are carried out

to detect the presence of microorganisms and evaluate the biological response of the products developed

. This includes sterility, endotoxin and bioburden tests, which are essential to ensure that the products are free of microbial contaminants and meet the quality standards required by regulatory authorities," says Gil.

Spain is the only country in the EU that covers the complete production and manufacturing process of products based on mRNA

In addition to microbiological tests, the general director of Moderna for Spain and Portugal explains that MadridLab also performs a variety of biological assays to

evaluate the biological response of pharmaceutical products

. "Among these tests are DNA and RNA sequencing, crucial to understanding how Moderna products interact with human genetic material and to ensure their safety and effectiveness."

The pillars of MadridLab

MadridLab is Moderna's first Center of Analytical Excellence in Spain, it is located in the sustainable OM Infinito building of the Madbit business complex and has an area that covers 1,653 square meters. "The new laboratory allows us to carry out the relevant analytical tests to certify batches of messenger RNA vaccines for distribution in Spain and in markets outside the United States," he says.

Gil recalls that Spain is currently the only country in the European Union in which Moderna covers the complete production and manufacturing process of messenger RNA vaccines. "In addition to the long-term collaboration with Rovi to manufacture mRNA vaccines,

Moderna has invested €22 million

to launch this International Center of Analytical Excellence

."

People, cutting-edge technology and cutting-edge laboratory equipment are the pillars of MadridLab. "At Moderna we rely on the talent and creativity of our employees to promote scientific and medical innovation. People are the heart of our company, and their commitment and skills are essential to achieve excellence and success. On the other hand, we work with cutting-edge technology and state-of-the-art laboratory equipment to ensure excellence in analytical testing and the safety of our messenger RNA vaccines. People and technology will help us continue to achieve our main goal:

fulfilling the promise of mRNA medicine and creating a new generation of medicines to improve people's lives and health

," concludes Gil.

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