Wales plays an integral part in the UK’s first COVID-19 vaccine which targets two variants

Last week saw the approval of a brand new COVID-19 vaccine which targets two coronavirus variants (known as a “bivalent” vaccine).

The global study, spearheaded by biotechnology company Moderna, was delivered in Wales by Public Health Wales, Health and Care Research Wales and Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board. 

The study, which had multiple sites across the UK, was conducted at the Clinical Research Centre, based at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital, Llantrisant and recruited approximately 50 participants from across South and West Wales.

Approval for the vaccine was granted after data from the study showed that a booster dose with the bivalent Moderna vaccine triggers a strong immune response against both Omicron (BA.1) and the original 2020 strain.

Dr Lucy Jones, Principal Investigator for the trial in Wales said: 

We're so proud to have implemented this study here in Wales, it's great to see the Welsh contribution being recognised on a global stage.

As we move into the winter we hope this vaccine, like many others, will go on to protect not only people in Wales but across the world from coronavirus.”

Professor John Geen, Assistant Director for Research and Development at Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board said:

I’m so proud of the Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board Research and Development team. The team have worked so hard to deliver this study, facilitated by the recent development of our Clinical Research Centre.

The approval of the vaccine is so rewarding for the all the team, knowing they and our population are at the heart of such high-quality, cutting-edge research.”

Jayne Goodwin, National Head of Research Delivery at Health and Care Research Wales, said:

As usual the winter brings a lot of pressures to the NHS and investing in research and preparing now will help protect as many people as possible. 

Thousands of people across Wales have dedicated their time to take part in clinical trials of COVID-19 vaccines and we’re so grateful to every single person. Without the support and willingness of the people of Wales we could not have achieved so much.

This is another fantastic achievement for us and in particular the research and delivery team in Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board.”