Livingston in West Lothian will be at the core of the UK’s drive to develop a vaccine to combat Covid-19.
French biotech company Valneva, which specialises in vaccine development, has reached agreement in principle with the UK government to provide up to 100 million doses of its SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidate, to be manufactured in its Livingston plant.
The UK government is expected to contribute to clinical studies costs and is negotiating funding to expand Valneva’s Scottish facility.
Thomas Lingelbach, CEO of Valneva, said, “We are delighted to have been selected to participate in this important program with the UK government.
“This recognizes the strong track record and capabilities that we have built in the last fifteen years both in the UK and beyond.
“Our Livingston facility has been FDA approved for over a decade . We also envisage manufacturing vaccines to support the need for prevention of Covid-19 beyond the UK.”
Executive councillor for development and transport Cathy Muldoon, welcomed the news.
She said: “This is fantastic news. West Lothian Council along with Scottish Enterprise have been working closely with Valneva over the past three years on their potential expansion in Livingston.
“This represents an important investment in the sector and will increase confidence that such significant work can be conducted here in West Lothian.
“The fact that a valued local employer is at the heart of the development of a vaccine for Covid-19 is just as pleasing and will hopefully play a positive role in helping to further enhance our local economy.”
