The UK government has announced a £29.6 million investment in a new RNA biofoundry in Darlington, a move aimed at accelerating the development of cutting-edge treatments for cancer, dementia, cardiovascular disease, and infectious illnesses.
Funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), the UK RNA Biofoundry will serve as a specialist hub for producing clinical-grade RNA materials. The state-of-the-art facility is designed to help scientists and biotech firms manufacture RNA therapies more efficiently, speeding up the process of moving promising discoveries from the laboratory to clinical trials and, ultimately, to NHS patients.
RNA-based therapies, including the mRNA technology used in Covid-19 vaccines, are increasingly recognised as a transformative force in modern medicine. Unlike conventional drugs, they can be tailored quickly to address different conditions and provide more precise targeting of cells. NHS clinical trials are already exploring their potential in oncology and personalised immunotherapies.
However, producing RNA materials remains technically complex and costly, often delaying or derailing promising research. The Darlington facility aims to address these challenges by acting as a “high-tech workshop” where therapies can be manufactured at speed and scale, while also offering the flexibility to switch to vaccine production in the event of future pandemics.
Science Minister Lord Vallance described the project as a “huge step forward” in implementing the government’s Life Sciences Sector Plan. “RNA therapies are a new frontier in healthcare,” he said. “This new biofoundry will accelerate their journey from labs to markets, giving innovators the best chance to transform great ideas into lifesaving treatments.”
Health Minister Stephen Kinnock echoed the sentiment, saying RNA technology offered “extraordinary promise” for patients with some of the most devastating conditions. He linked the investment to the government’s broader “Plan for Change,” which seeks to modernise the NHS and expand access to advanced therapies.
The biofoundry will be housed within CPI’s RNA Centre of Excellence, part of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult network. CPI Chief Executive Frank Millar said the project would help establish the North East of England as “a powerhouse for innovation in manufacturing technologies” and strengthen the UK’s resilience in health innovation.
Industry leaders also welcomed the move. Jane Wall, managing director of the UK BioIndustry Association, called RNA therapies “a major driver of UK economic growth,” stressing that infrastructure and partnerships are essential for helping smaller biotech firms bring new medicines to market.
The initiative builds on recent strategic investments in RNA, including collaborations with Moderna and BioNTech to establish advanced facilities and develop personalised cancer therapies for NHS patients. It also reflects government reforms to streamline clinical trials and regulatory approvals through measures such as the NHS “Innovator Passport.”
Officials said the Darlington biofoundry will not only accelerate patient access to novel treatments but also attract international investment, enhance domestic manufacturing capacity, and solidify Britain’s standing as a global leader in life sciences.
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