The Fujifilm Diosynth facility in Billingham, Stockton-on-Tees. Photograph: Danny Lawson/PA
Fri 29 Jan 2021 07.39 EST
Last modified on Fri 29 Jan 2021 10.52 EST
The legend “made on Teesside” has a long and proud history, with everything from the Sydney Harbour Bridge to the Quorn in vegan sausage rolls manufactured in this industrial part of north-east England.
Now, people in Billingham, Stockton-on-Tees, say they are “buzzing” to learn the town will play a key role in the fight against Covid-19 after the government announced 60m doses of the Novavax vaccine would be made there later this year.
The vaccine, which will be manufactured at sites around the world including by Fujifilm Diosynth in the UK, passed its third and final stage of clinical trials this week. Results showed the vaccine offers 89% protection against Covid-19, and it should soon be given the green light from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).