A fifth Covid-19 vaccine has been authorised by the UK’s independent medicines regulator following clinical trials hosted by a local NHS trust in partnership with Keele University researchers.

Nuvaxovid, the Covid-19 vaccine developed by Novavax, has been given regulatory approval by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), following rigorous clinical trials set up to test the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine.

Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (MPFT) was selected by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) to host the regional vaccine trials for the West Midlands and worked in partnership with Keele University, the NIHR, Clinical Research Network West Midlands, Primary Care and other MPFT services to deliver the study and recruited 540 volunteers to take part in the trials at Cheadle Hospital in North Staffordshire.

Professor Christian Mallen, Head of Keele University’s School of Medicine, Director for the NIHR School for Primary Care Research and NIHR Research Professor in General Practice said: “MPFT did an amazing job to lead this research locally with support from Keele academics, who participated as clinicians in recruiting clinics, and the Clinical Trials Unit who supported operations.”

Chief Executive of MPFT, Neil Carr said: “We are delighted that Nuvaxovid has been given approval for use in the UK and we are proud of the role that MPFT’s Research and Innovation team have played in managing the clinical trials.

“Partnership working is a key value for us at MPFT and this trial is a prime example of what can be achieved through effective partnerships and collaboration. We thank our partners for their hard work and support on the trial, and of course, I must also thank the 540 local volunteers without whom, none of it would have been possible.”

Ruth Lambley-Burke, Head of Research and Innovation at MPFT said: “Clinical research continues to be extremely important in the fight against Covid-19 and we are pleased that we at MPFT were able to play a role in the Novavax clinical study in the West Midlands. The study provided a great opportunity for us and our partners to share our skills and expertise.

“We echo Neil’s words of thanks to the volunteers that came forward to be part of the trial, who came to Cheadle Hospital in the height of the pandemic! It’s fantastic to see that their input and time has made a real difference.”

The medical lead for the trials on site at Cheadle Hospital, Dr Jon Packham added: “I am immensely proud that volunteers from the local community, Keele University, the research network and the whole research team from MPFT have pulled together to contribute to the huge success of this UK Covid-19 vaccine study.

“The Novavax vaccine is now the fifth licensed Covid-19 vaccine in the UK and is already being used across the world to help fight against Covid-19. It’s so great that hard work and collaboration across Staffordshire and Shropshire has resulted in such a life-saving development.”