UK Scientists at Secret Vaccine Lab Prepare for 'Disease X' and Future Pandemics
UK scientists at the Porton Down laboratory complex are developing vaccines as a precautionary measure against a potential new pandemic caused by an unknown "Disease X". The team of over 200 scientists is focusing on animal viruses capable of infecting humans and spreading rapidly worldwide. The Vaccine Development and Evaluation Centre at Porton Down has expanded its work to include monitoring high-risk pathogens such as bird flu, monkeypox, and hantavirus. Climate change and population shifts are increasing the risk of future pandemics, but the scientists aim to use their research to prevent human impact. The UK Health Security Agency is part of a global effort to develop a vaccine within 100 days of identifying a new pathogen with pandemic potential.