The University of Tokyo is building a facility to produce vaccines and run clinical trials in preparation for future pandemics.

Construction is underway on a campus in Kashiwa City, Chiba Prefecture, near Tokyo. The university aims to start operations in the next financial year.

The University of Tokyo Pandemic Preparedness, Infection, and Advanced Research Center will run the facility as part of an initiative to quickly develop vaccines for humans.

Pharmaceutical firms will also be allowed to use it.

Director Kawaoka Yoshihiro says Japan does not have enough facilities for small-scale trials.

Kawaoka also says he believes the new facility will enable the faster delivery of vaccines to clinical sites during future pandemics.