Immunology & infectious disease

London’s world leading research centres are driving a step-change in approaches to infectious diseases and immunology, from HIV and RSV to cancers.

London hosts

more specialist infectious disease sites

than any other city globally

The MHRA, based in London, was

the world's first regulator

to approve a COVID-19 vaccine

>180

infectious disease trial sites in London, 156 of which host viral infection trials and 131 of which host coronaviridae infection.

Home to the Hospital for Tropical Diseases at UCLH, the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and the Infectious Diseases Biobank at King’s College London

Top VC funders

Key research centres

Success stories:

GSK RSV

GSK (GlaxoSmithKline) has collaborated extensively with various London-based institutions to develop the world’s first RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) vaccine for older adults, Arexvy, approved by the US FDA in May 2023.

These collaborations have included working with the LSHTM on epidemiological studies and clinical trials, partnering with researchers from Imperial College to understand RSV pathogenesis and immune response, and delivering the phase III AReSVi-006 trial, which demonstrated an overall efficacy of 82.6% for Arexvy, across multiple clinical sites in London.

This vaccine represents a significant advancement in protecting vulnerable populations, particularly those aged 60 and above, from serious respiratory diseases caused by RSV, and GSK continues to work with London institutions to optimise vaccine use and extend its benefits, including addressing emerging RSV strains.