Government investment a spur for clinical trials

Medicines Australia chief executive Dr Brendan Shaw today welcomed the investment by the Commonwealth and Queensland Governments in Australia’s first contract manufacturing facility for biologic medicines.

Responding to the announcement by Federal Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr and Queensland Premier Anna Bligh, Dr Shaw said the new facility, to be operated by DSM Biologics, could have flow-on benefits for Australian biopharmaceutical companies.

“Medicines Australia welcomes any initiative that encourages biopharmaceutical investment to Australia,” Dr Shaw said.

“The benefit of having a facility in Australia which manufactures biological medicines for use in early phase clinical trials is that a lot of the R&D that currently has to be sent offshore can now be undertaken domestically.

“Biological medicines are an emerging weapon in the fight against disease and this kind of investment brings Australia into the game as a key player in this rapidly growing sector.

“Australia attracts nearly $1 billion a year in R&D investment but we face fierce competition from emerging markets overseas.

“Today’s announcement sends a signal to the R&D investment community that Australia is open for business.

“We need to keep as much clinical trial investment in Australia as we possibly can and today’s announcement is a significant step towards achieving that objective.”

–ENDS–

Contact Person:

Jamie Nicholson
Media Communications Manager
Phone: 0419 220 293
Email: Jamie.Nicholson@medicinesaustralia.com.au