mRNA manufacturing facility will deliver long term health benefits for Australians

14 December 2021: Medicines Australia welcomes the announcement that Australia will manufacture mRNA vaccines in a deal struck with Moderna today.

The manufacturing facility is expected to open in Victoria in 2024 pending regulatory and planning approvals. Once operational, the facility will have the capacity to produce 100 million mRNA COVID-19 vaccines each year and contribute to future pandemic preparedness.

“This is a major milestone for all Australians as we continue to fight COVID-19. It is also an enormous health opportunity for our country and will mean Australia can develop new, innovative vaccines and potentially new therapeutics that can meet the future needs of Australian patients,” said Liz de Somer, CEO of Medicines Australia.

Liz de Somer spoke about Australia’s extraordinary R&D capabilities and the flow-on effects the manufacturing facility will have in creating job opportunities, increasing R&D capabilities and timely access to medicines, therapeutics and vaccines for Australians.

“Domestic manufacturing can translate innovative research into real, long-term health and economic outcomes for Australians. The mRNA manufacturing facility will add to our high-quality medical research infrastructure and grow our skilled workforce of scientists and healthcare professionals,” she said.

Ahead of the announcement, Medicines Australia called for a national approach for mRNA manufacturing at the Senate inquiry into Australia’s manufacturing industry.

Medicines Australia is pleased to see the Federal Government working together with the States and Territories on such an important initiative which will benefit all Australians. The innovative biopharmaceutical industry looks forward to building on this in the coming years to increase Australia’s advanced manufacturing capabilities and boost the competitiveness of our life sciences ecosystem.

“In order to continue to grow our sovereign biopharmaceutical capacity and capability and to compete globally, we must improve the coordination, consistency and collaboration across Australia to drive greater social, health and economic benefits to ensure no Australian patient is left behind,” concluded Ms de Somer.

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For media enquiries and interview opportunities, please contact:
Chrystianna Moran – 0424 995 118 / chrystianna.moran@medicinesaustralia.com.au