Victoria will become the home of mRNA vaccine technology in Australia under a landmark deal agreed between US pharma giant Moderna and the state and federal governments.
After intense competition from jurisdictions including South Australia and NSW, Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Victoria’s acting Premier James Merlino will announce an in-principle agreement to produce respiratory mRNA vaccines for future pandemics and seasonal viruses.
The on-shore facility will have capacity to produce 100 million messenger RNA vaccine doses per year from 2024, and is expected to boost priority access to other drugs, medical research and development, clinical trials and global supply chain access.
Mr Morrison said domestic mRNA capacity would better prepare Australia for emerging health concerns, including future pandemics.
Once operational, Moderna will help meet Australia’s ongoing needs for COVID-19 vaccines, and for other respiratory mRNA vaccines as they are developed and approved by Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration.
“This investment will continue to secure Australia’s future economic prosperity while protecting lives by providing access to world-leading mRNA vaccines made on Australian soil,” Mr Morrison said.
“The new mRNA manufacturing facility in Victoria will produce respiratory vaccines for potential future pandemics and seasonal health issues such as the common flu, protecting lives and livelihoods.”
Mr Merlino said the agreement was a significant step forward.
“This is a huge announcement not just for Victoria, but the whole country. Being able to manufacture mRNA vaccines and treatments locally will lock in vaccine security both on our shores and across our region.”
Federal government talks about closing Australia’s mRNA capability gap included representatives of CSL, Pfizer and other drug giants, with consulting firm McKinsey & Co leading a government business case process.
Messenger RNA vaccines work by prompting cells to make proteins that induce an immune response, causing the body to produce antibodies.
Moderna’s general manager for Australia and New Zealand, Michael Azrak, said the company wanted to stay at the forefront of mRNA development.
“We look forward to finalising agreements and starting work to develop onshore respiratory mRNA vaccine manufacturing capability here in Australia.”
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