The Southern Hemisphere’s only commercial-scale end-to-end mRNA manufacturing facility has opened in Victoria, backed by both the Australian and Victorian Governments. This landmark development will enable the production of world-class mRNA vaccines and medicines in Australia, strengthening Victoria’s leadership in mRNA technology, both globally and nationally.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan today joined federal Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler and Acting Minister for Economic Growth Danny Pearson to open Moderna’s cutting-edge facility at Monash University’s Clayton campus, which will turbocharge the growth of Australia’s sovereign mRNA manufacturing industry.
The opening of Moderna’s manufacturing facility makes Australia one of very few countries in the world, and the only country in the Southern Hemisphere, with pandemic scale end-to-end mRNA manufacturing capability.
The facility will have the capacity to produce up to 100 million vaccine doses each year for respiratory diseases including influenza, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), and COVID-19, subject to regulatory approvals.
Moderna’s Australia operations will support up to 500 across advanced medical manufacturing, R&D, supply chains and the broader workforce, with over 140 people currently employed by Moderna in Australia. Subject to regulatory approval, Moderna’s facility is expected to produce its first mRNA vaccines in 2025.
The facility is a key component of Moderna’s strategic investment into Australia, complemented by the opening of its Regional Research Centre for Respiratory Medicines and Tropical Disease and Moderna’s Headquarters for Australia, New Zealand, South-East Asia and Oceania in Victoria in 2023.
With Moderna and also BioNTech establishing major hubs in the state, Victoria is the only place in the world where both mRNA leaders operate research and development (R&D) and manufacturing facilities.
The facility is the result of a 10-year partnership between the Australian Government, Victorian Government and Moderna to advance Australia's sovereign manufacturing and R&D capability in mRNA medicines and therapeutics.
Today’s opening is a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration and dedication. I’m incredibly proud that Moderna has been able to deliver this landmark facility to produce vaccines in Australia for Australians, a significant investment into the country’s biosecurity by our company. We are grateful to the Australian and Victorian governments who have been pivotal in bringing this to fruition, said Michael Azrak, General Manager for Australia & New Zealand, Moderna
The Victorian Government’s record investment of more than $1 billion in medical research has cemented the state as an international hub for medical research and innovation, with a workforce of over 30,000 driving incredible breakthroughs in treatment and patient care.
By 2035, Clayton’s booming medical research precinct will for the first time be connected by rail to Melbourne’s world-leading Biomedical Precinct in Parkville.
Parkville Station will open as part of the Metro Tunnel Project next year while Monash Station will open as part of the Suburban Rail Loop in 2035.
Learn about the opportunities in Victoria’s research and development sector.
To learn more about mRNA Victoria’s ecosystem building initiatives, visit their website: mRNA Victoria | Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions
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