Onshore manufacturing of life-saving mRNA vaccines took a major step forward today, with the Australian Government, Moderna and the Victorian Government finalising all arrangements for the 10-year partnership.
Under the agreements, an mRNA vaccine manufacturing facility will be built at Monash University, helping protect Australians against future pandemics, supporting local industry and creating highly skilled local jobs.
Moderna will also establish its headquarters and a Regional Research Centre in Victoria.
Once operational, the facility will be able to produce up to 100 million vaccine doses every year.
Once this critical onshore mRNA capability is established, Australia will reduce its dependence on imported mRNA vaccines and our vulnerability to supply disruptions or delays.
It will give Australians local and ongoing access to Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine – Spikevax – and give us an onshore mRNA manufacturing capability in the event of a new pandemic, such as avian influenza or another new pathogen, vaccine-resistant COVID-19 variants or a global resurgence of infections.
The partnership will lead to a world-class mRNA ecosystem based in Melbourne, attract highly skilled staff and expand local capability through joint ventures with leading Australian research organisations.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:
“The COVID-19 pandemic is a once in a generation challenge that gives us a once in a generation opportunity to come back stronger and better than ever.”
“The pandemic has shown us how important local manufacturing capability is to our security and to our health.”
“This significant deal will protect Australians and Australian sovereignty.”
Premier of Victoria Daniel Andrews said:
“This agreement means that Victoria will be home to Moderna’s only mRNA manufacturing and finishing centre in the Southern Hemisphere.”
“We have the skills and the equipment needed to deliver this vital onshore capability – it will save lives, create jobs and strengthen Victoria’s position as a national leader in medical manufacturing.”
“The pandemic has shown us how important it is to have strong sovereign capacity – we’re not wasting a second in making sure we have access to the vaccines we need to keep Victorians safe.”
Minister Butler said:
“I was honoured to sign an agreement today with my Victorian Government counterpart – Minister for Innovation, Medical Research and the Digital Economy Jaala Pulford – to finalise this 10-year strategic partnership.”
“It was a pivotal step in helping protect Australians against future pandemics while supporting local industry.”
Minister Husic said:
“Australia has the world-class capabilities needed to develop and produce the next generation of medical technology, matched with leading researchers and a highly skilled workforce.
“This landmark agreement signals the Australian Government’s commitment and support for sovereign manufacturing capability in critical industries.”
Minister Pulford said:
“We warmly welcome Moderna to Melbourne – this facility and research centre together with Victoria’s world-class science and health tech will generate major medical breakthroughs.”
“We’ll keep making the big, bold investments needed to make sure we have the best research, the best facilities and the best treatments to keep Victorians safe and healthy.”
Moderna General Manager Australia & New Zealand Michael Azrak said:
“We look forward to being a part of the Monash Clayton precinct and contributing to the R&D ecosystem in Melbourne and across Australia.”