The Victorian Government has announced new investments to expand the state’s clinical mRNA manufacturing capacity, with officials saying the move will support local jobs and reinforce Victoria’s role in next-generation vaccine and therapeutic development.
In a news release, the Victorian Government said Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs Danny Pearson opened BioNTech’s new research and development mRNA manufacturing facility and attended the topping-out ceremony for the company’s neighbouring clinical mRNA manufacturing facility at La Trobe University’s Bundoora campus.
According to the Government, the partnership with BioNTech is expected to create 1,200 jobs over the next decade and contribute to economic growth.
The government said the R&D facility will produce research-grade RNA to help accelerate the translation of research into clinical use, while the clinical mRNA manufacturing facility will support the development of next-generation vaccines and treatments for clinical trials.
It noted that both facilities will undertake work related to infectious diseases, rare diseases and cancer, with the R&D hub partnering with researchers and biotech companies in Australia, the Asia-Pacific region and internationally.
Pearson said the expansion marks a significant step in strengthening Victoria’s mRNA manufacturing landscape.
“This is a pivotal moment for Victoria as we advance our capacity to deliver cutting-edge mRNA treatments to patients faster than ever before,” he said. “Being the only place in the world to host both mRNA global leaders shows that Victoria is leading the future of medical innovation.”
Member for Bundoora Colin Brooks said the investment places the local community at the centre of emerging medical technologies.
“It’s great to see BioNTech investing in Bundoora, placing our community at the centre of world-leading medical innovation,” he said.
BioNTech Chief Operating Officer Dr Sierk Poetting said the company’s work in Victoria reflects its focus on developing new treatments.
“The opening of our R&D facility and the construction of our clinical mRNA manufacturing facility demonstrate BioNTech’s commitment to turning innovative science into meaningful treatments for patients,” he said.
“By collaborating with Victoria’s strong life sciences sector, we are building the infrastructure needed to support clinical trials and advance the development of mRNA-based medicines.”
La Trobe University Vice-Chancellor Professor Theo Farrell said the university is well positioned to host the new facilities within its University City precinct.
“As a university highly invested in health research as well as AI and digital innovation, La Trobe is the perfect location for BioNTech’s mRNA facilities,” he said.
“I’m delighted to welcome BioNTech to our innovation precinct, where groundbreaking research in mRNA vaccines and therapies will connect with La Trobe’s world-leading expertise in AI and health.”
The Victorian Government said the clinical mRNA manufacturing facility is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
