Victoria will become the first place in the southern hemisphere to manufacture mRNA vaccines, as part of an in-principle agreement between the Victorian Government, the Federal Government and Moderna.
Announced by Victoria’s Acting Premier James Merlino and Prime Minister Scott Morrison, the deal will see Moderna base its new manufacturing and finishing facilities, and Australian research centre in Victoria.
From 2024 on, the production facility will be able to produce up to 25 million vaccine doses per year, with the ability to scale up to 100 million doses per year in the event of future pandemics.
The new facility will also be capable of creating various medicines for cancer, uncommon disorders, cellular engineering, and protein-replacement therapy, in addition to mRNA COVID vaccines.
Mr Merlino said the project is anticipated to generate up to 500 employment during construction and another 500 ongoing jobs, propelling the creation of a local mRNA ecosystem that does not exist in Australia now.
“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,” Mr Merlino said.
Treasurer Tim Pallas described the announcement as ‘a boon for both our economic recovery and our fight against future pandemics’.
Victoria’s medical research sector supports more than 30,000 jobs across institutes, universities and industry – contributing almost $21 billion to the Victorian economy,” he added.
Victoria is already Australia’s leader in pharmaceutical and biological production, accounting for approximately 60% of the country’s pharmaceutical exports.
