A new cancer treatment manufacturing facility has officially opened in Victoria, marking a significant step forward in the state’s advanced manufacturing and medical research capabilities.
The Victorian Government is supporting the establishment of IDT Australia’s new Ehrlich Bioconjugation Centre in Boronia – the first facility in the country accredited to manufacture Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADCs), a precision cancer treatment that targets tumours directly.
Described as “biological missiles” due to their highly specific delivery of chemotherapy agents, ADCs are expected to significantly enhance survival rates and quality of life for cancer patients, particularly those with aggressive forms such as metastatic, HER2-positive, and triple-negative breast cancers.
“This world-class facility puts Victoria at the forefront of groundbreaking cancer treatment innovation, saving lives and bolstering our sovereign advanced manufacturing capabilities,” said Minister for Industry and Advanced Manufacturing Colin Brooks.
The new centre is dedicated to the research, development, and commercial production of ADCs. The global market for these treatments is projected to reach US$140 billion over the next 15 years, with expectations they could replace up to 50 per cent of traditional chemotherapy methods.
With support from the Victorian Government, the project is creating 88 highly skilled local jobs and strengthening Victoria’s global standing in advanced medical manufacturing.
“Through the Victorian Industry Policy, we’re backing our medtech sector to become a global leader in research and manufacturing, attract investment and create new local jobs,” Mr Brooks added.
The facility adds to Victoria’s $21.4 billion health technologies sector, which already accounts for more than half of Australia’s pharmaceutical exports and employs over 51,000 people.
“This new facility will not only support more highly skilled jobs right in the heart of Boronia, it will save countless lives and it reinforces Victoria’s position as a global leader of excellence in medical research,” said Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs Danny Pearson.
The initiative is part of broader investment plans by the state government, which includes over $24 million committed to medical research in the Victorian Budget 2025/26 and $150 million allocated to launch a new Victorian Investment Fund.
“It’s fantastic to see this world-first cancer treatment being made right here in Boronia – creating local jobs and putting Knox at the cutting edge of global medical innovation,” said Member for Bayswater Jackson Taylor.
IDT Australia CEO Paul McDonald welcomed the government’s backing, stating, “We are thrilled with the support of the Victorian Government to accelerate our advanced technology in Antibody Drug Conjugates and add to the State’s capabilities in this progressive technology to treat cancer patients.”
“This new facility enables Victoria and Australia to progress novel ADCs from discovery to treatments that can save lives,” he said.
