Posted: 10 December 2024
The Southern Hemisphere’s only mRNA manufacturing facility has opened in Victoria – backed by the Albanese and Allan Labor Governments – ensuring world-class mRNA vaccines and medicines can be made in Australia and creating hundreds of jobs.
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 in Victoria makes Australia one of very few countries in the world, and the only country in the Southern Hemisphere, with 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.
Creating 500 jobs during construction – Moderna’s Australia operations will create 140 highly-skilled direct jobs and up to 500 jobs will be supported across advanced medical manufacturing, R&D, supply chains and the broader workforce. 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 host research and development (R&D) and manufacturing operations.
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.
The Victorian Labor Government’s record investment of more than $1 billion in medical research has cemented the state as an international hub for medical research, 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.
Quotes attributable to Premier Jacinta Allan
“This is exactly what economic growth looks like: more investment, more jobs and more opportunity for all.”
“There are now three world-leading centres of medical research – Boston, London and Victoria.”
“I’m proud that our state will make vaccines that Australia and the world can rely on.”
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler
“This is a major step forward in helping protect Australians against future pandemics, while creating highly skilled jobs, supporting local industry, and promoting research collaboration.
“COVID taught us how important it is to have the capability to manufacture the latest vaccines here in Australia.”
“The Albanese Government is building Australia’s future with this world leading facility, ensuring we have the sovereign manufacturing capability Australia needs to produce the latest vaccines.”
Quotes Attributable to Acting Minister for Economic Growth Danny Pearson
“We’ll never have to fight to get our fair share of vaccines again because the Southern Hemisphere’s first end-to-end mRNA vaccine facility has opened in Victoria – setting a new benchmark in innovation and economic growth.”
“Our economy is booming, and this new facility ensures our momentum continues as we deliver a strong pipeline of investment and good jobs across the state.”
Quote attributable to Michael Azrak Moderna’s General Manager for Australia & New Zealand
“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.”
Quotes attributable to Moderna’s Chief Legal Officer Shannon Klinger
“The MTC-M represents the first commercial-scale end-to-end mRNA manufacturing facility in the Southern Hemisphere. Moderna is committed to enhancing public health infrastructure, and this facility exemplifies how our technology can support public health resilience in Australia and beyond,”
“We look forward to delivering innovative science and comprehensive public health solutions from our operations in this country, advancing healthcare for Australians and the region.”
