Australia’s first large-scale mRNA vaccine manufacturing facility is now under construction at Monash University in Melbourne.
The facility is being established under a 10-year partnership between the Australian Government, global pharmaceutical company Moderna and the Victorian Government.
It is Moderna’s first mRNA vaccine manufacturing facility to be built outside of North America.
A ground breaking ceremony was attended by the Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Health and Aged Care, Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas and representatives from Moderna and Monash University.
The facility is expected to be operational in 2024, subject to regulatory approvals. Once operational, it will produce up to 100 million vaccine doses every year. This will include COVID-19 booster shots as well as mRNA vaccines for other respiratory viruses such as influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Construction will support 500 jobs, with another 500 medical manufacturing and research roles to be created once the facility is operational.
Establishing a local mRNA vaccine manufacturing capability will help protect Australians against future pandemics and will reduce our dependence on imported mRNA vaccines.
The facility contributes to a world-class mRNA ecosystem being established across Australia. The facility will attract highly skilled people and expand local capability including through partnerships with leading Australian research organisations.