The Australian and Victorian Governments have signed a 10-year deal with US pharmaceutical giant, Moderna, to build a vaccine manufacturing facility in Melbourne.
The facility, to be established at Melbourne’s Monash University, will be capable of producing 100 million mRNA vaccine doses per year, including Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine.
Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese said the deal will protect Australia’s sovereignty by reducing dependence on imported mRNA vaccines now and in the future.
“The COVID-19 pandemic is a once in a generation challenge that gives us a once in a generation opportunity to come back stronger and better than ever,” the Prime Minister said.
“The pandemic has shown us how important local manufacturing capability is to our security and to our health.”
Victorian Premier, Daniel Andrews said the agreement will also support local industry and create highly skilled local jobs.
“This agreement means that Victoria will be home to Moderna’s only mRNA manufacturing and finishing centre in the Southern Hemisphere,” Premier Andrews said.
“We have the skills and the equipment needed to deliver this vital onshore capability.”
Moderna will also establish its headquarters and a Regional Research Centre in Victoria.
“We look forward to being a part of the Monash Clayton precinct and contributing to the R&D ecosystem in Melbourne and across Australia,” Australia & New Zealand General Manager Michael Azrak said.
