CSL Seqirus breaks ground with revolutionary manufacturing facility, ushering in a new era of vaccine innovation

Biotech News: In a new development for the biotechnology industry, CSL Seqirus has announced that construction of its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Australia has reached its highest point, a significant milestone known as ‘topping out.’ The facility, which will be located in Tullamarine, Melbourne, is set to revolutionise vaccine production and strengthen Australia’s preparedness for future pandemics.

The world-class facility will employ innovative technology to produce both seasonal and pandemic cell-based influenza vaccines, utilising CSL Seqirus’ vaccine adjuvant technology, MF59. Additionally, the facility will manufacture antivenoms for venomous creatures native to Australia, as well as the world’s only approved human vaccine for Q fever. With a gross floor area of 28,400m² spread across three key buildings, the site will house manufacturing units for vaccines, antivenoms, and a dedicated area for administration and laboratories.

The facility is on track to become operational in 2026, bolstering Australia’s sovereign manufacturing capability and reinforcing CSL Seqirus’ commitment to a long-term partnership with the Federal Government for the supply of vaccines.

Jonah Smith, Vice President and Program Lead for the CSL Seqirus Tullamarine Manufacturing Facility, expressed his enthusiasm for reaching the topping out milestone, hailing it as a crucial step towards completing this world-class establishment.

He highlighted the significance of this facility, stating, “This will be the only cell-based influenza vaccine manufacturing facility in the Southern Hemisphere and will provide access to Australian-made innovative vaccines and potentially lifesaving antivenoms. This facility will manufacture influenza vaccines for use in Australia and overseas, creating a supply chain worth more than $300 million annually to the Australian economy.”

The new manufacturing facility not only supports public health in Australia but also embraces sustainability. Incorporating on-site renewable energy generation, electrification, heat and water recovery, it is one of the first local manufacturing facilities pursuing 5-star ‘Green Star’ and Gold WELL certification. These efforts reflect CSL Seqirus’ commitment to a sustainable future and the well-being of the community.

Dr Jonathan Anderson, CSL Seqirus Executive Medical Director of International Regions, emphasised the importance of the facility’s innovative technology in Australia’s preparedness for seasonal and pandemic influenza.

He explained “Cell-based vaccines are a significant innovation in influenza vaccine manufacturing as they address several limitations associated with traditional technologies. By making vaccines in cells, we can eliminate the introduction of egg-based mutations that can impact influenza vaccines.”

With influenza levels returning to pre-COVID levels and early flu seasons witnessed in both hemispheres, the burden of influenza on public health strategies necessitates meeting the demand for vaccines, making this facility crucial.

Dr Anderson also highlighted the facility’s contribution to protecting Australians from venomous bites and stings. With over 3,000 Australians being hospitalised annually due to such injuries, producing antivenoms has been a longstanding endeavour.

The construction of this state-of-the-art manufacturing facility not only signifies a significant investment in Australia’s manufacturing sector but also reinforces Victoria’s position as a globally significant hub for medical research and biotechnology. CSL has committed over $800 million to construct the facility, demonstrating its unwavering support for Australia’s biotech manufacturing capabilities and its confidence in the skills and expertise of the Australian workforce.

This ground-breaking facility represents CSL’s largest capital project to date, and it is part of the company’s broader investment of over $2 billion in Australia. Alongside the manufacturing facility, CSL is also constructing a new plasma fractionation facility in Broadmeadows and establishing its global headquarters in Melbourne. These investments solidify CSL’s commitment to advancing medical research, strengthening Australia’s healthcare infrastructure, and contributing to the nation’s economic growth.

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