Victoria expand medicines manufacturing centre

Biotech News: Victorian Deputy Premier and Minister for Medical Research, the Hon Ben Carroll, inaugurated the Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Centre (MMIC) at the Monash Technology Precinct in Clayton.

Established in 2017, MMIC is a joint initiative between the Victorian Government and Monash University.

This new facility, funded by an $8.58 million investment from the Victorian Higher Education State Investment Fund and $4 million from Monash University, expands MMIC’s operations from its base at the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (MIPS) in Parkville. It aims to drive innovation in medicine formulation, address manufacturing challenges, and cultivate a skilled workforce for the pharmaceutical industry.

Highlighting MMIC’s commitment to advancing medical research, Minister Carroll announced a grant from the Cumming Global Centre for Pandemic Therapeutics to develop a novel therapeutic agent for respiratory infections and inflammation. The initiative aims to enhance community resilience against current and future viral threats.

Professor Michelle McIntosh, Director of MMIC, emphasised the centre’s role in advancing Victoria’s research commercialisation efforts.

“This new facility represents a significant advancement in Victoria’s research commercialisation opportunities,” Professor McIntosh stated. “Our team of dedicated pharmaceutical scientists are committed to driving forward the end-to-end development of a range of medicines using state-of-the-art technology, from laboratory-scale projects right through to local manufacture of medicines for clinical trials.”

The launch also welcomed Professor Sharon Lewin from the Cumming Global Centre, underscoring MMIC’s collaborative approach to research.

“Fostering collaboration between research institutes is central to MMICs mission,” Professor McIntosh added. “We are excited to be working with Professor Lewin and her team to progress a new treatment for respiratory viruses and further strengthen Australia’s resilience to future health emergencies”

Professor Sharon Pickering, Vice-Chancellor and President of Monash University, hailed MMIC’s establishment in the Monash Technology Precinct as a milestone.

“This new facility will further strengthen the research and development capability of the Monash Technology Precinct innovation ecosystem, joining world-leading research and technology organisations such the CSIRO, the Melbourne Centre for Nanofabrication, the Victorian Heart Hospital and the soon-to-be completed Moderna manufacturing facility,” Professor Pickering noted.

“By being located in the world-class Monash Technology Precinct, the MMIC will provide our researchers, precinct partners and local and international companies the opportunity to develop, test and scale-up new medicines here in Australia without going off-shore.”

MMIC Clayton, purpose-built with state-of-the-art laboratory and office spaces, is strategically positioned alongside the Australian Synchrotron. This placement within the Monash Technology Precinct not only promotes economic growth but also expands employment opportunities in advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing.

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