Pfizer invests $150 million to upgrade Melbourne manufacturing facility

Pharma News: In the global battle against antimicrobial resistance (AMR), Pfizer Australia has today unveiled a significant enhancement to its manufacturing facility in Melbourne, Victoria.

The pharmaceutical company has committed AU$150 million to upgrade its capabilities in producing new antimicrobial treatments, aimed at tackling the escalating threat of antimicrobial resistance, recognised as one of the most pressing challenges to global health.

The site in Melbourne has been in operation for more than 50 years and plays an important part in Pfizer’s global supply model.

Hon. Natalie Hutchins MP, Victorian Minister for Jobs and Industry, visited the facility today to mark the installation of key technology such as lyophilisers, highlighting the site’s advanced capabilities including productivity improvements through robotics.

“Not all superheroes wear capes. Some wear lab coats while others work on production lines. At the Pfizer plant, there are 500 people who work around the clock, 24/7, to ensure we have the materials and medicines that save lives.

“With the export market, it supports up to 15 million patients worldwide,” she stated.

“We are thrilled to reach this important milestone in our investment to support the development and delivery of new antimicrobials at our Melbourne site, and to be investing in Australia’s advanced manufacturing capabilities,” said Anne Harris, Pfizer Australia & New Zealand Managing Director.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), often dubbed ‘the silent pandemic,’ ranks among the World Health Organization’s top 10 global health concerns.

Without intervention, it is estimated that by 2050, 10,000 Australians will die each year from drug resistant infections.

The New Frontier report noted that market rewards for the development of new drugs for unmet medical needs such as new antimicrobials can be insufficient to incentivise the needed R&D.

In its final report, the Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport recommended, “In partnership with the states and territories, develop and implement a pilot scheme for value-based payments for new antimicrobial drugs. This pilot should apply the lessons learned from the Australian Government’s pilot scheme for payment for Hepatitis C drugs, as well as from overseas antimicrobial drug schemes.”

The Melbourne site’s upgrades feature the construction of a new dedicated facility housing two state-of-the-art lyophilisers crucial for antimicrobial production. Additionally, the site has been chosen for a trial of artificial intelligence (AI) technology designed to streamline essential processes.

“A key strategic pillar of Pfizer’s product innovation work is our effort to help slow the spread of antimicrobial resistance, one of the biggest global health threats of our time,” Ms Harris added.

Australian public-private partnership releases first paper on antimicrobial resistance

Ms Hutchins further stated, “We have four programs currently supported by the government in the medtech space, including digital jobs in the advanced manufacturing sector. We’ve seen an 18% increase over the last five years and we believe there is room for further growth.”

The Pfizer manufacturing site upgrades are on track to complete installation work and be operational by mid-2025, with commercial manufacture commencing in 2026.

The medicines manufactured at the Melbourne facility – encompassing treatments for cancer, antimicrobials, anaesthetics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and more – are exported to over 60 countries, benefiting up to 15 million patients annually.

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