Sanofi’s bold move: Queensland chosen over other states for cutting-edge mRNA manufacturing

Pharma News: Sanofi has made an exciting announcement that has caught the attention of the biomedical and life sciences industry. The company has signed a Statement of Intent with the Queensland Government in Australia to explore the possibility of establishing mRNA GMP-grade clinical manufacturing facilities. This collaboration was formally acknowledged at the BIO International Convention in the United States, where Queensland Deputy Premier Steven Miles MP and Sanofi’s Global Head of Vaccine Research and Development, Dr Jean-Francois Toussaint, put pen to paper.

The significance of this partnership cannot be understated, as it holds tremendous potential for both Sanofi and Queensland. The biomedical and life sciences sector already makes a considerable contribution to Queensland’s economy, injecting a whopping $2.11 billion and providing employment for over 12,000 individuals. With about 1,500 biomedical and life sciences businesses calling Queensland home, the region has emerged as a vibrant hub for scientific advancements and breakthroughs.

The joint statement of intent outlines Sanofi’s interest in establishing mRNA GMP-grade clinical manufacturing capabilities in Queensland. Sanofi would be able to conduct a greater number of early-phase clinical trials in Australia, leveraging the Translational Science Hub that was unveiled in December. This hub represents a collaboration between Sanofi and the Queensland Government, aiming to promote the development of cutting-edge vaccines and healthcare solutions. Furthermore, adhering to the principles of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) set forth by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) ensures that the therapeutic goods produced in these facilities maintain the highest quality standards.

Deputy Premier Miles expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, recognising the opportunity to showcase Queensland’s biomedical industry and its future potential on the global stage. He said “For more than 25 years, the Queensland Government has been investing in the innovation infrastructure, training and skilling opportunities needed to grow a world-class biomedical industry. We’re continuing to build on this proud legacy today and put Queensland on the global map as the place to work and invest in science.”

The decision by Sanofi to choose Queensland over other states for reshaping 21st-century medicine is seen as a strong indicator of the region’s promising prospects. Deputy Premier Miles visited Sanofi’s mRNA Centre of Excellence in Boston which is actively collaborating with the Translational Science Hub in Queensland, along with Sanofi scientists in France.

Dr Toussaint expressed his delight at signing the statement of intent, highlighting the company’s commitment to establishing a clinical manufacturing unit in Queensland.

“The production of small-scale batches of clinical grade mRNA product for use in clinical trials is important to support innovation around this emerging technology platform. A production unit in Queensland that works closely with the Translational Science Hub would be another important advancement for medical research in Queensland and Australia,” Dr Toussaint commented.

Dr Iris Depaz, Country Medical Lead at Sanofi Australia and New Zealand, stressed the significance of the BIO International Convention as a platform for discussing technological advancements and fostering collaborations within the global medical community. The Translational Science Hub in Queensland has already generated considerable interest, as it promises to advance medical understanding of the mRNA platform.

The Translational Science Hub serves as a vital link connecting world-class researchers in Queensland with scientists at Sanofi’s mRNA Centre of Excellence in France and the United States. This unprecedented partnership, in collaboration with the University of Queensland and Griffith University, firmly establishes Queensland as a frontrunner in vaccine development and biomedical research across Australia.

The signing of the Statement of Intent between Sanofi and the Queensland Government marks an exciting milestone for both parties. As discussions progress, the potential establishment of mRNA GMP-grade clinical manufacturing in Queensland holds tremendous promise for advancing medical research and innovation.

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