Moderna’s Australian mRNA manufacturing facility set to become operational in 2024

24-Mar-2022 - Last updated on 24-Mar-2022 at 16:05 GMT

Pic:getty/sharrocks

Moderna has finalized a strategic partnership with the Australian government to build an mRNA manufacturing facility in Melbourne: which is expected to produce up to 100 million mRNA respiratory vaccine doses annually.

The facility will provide a domestically manufactured portfolio of mRNA vaccines against respiratory viruses: including COVID-19, seasonal influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and other potential respiratory viruses, pending licensure.

Under the terms of the 10-year agreement, Moderna will develop and commission the facility, and expects to create hundreds of jobs during construction and operation. Construction is expected to commence by the end of this year, with the facility expected to become operational by the end of 2024.

This week’s announcement finalizes an agreement made in principle for an Australian site made in December last year.

"We are delighted to reach this milestone with the Australian Government and finalize our first on-shore manufacturing agreement," said Stéphane Bancel, Chief Executive Officer of Moderna. "The Australian Federal Government has been a great partner, and we are pleased to expand this partnership to support Australia's mRNA life sciences ecosystem and global public health."

As part of the partnership, Moderna pledges to support Australia's mRNA research, development, and industry ecosystem, including engagement with collaborative research partnerships with Australian institutions and establishing a Regional Research Centre for respiratory medicines and tropical diseases.

Moderna's mRNA pipeline includes 28 vaccine candidates, including vaccines against respiratory viruses, vaccines against latent viruses, and vaccines against threats to global public health.