Moderna to Open mRNA Manufacturing Facility in Australia
Site construction is part of a 10-year agreement with the Australian government
Moderna has finalized a strategic partnership with the Australian federal government to construct a state-of-the-art, domestic mRNA vaccine manufacturing facility in Melbourne. This finalizes the agreement in principle from December 2021.
Per the terms of the 10-year deal, Moderna will develop and commission the facility. Construction is expected to begin before the end of this year, with a target date of the end of 2024 for the facility to become operational, subject to planning and regulatory approvals. Via the strategic partnership, Moderna will support Australia's mRNA research, development, and industry ecosystem, including engagement with collaborative research partnerships with Australian institutions and establishing a Regional Research Center for respiratory medicines and tropical diseases.
The facility, when constructed, is expected to provide people in Australia with access to a portfolio of mRNA vaccines that can help combat respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, seasonal influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and other potential respiratory viruses, pending licensure.
"We are delighted to reach this milestone with the Australian government and finalize our first on-shore manufacturing agreement," says Stéphane Bancel, Moderna’s CEO. "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."
