Boost for biologics manufacturing in Australia

AusBiotech has welcomed the news that Australia’s first major contract manufacturing facility for biologic medicines has secured backing and is set to be built in Queensland by 2012. 

Making the announcement at BIO Chicago yesterday, the Federal Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr and Queensland Premier Anna Bligh said the Brisbane-based facility would be operated by international drug manufacturer DSM Biologics.

Speaking from BIO, AusBiotech CEO, Dr Anna Lavelle, said: “The facility will provide a welcome boost for the Australian biotechnology industry.”

“As the revolution in biotechnology-driven personalised medicine becomes a reality, biologics constitute the fastest growing market for medicines.

“Enhanced manufacturing in biologics, such as this infrastructure will bring, will position Australia well for the future, supporting highly-skilled jobs, manufacturing capability and the growth of the biotechnology industry.

“I fully support the Federal and Queensland governments’ commitment to the development of the biotechnology sector and retaining the estimated $60 million that goes offshore each year - this time with $10 million and $7 million investments respectively,” said Dr Lavelle. 

The $62 million facility is to be built in partnership with Queensland’s government-owned BioPharmaceuticals Australia, and located with the Translational Research Institute (TRI) on the Princess Alexandria Hospital campus in Brisbane. The TRI, headed by Professor Ian Frazer will contribute a further $45 million.

Dr Lavelle supported statements from Minister Carr and Premier Bligh that creating this capability will make Australia an attractive destination for investment in biopharmaceutical research, development and production, and Queensland’s plan to grow the industry to $20 billion in worth and employing 16,000 people by 2025.

www.ausbiotech.org