Moderna to build mRNA manufacturing plant at Monash

Moderna yesterday announced Melbourne’s Monash University as the home of its new Australian-based mRNA vaccine manufacturing facility.

The state-of-the-art facility, which is expected to produce up to 100 million mRNA respiratory vaccine doses annually, will be located at Monash’s campus in Clayton as part of one of the world’s pre-eminent biotechnology hubs. The announcement follows the agreement of a strategic partnership in March 2022 between Moderna and the Australian Government to establish a domestic mRNA vaccine manufacturing facility.

Once constructed, the facility will give Australians local and ongoing access to Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine and provide an onshore mRNA manufacturing capability in the event of a new pandemic, such as avian influenza or another new pathogen, vaccine-resistant COVID-19 variants or a global resurgence of infections. This means Australia will reduce its dependence on imported mRNA vaccines and our vulnerability to supply disruptions or delays. Moderna will also support Australia’s mRNA research, development and industry ecosystem, including establishing a Regional Research Centre for respiratory medicines and tropical diseases.

Moderna said it appreciates the comprehensive and supportive partnership with the Victorian Government, which is expected to bring research, clinical trials, training, manufacturing, workforce development and supply chain opportunities for Victoria. The company looks forward to a strong partnership that will advance mRNA medical science and develop new mRNA vaccines.

“Our facility at Monash University will enable the establishment of a world-leading mRNA manufacturing facility in the region,” said Michael Azrak, Moderna’s General Manager Australia and New Zealand. “We look forward to being a part of the Monash Clayton precinct and contributing to the R&D ecosystem in Melbourne and across Australia.”

“This agreement means that Victoria will be home to Moderna’s only mRNA manufacturing and finishing centre in the Southern Hemisphere,” added Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews. “We have the skills and the equipment needed to deliver this vital onshore capability — it will save lives, create jobs and strengthen Victoria’s position as a national leader in medical manufacturing.”

With construction set to start before the end of the year, Moderna’s manufacturing plant in Melbourne is expected to be operational by the end of 2024, subject to regulatory approvals. In addition to the manufacturing site, Monash University is partnering with the Victorian Government to establish the Monash Centre for Advanced mRNA Medicines Manufacturing and Workforce Training.

“The combination of the manufacturing site, Monash research and training centre bring together all of the elements of an mRNA innovation ecosystem that will deliver long-term health and economic benefits for the community,” said Monash University President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Margaret Gardner.

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