The biotech has agreed a Letter of Intent with the State of Victoria in Australia to collaborate on the research and development of potential mRNA-based vaccines and therapies.
As part of the partnership, the parties will establish a research and innovation center in Melbourne to facilitate the transition of encouraging academic research into clinical development.
BioNTech also plans to create a clinical scale end-to-end mRNA manufacturing facility based on its ‘BioNTainer’ solution – a modular manufacturing concept for mRNA manufacturing and formulation – in Melbourne with the aim of supporting the design, manufacture and clinical testing of product candidates.
And BioNTech will also establish its AI-driven early warning and identification tech at the site, which will be used to detect future disease threats and develop new treatments and vaccines in response.
‘Major coup for Victoria’
Victoria is already the leader in Australian pharmaceutical and biological manufacturing, responsible for nearly 60% of Australia’s pharmaceutical exports (making it the highest value advanced manufactured export).
The state now wants to lead the way in mRNA manufacturing in the country, having already attracted Moderna to build an mRNA manufacturing facility in Melbourne (set to be operational in 2024 with capacity of up to 100 million vaccine doses annually).
Given the strength of BioNTech’s global network, the German biotech’s new facility is also expected to attract interest from researchers locally, regionally and globally. Victoria Treasurer Tim Pallas describes the partnership with BioNTech as a ‘major coup for Victoria’, with the plans providing ‘incredible collaboration opportunities for our researchers and international biotech companies’.