The Allan Labor Government is ensuring Victoria's medical research sector can continue to drive nation-leading infectious disease treatments and develop new products, grow exports and create jobs - with the opening of the Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Centre (MMIC) at Monash University.
Minister for Medical Research Ben Carroll today opened the expanded Centre and announced 10 local research projects will share in $5 million through the latest round of the Cumming Global Centre for Pandemic Therapeutics Foundation Grants.
MMIC helps Victorian medicines manufacturers invest in research and development, create new products and develop skills.
The centre's new purpose-built facility is dedicated to helping industry solve technical challenges, develop new product formulations and encourage investment in life-saving therapies thanks to a dedicated team of scientists.
The expansion has been made possible thanks to a more than $16 million investment by the Labor Government into the Monash Technology Precinct.
MMIC is also a recipient in the latest round of the Cumming Global Centre for Pandemic Therapeutics Foundation Grants and will develop a new therapeutic agent to treat respiratory viruses and prevent lung infections.
Backed by the Labor Government's investment of up to $75 million over 10 years, the Cumming Global Centre for Pandemic Therapeutics was established in Melbourne in 2022 to rapidly develop, test and commercialise new therapeutics to tackle infectious diseases.
Victoria is leading the way by securing more than half of the total Cumming Global Centre's funding pool for this round, with grants also awarded to the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute in Parkville and the CSIRO Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness in Geelong.
These grants will support researchers world-wide to uncover new technologies and fast-track the development of treatments for viruses and infectious diseases that could cause future pandemics.
View the full list of funded projects at cgcpt.edu.au.
As stated by Minister for Medical Research Ben Carroll
"From the lab to clinical trials to manufacturing - Victoria now has end to end capabilities in medical research right here in Clayton."
"Our talented medical researchers are leading the way to fast-track new treatments and drive innovation, resulting in the well-deserved recognition by the Cumming Centre for Global Pandemic Therapeutics."
As stated by Cumming Global Centre and the Doherty Institute Director Professor Sharon Lewin
"Effective and timely delivery of therapeutics has the potential to transform how the next pandemic is managed. It is incredibly exciting to fund a further 10 projects through the Cumming Global Centre, especially across Australia and international borders."
As stated by Monash Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Centre Director Professor Michelle McIntosh
"This investment from the Victorian Government will enable our team of pharmaceutical scientists to drive forward the end-to-end development of life-saving medicines including a new inhaled antiviral medicine for future respiratory viruses."
