Monash University to make first mRNA vaccine candidate for human trial

Monash University in Melbourne has been revealed as the first in Australia to manufacture a mRNA technology Covid-19 vaccine candidate.

The candidate, developed by the University, will be made at a new node of its Parkville laboratory to be located at Clayton, with the expansion made possible by of a $13.8 million grant from the state government.

The grant was announced as part of a $21.65 million package announced earlier this week, however until now it was not known the purpose of the major expansion of the university’s manufacturing capabilities.

Today higher education minister Gayle Tierney said on social media: “We’re helping Monash University expand its medicine manufacturing facility, that’ll produce Australia’s first mRNA vaccine for clinical trials.

“It’s part of a $21.65 million trio of projects at the Clayton campus.”

The cash will expand Monash’s Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Centre which has innovation, analytical and formulation capabilities.

Tierney, deputy leader of the government in the legislative council, said: “Monash has already played a vital role in developing tools to combat Covid-19, including a therapy inhaled through the nose.

“This new facility will further cement Victoria as a leader in medicine manufacturing.”

Picture: Monash University/Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Centre

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