Moderna’s Monash mRNA factory now half-built

The Victorian government has announced that construction of Moderna’s mRNA vaccine manufacturing facility is ahead of schedule and at the halfway mark, with completion expected next year. State industry minister Ben Carroll visited Monash University’s Clayton precinct on Monday morning, where the US-based biotechnology company will eventually have capacity for 100 million vaccine doses per…

New report estimates non-animal models represent a $1.5 billion opportunity for Australia

New modelling published by CSIRO estimates that non-animal models for medical product development have the potential to create $1.5 billion in revenue and 5,000 jobs by 2024. Animals are typically used as part of R&D and testing to ensure the safety and effectiveness of new medical products, according to CSIRO. Non-animal models can use “human-derived”…

RMIT’s tiny titanium spike breakthrough suggests antimicrobial surfaces “may need to be rethought”

An RMIT University team has shown promising results from insect-inspired “microscale spikes” for titanium implants and other surfaces, demonstrating drug-free anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. According to a statement from the university, the features on the “micro-pillared titanium surface pattern” were about the height of a bacteria cell and designed to address drug-resistant “superbugs” which are…

Cell Therapies new facilities fight cancer on a grand scale

Biomedical manufacturer Cell Therapies has announced the opening of new cell and gene therapy GMP (good manufacturing practice) manufacturing facilities to meet future patient demand at Victoria’s Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. The facility is Australia’s only biomedical manufacturing facility where CAR T-cells and other ‘living’ cancer therapies can be made at a commercial scale. In…

Scientists build 3D bio-engineered cornea

University scientists have succeeded in producing a prototype 3D bio-engineered cornea (pictured) as a potential surgical replacement for patients suffering diminished vision and even blindness. A research team led by the University of Sydney’s Professor Gerard Sutton, with researchers from the University of Wollongong (UOW) has produced a prototype with the structural strength that has…