BioCina, CMAX openings boost Adelaide’s biomedical credentials

Two new major medical facilities opening on Thursday are set to play pivotal roles in the development, testing and manufacture of new vaccines for future Covid strains.

Two major medical facilities open on Thursday boosting Adelaide’s credentials as an emerging health and biomedical powerhouse — and are set to play key roles in the development and testing of new vaccines.

Vaccine and microbial-based therapeutics firm BioCina opens its Thebarton plant with ambitious plans to manufacture mRNA vaccines, while Premier Steven Marshall opens a new city facility for medical drug test leader CMAX linked to its neighbouring headquarters by an bridge six storeys high as part of a $3m project.

BioCina’s research, development and manufacturing facility is in the former Pfizer plant and will offer full clinical supply services to pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical customers and specialise in services from early-phase clinical trials to commercialisation.

CMAX chief executive Jane Kelly at the facility's new facility in Adelaide's CBD. Picture Tom Roschi

“BioCina is making a significant investment in and strategically focusing on mRNA process development and manufacturing for vaccines and therapeutics to support solutions using this mRNA platform for our clients,” chief executive Ian Wisenberg said.

The site is the only commercial facility of its kind in Australia approved by the Therapeutics Goods Administration, European Medicines Agency, Health Canada and US-FDA.

BioCina is vying with competitors including CSL in Melbourne for a federal government contract to make mRNA vaccines for future Covid strains.

CMAX which runs phase 1 trials — the first on humans after drugs have been tested in the laboratory and on animals — opens a new facility after already expanding its North Terrace site which will allow for an additional 45 staff bringing the total workforce to 285. It features a screening area, outpatient suite and offices.

Chief executive Jane Kelly noted the company “has experienced substantial growth as a result of unprecedented demand for clinical trials.”

“A large proportion of this is coming from pharmaceutical and biotech companies looking for solutions to global health challenges,” she said.

CMAX is on track to carry out 65 clinical trials in 2021 including a Covid-19 vaccine study and trials looking into treatment options for the disease.

“We have been involved in various trials relating to Covid-19 with global companies recognising South Australia as an ideal location for early phase studies,” Ms Kelly said.

Stage two of the project now underway includes an extra 12 overnight beds, a negative pressure suite, new laboratory, sound protected zones and additional isolation units, while stage three will includes an additional screening and administration area.

The company pays volunteers up to $9500 for tests which may involve day visits or staying a month or more in-house.