Covid: Deal for Victoria to manufacture Moderna vaccine finalised

A major vaccine deal for Australia has now been finalised in a first for the Southern Hemisphere.

Australia’s deal with US pharma giant Moderna to produce up to 100 million mRNA vaccine doses a year in Victoria has now been finalised.

An in-principle agreement was first announced in December last year for a factory to produce 25 million doses a year from 2024, with a surge capacity of up to 100 million in a future pandemic.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the finalisation of the 10-year strategic partnership between Moderna and the Victorian and federal governments was significant.

It will be the first mRNA production facility in the Southern Hemisphere.

An mRNA vaccine sequence can be changed relatively easily to target new variants.

“This is an Australian made shot in the arm that will protect Australians from future pandemics and secure a new manufacturing capability right here on our shores,” the Prime Minister said.

“This landmark agreement means that Australia can make up to 100 million world-leading mRNA doses every year, which can protect against evolving strains of Covid-19 or new respiratory diseases that emerge into the future.

“This will be the first mRNA production facility in the Southern Hemisphere, and will ensure Australians have quick and easy access to these lifesaving vaccines.”

The in-principle agreement announced in December has been finalised.

About 500 direct jobs will be created during construction of the new facility, which will begin by the end of the year, with 200 staff to work there when it begins operation in 2024.

The Australian facility will focus on respiratory treatments – including Covid-19 and seasonal influenza and will use Moderna’s research and development technology to develop new treatments.

The exact location is subject to negotiations between Moderna and the Victorian Government

Health Minister Greg Hunt said it was “crucial insurance” for the Australian population.

“It means Australians will have access to the most cutting-edge vaccination technology available both now and into the future.”

Moderna general manager for Australia and New Zealand Michael Azrak said they were backing the development of the mRNA industry in Australia.

The company has a memorandum of understanding in place with the Kenyan government for the development of a manufacturing facility in Africa, and also one in place for Canada.

It has production facilities in North America, and has manufacturing agreements in place with partners in Europe

“In addition to local manufacturing, we’re going to partner with local researchers and institutions to deliver collaborative R & D that will develop the next generation of mRNA treatments,” he said.