Brisbane’s new MedTech partnerships could change the world

Incredible new medical technology from Brisbane could dramatically enhance the performance of existing and next-generation vaccines.

This article was created in conjunction with one of our partners.                         Brisbane is emerging as a leader in life-saving technology thanks to a vibrant start-up culture attracting investment from across the globe.

Brisbane is fast becoming a hub for medical technology innovation, connecting fast-growing companies and investors alike.

The city has a storied history, beginning with the development of the world's first human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, Gardasil, developed at the University of Queensland in 1991. From those beginnings, the city now hosts more than 100 health and biotechnology facilities in Brisbane and the biomedical sector currently supports more than 12,400 jobs and contributes $2.1 billion to the state economy. 

Another possible vaccine world first may also emerge from Brisbane’s medtech scene, potentially eliminating the need for needles altogether.

Most people associate vaccinations with an intramuscular injection, inserting a needle into the deltoid. While the current hypodermic needle and syringe was invented 170 years ago, scientists have discovered that the highest density of the body’s immune response cells are located in the skin. This means there are much better ways to administer a vaccine’s potentially life-saving contents.

Now, Brisbane-based Vaxxas is developing a new technology that uses a patch with thousands of vaccine-coated microprojections, which create a sandpaper-like surface. Based on initial research from The University of Queensland, this breakthrough technology would see patches applied to the skin for seconds to efficiently and effectively deliver the vaccine directly to the immune cells right under the skin’s surface.

Human clinical studies are now underway, and if successful, the possibilities are ground-breaking.

“In lower and middle-income countries, the technology can have a revolutionary benefit because you don’t have to refrigerate the vaccine and you don’t have to send a doctor or a skilled health worker into a place that’s difficult to reach,” explained David Hoey, president and chief executive officer of Vaxxas. 

This important work could help extend the reach of vaccines into places where logistics and resources are limited, something particularly important for disease eradication where widespread vaccinations are necessary. 

There are also significant benefits for public health in high-income countries.

“In the future we believe all vaccines are going to be given by skin patches, because it produces a faster and higher immune response and you can use less vaccine on the patch to achieve a comparable result, which is a compelling story for vaccine manufacturers, and patients prefer it,” said Mr Hoey. 

“It’s a profound improvement because it’s a smarter way to deliver the vaccine. There’s hesitancy around needle and syringe in some segments (of the population) that can be as high as 25 per cent.” 

Mr Hoey predicts that Vaxxas could start manufacturing as early as 2026, subject to the success of the trials.

He says being based in Brisbane has been a key part of the company’s development.

“The city has a highly skilled workforce, stable regulatory frameworks, and excellent manufacturing capabilities,” Mr Hoey said.

“You don’t find that in many places, and it gives investors comfort. If you’re an innovator with an idea in biotech and MedTech, you couldn’t be in a better place.”

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the Brisbane successes are cementing the city’s reputation for innovation.

“We’re seeing a new wave of innovation roll over the city, with local talent driving advances that could save lives, improve patient outcomes, and make healthcare faster and more convenient,” Cr Schrinner said. 

“The outstanding success of our local start-ups, in a competitive global market, is a testament to the quality of the research and development that’s happening here in Brisbane.

“Getting recognised as a leading innovation hub is important for the future of our local economy because it will attract more businesses, create more jobs and help Brisbane get even better.”

Other locally bred innovators such as Microbio - a company that has developed a rapid test to help doctors identify pathogens that can cause life-threating sepsis - are gaining momentum thanks to Brisbane Economic Development Agency’s (BEDA’s) new MedTech Global Accelerator initiative. 

The initiative not only connects ventures with global partners for investment, collaboration, and distribution deals but also allows participants to benefit from mentorship from more established companies, such as Vaxxas, as well as global companies like Stryker, which recently opened an R&D lab in Brisbane’s Herston health precinct. 

The program culminates with the opportunity to pitch in a shark-tank style challenge at the Redefining Early Stage Investment Conference in San Francisco.

Microbio chief executive Flavia Huygens recently met with global investors in San Francisco, as part of BEDA’s MedTech Accelerator. She said the insider knowledge, expert guidance and mentorship helped give the Brisbane cohort a competitive edge.  

“BEDA’s collaborative approach has set the tone for the Brisbane Medtech industry - we have built wonderful connections with other Brisbane-based companies that are contributing to our growth and development as a company,” Dr Huygens said.

“Preparing the suite of compelling pitching materials, and the coaching and mentoring we received, meant we were well-prepared for the meetings in San Francisco.”

At the Redefining Early Stage Investment Conference, Microbio received a special mention prize, while two other members of the Brisbane cohort - Field Orthopaedics and Max Kelsen - received gold and bronze in the pitch challenge, which attracted more than 500 investors.

To fast-track global investment for early stage ventures visit Brisbane’s MedTech Initiative. 

With unrivalled economic growth, Australia’s largest research facilities and world-class talent, Brisbane is a destination full of opportunities for business, investors and talent. Brisbane Economic Development Agency champions businesses to connect, grow and thrive. For more information visit choosebrisbane.com.au.