Peter Mac to lead mRNA trials in Victorian Government, BioNTech partnership
08 December 2023
Peter Mac Executive Director of Cancer Research, Professor Ricky Johnstone, addresses the media
BioNTech has outlined its plans to establish major manufacturing and research operations in Melbourne, via a new agreement signed today between the Victorian Government and La Trobe University.
The agreement places Australian patients at the forefront of developing next-generation cancer vaccines, with BioNTech to establish a clinical-scale mRNA manufacturing facility at La Trobe University to support the design, manufacture and clinical testing of novel mRNA-based therapies.
Peter Mac also signed an agreement with the Victorian Government and BioNTech today to be the coordinating clinical delivery partner, leading this clinical trials program and working in conjunction with hospital partners including Monash Health, Alfred Health and Austin Health.
The manufacturing site will be able to produce novel treatments for a range of cancers such as pancreatic, neck, cervical, oesophageal and colorectal cancers, with more to follow.
Peter Mac Board Chair, Professor Maxine Morand, signing the agreement, with Premier Jacinta Allan and BioNTech Chief Operating Officer Dr Sierk Poetting
Over the next ten years, BioNTech has aims to enrol up to 4,000 Australian patients with hard-to-treat cancers in clinical trials of its novel therapies.
“On behalf of the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, I am delighted that this partnership with BioNTech and the Victorian Government, will result in access to clinical trials for the next generation of cancer treatments in Australia,” Peter Mac Board Chair, Professor Maxine Morand, says of today’s announcement.
“As the coordinating delivery partner, Peter Mac will lead a collaborative endeavour alongside key Victorian health services, leveraging our extensive expertise in cancer care, research, and education.
“Together, we anticipate our collaborative efforts will significantly improve outcomes for cancer patients.”
The new manufacturing facility will be built at La Trobe University’s Bundoora campus and will be fully integrated into BioNTech’s global manufacturing network.
BionTech will also establish in Melbourne a regional headquarters for its recently acquired company InstaDeep – a London-based start-up using artificial intelligence to power new drug development.
Executive Director of Cancer Research at Peter Mac, Professor Ricky Johnstone, says: “We thank the Victorian Government, via mRNA Victoria, for driving forward this opportunity that will substantially grow the state’s capability in the emerging field of mRNA therapeutics.”
“We are excited about the science that underpins BioNTech’s offering and our clinical leaders are keen to get new mRNA clinical trials started, to benefit Australian cancer patients.”
Read more about BioNTech’s plans in full in this statement today from the Victorian Government.
BioNTech is renowned for developing - with Pfizer - the world’s first mRNA COVID vaccine, and it also pioneering novel therapies for cancer and other serious diseases.