An mRNA research and development centre could be built in Melbourne under an agreement struck by the Victorian state government and a German biotech company.
BioNTech has agreed in principle with the state government to develop a clinical-scale mRNA manufacturing facility in Melbourne.
The arrangement would see BioNTech deliver mRNA therapeutics and vaccines for research and clinical trials, including infectious diseases, cancer medicines and personalised cancer treatments.
The new facility will support researchers to translate their work into medical breakthroughs and establish a clinical-scale mRNA manufacturing facility.
Medical research minister Tim Pallas said the state government had invested more than a billion dollars in medical research since 2014.
"This is a major coup for Victoria," he said.
"It will see incredible collaboration opportunities for our researchers and international biotech companies."
Medical Research Minister Jaala Pulford said BioNTech and Moderna were the only companies in the world delivering mRNA products to market.
