Melbourne-based AusBiotech has launched the Australian biotechnology sector-led National Cell and Gene Manufacturing Blueprint, which provides a consistent and collaborative strategy to increasing Australia’s sovereign cell and gene (C&G) manufacturing capabilities and capacity.
In a news release, the company said the country risks losing out on the advantages of C&G manufacturing to both the Australian economy and the healthcare system, especially patients in critical need of innovative cures.
The AusBiotech-commissioned Blueprint also provided recommendations on how Australia’s ecosystem can collaborate to develop the necessary workforce, expertise, and infrastructure, to position Australia as a regional leader and deliver a new generation of medical treatments.
Addressing critical and growing skills gaps in C&G manufacturing as well as building critical mass in the country’s C&G manufacturing ecosystem are two of the key challenges identified in the report.
The Blueprint also said the country should optimise its contributions to the C&G pipeline, alongside tracking and guiding industry growth.
“This report is an opportunity to harness Australia’s role in the global cell and gene ecosystem, and to ensure that we are best-placed as a nation to be involved in and benefit from these life-changing therapeutic approaches now and into the future,” said AusBiotech CEO Lorraine Chiroiu.
The report also offers opportunities for both government and industry to strategically invest and thus maximise the socioeconomic potential of C&G manufacturing, including job creation and healthcare outcomes.
For the industry, the report provides an opportunity to shape the field for the future and to build a sustainable and growing ecosystem that attracts and supports local and international operators.
Furthermore, the blueprint addresses five key areas outlined in the Regenerative Medicine Sector Strategic Roadmap: workforce skills development, long-term investment opportunities, strengthened collaboration across the value chain, capability across the value chain, and clear market access pathways aligned with leading global markets.
Meanwhile, project partner Biointelect said it was thrilled to work with AusBiotech to establish the approach.
Co-founder Jenny Herz explained, “Cell and gene therapies are at the forefront of healthcare innovation and with a robust pipeline of therapies addressing increasingly common conditions, we have a unique opportunity to leverage our local strengths in research and clinical trials, improve access for Australian patients and drive the growth of an export industry.”
The Blueprint was established with the industry and government in mind by AusBiotech, the Cell and Gene Manufacturing Taskforce, and Biointelect, with support from the Victorian Government’s Australian Medtech Manufacturing Centre (AMMC).
