The Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Centre (MMIC) has officially opened in the Monash Technology Precinct in Clayton, poised to advance medicine formulation, tackle manufacturing challenges, and develop a highly skilled pharmaceutical workforce.
Victorian Deputy Premier and Minister for Medical Research, Ben Carroll, presided over the event, the university said in a news release.
The Centre’s expansion, supported by an $8.58 million investment from the Victorian Higher Education State Investment Fund and an additional $4 million from Monash University, extends its work at the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (MIPS) in Parkville.
Minister Carroll also revealed that the MMIC has secured a grant from the Cumming Global Centre for Pandemic Therapeutics.
This grant will facilitate the development of a new therapeutic agent designed to treat respiratory infections and inflammation, bolstering defences against current and future viral threats.
Professor Michelle McIntosh, director of MMIC, highlighted the Centre’s potential impact on the Victorian community.
“This new facility represents a substantial leap forward in Victoria’s research commercialisation opportunities. Our dedicated pharmaceutical scientists are committed to advancing the development of various medicines, from laboratory-scale projects to local manufacturing for clinical trials,” Professor McIntosh stated.
Professor McIntosh also expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration with the Cumming Global Centre, spearheaded by Professor Sharon Lewin, to develop treatments for respiratory viruses.
“Fostering collaboration between research institutes is central to MMIC’s mission, and we are excited to work with Professor Lewin and her team to progress a new treatment for respiratory viruses and further strengthen Australia’s resilience to future health emergencies,” Professor McIntosh added.
Professor Sharon Lewin, inaugural director of the Cumming Global Centre, congratulated Professor McIntosh on securing the grant and emphasised the project’s importance.
“In a globally competitive process, Professor McIntosh’s exploration of an innovative delivery system to treat future respiratory viruses stood out for both scientific excellence and its alignment to the Centre’s mission to advance the science behind therapeutics for pathogens of pandemic potential,” Professor Lewin remarked.
Monash University Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Sharon Pickering, underscored the significance of the new MMIC facility within the Monash Technology Precinct.
“This new facility will further strengthen the research and development capability of the Monash Technology Precinct innovation ecosystem, joining world-leading research and technology organisations such the CSIRO, the Melbourne Centre for Nanofabrication, the Victorian Heart Hospital and the soon-to-be completed Moderna manufacturing facility,” Professor Pickering said.
Located in the Monash Technology Precinct, MMIC Clayton offers state-of-the-art laboratory and office space, co-located with the Australian Synchrotron.
