Minister for Industry and Innovation Ben Carroll announced that Breakthrough Victoria will invest $10 million in a new eye clinical trials centre at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital to boost the number of clinical trials for world-first treatments for eye disease.
In a media statement, the government said the new centre, which will be a part of the Centre for Eye Research Australia (CERA), will also support ongoing research in fields including gene and cell therapy, giving patients access to therapies that may not be widely available for several more years.
The expanded network of local optometrists taking part in clinical trials and the provision of eye-care telehealth services through the new centre are both expected to benefit rural and regional populations.
Over the next ten years, opening the new clinical trials facility will provide access to innovative treatments for over 2000 patients and generate about 50 new employment.
By the end of 2024, the centre’s construction is anticipated to be finished.
Minister Carroll commented on the recent investment, saying “We’re backing projects like CERA because we know these investments help to change lives, create jobs and boost our economy for years into the future.”
Minister for Medical Research Mary-Anne Thomas described the investment as a “stunning example” of how research can improve people’s lives, while simultaneously solidifying Victoria’s standing as a hub for research, investment, and top talent worldwide.
Meanwhile, Breakthrough Victoria CEO Grant Dooley emphasised that by creating a new eye clinical trials centre, the government is commercialising the state’s expertise in international markets and giving Victorians early access to therapies that may one day end blindness.
The government stated the health technology industry will provide $2.5 billion in exports by 2022.
Around 31,000 individuals work in the commercial sector, while another 20,000 are involved in research.
Breakthrough Victoria makes investments in businesses to help breakthrough technologies that will benefit Victoria become commercially viable.
Recent investments are FLAIM Systems, Quantum Brilliance, Samsara Eco, and Smart Paddock.
