Victoria’s future supply of COVID-19 vaccines is to be fast-tracked, with a new body established and charged with building the State’s mRNA manufacturing capability.
Minister for Medical Research, Jaala Pulford said the new body, mRNA Victoria, would be led by its recently appointed inaugural Chief Executive, Michael Kapel who will oversee the establishment of commercial-scale mRNA manufacturing capability in Victoria within the next 12 months.
“mRNA Victoria will leverage the State’s significant scientific expertise and partner with universities, research institutes and industry across the globe to accelerate onshore mRNA manufacturing,” Ms Pulford said.
“The dedicated organisation will be led by Mr Kapel and supported by a science advisory group of industry and technical experts,” she said.
“Victoria’s Chief Scientist Amanda Caples will convene the advisory group, with additional appointments expected in the coming weeks.”
Ms Pulford said the advisory group would provide advice to Government on crucial steps to support the project.
“mRNA has not only created a new frontier for vaccine development, but become a promising new weapon in the fight against cancer and other diseases,” the Minister said.
“Developing mRNA capability in Victoria will provide vaccine security, support local manufacturing and create a more robust defence against future pandemics.”
Mr Kapel was the former Commissioner to the Americas for the Government of Victoria.
