Queensland will play a key role in delivering the next generation of needle-free vaccines with the opening of a high-tech manufacturing operation, the state’s deputy premier says.
Biotechnology company Vaxxas opened its custom-built, 5500-square-metre global headquarters and biomedical facility in a state government supported-building in Brisbane’s riverside suburb of Hamilton on Monday.
Deputy Premier Steven Miles said the facility was a “game changer” via its plan to bring a skin patch to market allowing vaccines to be administered in remote areas without access to trained medical staff and refrigeration.
“It’s testament to what’s possible here in Queensland now that we are truly a global biomedical hub,” Dr Miles said.
He said the facility in its early stage would create 13 “well-paid and secure, highly skilled jobs” and help secure Australia’s domestic supply of vaccines.
“Next time there’s a pandemic we’ll have access to [vaccines] first here locally.”
Vaxxas was established in 2011 to develop the high-density microarray patch (HD-MAP) vaccine technology initially created at the University of Queensland.
Chief executive David Hoey said Vaxxas had two studies under way in Queensland, for COVID-19 and seasonal influenza.
“We’re about three to five years from our first commercial products,” Mr Hoey said.
The facility includes sterile clean rooms for manufacturing and assembly of vaccine patches as well as supporting infrastructure including laboratories and office space.
Mr Hoey said the building was the first of its kind and Vaxxas had spent $10 million on equipment. It plans to spend $60 million over the next few years.
“This is an evolutionary improvement on the needle and syringe … because you can take vaccines to places that you simply cannot get to today,” he said.
– AAP
