A big day for Moderna, with the company unveiling a new pharmacology accelerator with Monash University and a new corporate headquarters and regional research centre in Melbourne.
The Monash-Moderna Quantitative Pharmacology Accelerator (MMQPA) is the inaugural program established under the company’s Research Centre for Respiratory Medicines and Tropical Diseases.
Established within Monash University’s Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (MIPS) in Melbourne, Victoria, the program aims to drive advancements in mRNA medicines, through a five-year, $3 million investment by Moderna.
The MMQPA aims to bolster Australia’s ability to expedite the development of mRNA medicines.
Dr Craig Rayner, the director of Moderna’s Regional Centre for Respiratory Medicines and Tropical Diseases, said, “Moderna is proud to invest in the advancement of Australia’s mRNA scientific capabilities to deliver the greatest impact of mRNA science for people with unmet medical needs. With this partnership, we can help fast-track Australia’s contribution to mRNA drug discovery, development and innovation in new mRNA medicines for a broad range of diseases.”
Dr Chris Bral, Moderna’s senior vice president of Nonclinical Sciences, Research and Early Development, said, “Moderna is excited to collaborate with MIPS, and we hope to inspire skills development, innovation and greater adoption of QP to accelerate mRNA medicine development programs.”
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Enterprise and Engagement) and Senior Vice-President, Doron Ben-Meir said, “This partnership between Moderna and Monash complements Monash’s ever-evolving RNA and quantitative pharmacology ecosystem, which continues to play a significant role in placing Australia at the forefront of drug discovery, development and innovation in new medicines for a broad range of diseases.”
Moderna also announced the inauguration of its Melbourne-based headquarters for Australia, New Zealand, South East Asia and Oceania, and its Regional Research Centre for Respiratory Medicines and Tropical Diseases.
“We are delighted to plant permanent roots in Melbourne, a city with a thriving biotech community and fast-growing passion for the potential that the mRNA platform offers towards improving human health”, said Michael Azrak, the general manager of Moderna Australia and New Zealand.
“Melbourne will be home to our growing employee base as they support Australia and other markets in the region. Our fast-growing team will be able to work shoulder to shoulder with collaboration partners across Australia’s mRNA science eco-system through our new Regional Centre for Respiratory Medicines and Tropical Diseases,” said Mr Azrak.
The company said establishing its regional headquarters and research centre in Melbourne is foundational to its ten-year strategic partnership with the federal and Victorian governments.
Led by Dr Craig Rayner, the Regional Research Centre for Respiratory Medicines and Tropical Diseases will incorporate Moderna experts from multiple scientific disciplines, serving as a hub designed to engage and partner with Australia’s mRNA R&D ecosystem.
“Our Regional Research Centre sits in the heart of Australia’s premier biotech and infection and immunity precincts,” said Dr Rayner.
“By being embedded within a world-leading research and clinician community, we see huge potential in being able to innovate and accelerate life-changing mRNA medicines to patients, together.”
