Biopharmaceuticals company Aegros will build a new $352 million manufacturing facility in Greater Springfield thanks to support from the Palaszczuk Government’s Invested in Queensland program.
Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick said plasma therapeutics company Aegros, currently based in Sydney, will establish its global headquarters and a new advanced production facility at BioPark Australia.
“I congratulate Aegros on their move north, which will bring more good, highly-skilled jobs for Queenslanders,” the Treasurer said.
“Once Aegros has secured all necessary approvals and finance, the two-year construction will support an estimated 230 jobs.
“Aegros estimates that its facility will create 348 long-term jobs across its first four years of operation.
“The company aims to use its unique advanced technology to develop and manufacture lifesaving therapeutic blood products.
“Therapies produced from the plasma in blood can help fight infection or diseases such as Lupus and Type 1 diabetes, can promote blood clotting, prevent shock and assist with post-surgical recovery.
“The Springfield facility will have the capacity to process one million litres of human plasma per year.
“Australia imports almost half of the essential plasma and blood products used to develop biopharmaceuticals, so this new facility will position Aegros to meet the needs of the domestic market.
“Aegros also aims to capture some of the $19 billion global export market for therapeutic plasma products.
Assistant Minister for Treasury and Member for Jordan Charis Mullen said Aegros’ decision to establish their headquarters and production facility in Springfield was a vote of confidence in the region.
“It is terrific that we have been able to attract this significant bio-manufacturing facility to Greater Springfield – a new industry which will see the potential of hundreds of additional skilled jobs created locally.”
Plasma is the straw-coloured liquid component of blood, and through a process of fractionation, plasma proteins are separated, purified, and concentrated for different therapeutic uses.
Aegros Founding Executive Chair Professor Hari Nair said the company was thrilled to be establishing its facility in Queensland and taking the commercialisation of its technology to the next level.
“The development of HaemaFrac®, our unique fractionation process, has been a 30-year journey for myself and my business partner John Manusu,” Professor Nair said.
“We are excited HaemaFrac® is going to be used to increase Australia’s ability to meet its own demand for plasma products, reduce the reliance on overseas supply chains, reduce costs for Australian patients, and to develop and deliver fast responses whenever another pandemic arises.
“The global and Australian market for safe, secure and affordable therapeutic plasma and blood products is only increasing.
“Coupled with Aegros’ significant R&D capability, in collaboration with Queensland’s medical community and universities we are looking to develop new plasma therapies to address diseases with unmet therapeutic needs.
“In this way Aegros is also proud to be able to contribute to the country’s future pandemic preparedness.
“The support of the Queensland Government’s Invested in Queensland program and Springfield City Group has been invaluable to Aegros in moving forward with this project here in Queensland.”
Springfield City Group Chairman Maha Sinnathamby said BioPark Australia precinct in Springfield was the ideal location to establish the new facility due to the growing advanced bio-manufacturing industry, skilled workforce and strong local support.
“This new facility will be the first project delivered as part of the new BioPark Australia precinct,” Mr Sinnathamby said
“Dedicated to attracting industries across commercial, education, health, innovation technology and lifestyle sectors, we envision that other biomedical and innovative companies will soon join Aegros here in Greater Springfield.
“We are very excited about this project and a number of other high-profile projects currently in development in Greater Springfield.”
Mr Dick said Aegros was one of many companies backed by the Queensland Government making the move to and pursuing significant expansions here in Queensland.
“Guided by the vision of the Queensland Biomedical 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan, Queensland is consolidating its credentials as a leading location for significant biomedical and health investment.
“Attracting new investment in Queensland is a major priority for the government with a range of investment programs available to support significant projects and create new jobs for Queenslanders,” the Treasurer said.
Learn more about how the $520 million program is unlocking private sector investment across a range of industries.
