The rare $1m NanoAssemblr, shipped in from Canada, will help Victoria develop mRNA vaccines similar to the in-demand Pfizer and Moderna jabs.
The equipment will manufacture more than 150 doses for Phase 1 of the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences’ clinical trials, expected to be underway by November, with the first results to be available early next year.
“Victoria leads the nation in mRNA expertise with universities, research institutes and industry working together to accelerate local mRNA development and manufacturing,” medical research minister Jaala Pulford said.
“We’ve acted swiftly to establish mRNA Victoria and committed $50m to grow mRNA capability here, and we’re already making great progress.”
The clinical trials will be overseen by the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Melbourne. Picture: Penny Stephens.Source:Supplied
The mRNA vaccines don’t contain any pieces of live virus but instead contain genetic information that helps teach human cells to make the spike protein found on the surface of the coronavirus, triggering an immune response.
The mRNA technology is reportedly more flexible against different variants of Covid, which will help in the fight against future highly infectious and potentially more severe strains.
Following the clinical trials, it’s hoped the vaccine will be available for the public within 18 months, reducing Australia’s reliance on overseas supplies.
The new technology is being developed by Boronia-based company IDT Australia.
The mRNA technology teaches human cells to make the spike protein found on the surface of the coronavirus. Picture: Penny Stephens.Source:Supplied
It comes as more than 22,000 Victorians received Covid vaccinations overnight, as the state rushes to break down any further spread in the current outbreak.
Premier Daniel Andrews on Monday told reporters there were currently 52,566 vaccination appointments available in the next week.
The appointments are available in both regional Victoria and metropolitan Melbourne, and include the AstraZeneca and Pfizer jabs dependent on eligibility.
“Each and every one of those appointments takes us a step closer in that race to 70 per cent and then 80 per cent of our community having been vaccinated,” Mr Andrews said.
“That means that we don’t have to be locked down, certainly not statewide - we don’t have to have many of the rules that are essential and our only option at this time.
“Those vaccination numbers give us many other options, and they’re all much better than the very limited set of options that every state and the national government have reluctantly – and with a heavy heart – had to sign up to.”
rhiannon.tuffield@news.com.au