New manufacturing centre to boost medicines export
A new world-class medicines manufacturing centre in Melbourne will provide a major boost in the export of medicines manufactured in Victoria.
Established this year in partnership with the Victorian Government, the Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Centre (MMIC), based at Monash University’s Parkville campus, will help generate export growth for Victoria’s expanding pharmaceuticals industry.
It supports pharmaceutical manufacturers and allied industries by facilitating the optimisation of processes, current and new product development and building supply of highly skilled, industry-ready, workforce candidates.
The MMIC was officially launched in Melbourne today with a panel discussion among industry representatives and the announcement of the members of its Industry Advisory Board. The event was hosted by the BioMelbourne Network.
MMIC Director, Associate Professor Michelle McIntosh, said a major focus of the Centre was to provide trouble-shooting support around analytical and formulation processes and to assist companies maintain competitiveness through innovation.
It will also develop a skilled workforce to support the growing industry and could be a major solution in responding to mass jobs losses in Victorian manufacturing.
“We are working with numerous local manufacturers who are transitioning from exporting tablet and capsule based products into pharmaceuticals that involve advanced manufacturing capabilities,” Associate Professor McIntosh said.
“Our aim is to be a compelling feature of the Victorian pharmaceutical ecosystem that makes Melbourne an attractive destination for international medical technology and pharmaceutical manufacturers.”
The Industry Advisory Board provides oversight and advice to the MMIC. Their blend of skills embraces administration and business, government, large scale public research, pharmaceutical manufacturing, innovation and start-up.
“The Advisory Board bring together a wealth of knowledge and experience and are interested in developing a successful hub for the Victorian industry and a stronger pharmaceutical sector,” Associate Professor Michelle McIntosh said.
The advisory board members are :
- Lusia Guthrie, Chairman of Clever Culture Systems Industry Advisory Committee ACVT and ARMI.
- Rebecca Skinner, Sector Strategy Manager, Advanced Manufacturing, DEDTJR
- Dr David Sparling, Vice President Legal and Corporate Development, IDT Australia
- Dr Matthew Nussio, Manager for Industry Partnerships at Monash University
- Dr Andrew Hodder, Vice President Operations, Mulgrave at Hospira
- Dr Paul Savage , Research Director of the Biomedical Manufacturing Program CSIRO
- Dr Greg Ward, Australia Innovations Connection Facilitator at Deloitte Australia - AusIndustry
- Dr Paul Macdonald, Director Pharmaceutical Science, Pfizer Australia
- Associate Professor Jan Tennent, Chief Executive Officer, BioMedVic
- Dr David Herd, Director of Healthcare Environment, GlaxoSmithKline
The MMIC will facilitate training and industry based placements for students.