State govt funds new sovereign biomedical projects
The state government has announced two new biomedical projects have won funds under its $180.6 million Sovereign Industry Development Fund.
Funding has been announced for two new biomedical projects, the first to establish Australia’s first sovereign manufacturing capability for Thorium-228, the critical upstream isotope used in next-generation targeted alpha therapies to treat cancer.
The state government has committed more than $15.25 million for the project which will be delivered by AdvanCell and create 79 new jobs.
The project will position Queensland as the only jurisdiction in the world capable of producing Thorium-228 at a commercial scale.
A second project to build sovereign biomedical manufacturing capabilities, has been awarded more than $2.2 million.
The funding was expected to provide the final critical stage of the conversion from drug substances into patient-ready clinical products, a capability that only currently exists interstate.
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Delivered by Southern RNA, the FlexFill project would establish Queensland’s first semi-automated sterile fill and finish platform, capable of filling 2,000 vials per batch and providing a manufacturing solution for therapeutic developers progressing products towards clinical trials.
Deputy Premier and State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Minister Jarrod Bleijie said the projects were expected to drive security, investment and jobs by opening up opportunities to build the state’s sovereign capability.
“These investments create jobs and drive industry development that secures Queensland’s position as a global leader in biomedicine and pharmaceutical manufacturing,” he said.
“Building sovereign capability has never been more critical, ensuring that Queensland is less reliant on global supply chains that can be disrupted by foreign conflicts, like we have seen recently.”
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Life Sciences Queensland Chair Professor Frank Gannon said the success of Southern RNA and AdvanCell highlighted the potential of Queensland’s life sciences sector.
“Southern RNA and AdvanCell are dynamic companies making significant contributions in the emerging fields of RNA therapeutics and radiopharmaceuticals, which are transforming cancer treatment,” Professor Gannon said.
He added the funding would support their continued growth and deliver benefits to patients worldwide and the Queensland economy.
AusBiotech CEO Rebekah Cassidy welcomed the funding announcement for AdvanCell and Southern RNA, both AusBiotech members.
“Importantly, this announcement highlights the depth of capability, research excellence and commercial opportunity across Queensland’s broader life sciences ecosystem, which is well placed to drive the next generation of innovation, attract global investment and deliver meaningful health and economic outcomes for Australia,” Cassidy said.
AdvanCell Managing Director Australia Andrew Adamovich said the funding “builds on our successful and ongoing partnership with the Queensland government, enabling AdvanCell to scale a secure radioisotope supply chain and advance innovative production methods in Australia and Queensland is now positioned to lead globally in this space”.
While Southern RNA Co-Founder and Managing Director Chris Peck said by building capability here in Queensland, the company could reduce delays, keep clinical programs local, and support families who were waiting for new therapeutic options.
“For families facing serious illnesses, especially children involved in cutting-edge clinical trials, having this capability locally can make a meaningful difference in how quickly treatments reach patients.”
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