Baker McKenzie today announced it had advised mRNA Victoria, a division of the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions, to facilitate agreements signed between the Victorian Government, the Federal Government, Moderna and Monash University to manufacture mRNA vaccines in Victoria.
Under the agreement, Victoria will become the first place in the Southern Hemisphere to manufacture mRNA vaccines at Moderna’s new manufacturing and finishing facilities.
The manufacturing facility will be capable of producing 100 million doses per year from 2024 to combat future pandemics.
Importantly, developing mRNA manufacturing capability in Victoria will provide vaccine security, ensuring manufacturing can be contracted locally to avoid global supply chain issues and creating a more robust defence against future pandemics.
Baker McKenzie acted on all aspects of the commercial arrangements and the development of the new facility with the team.
The Baker McKenzie team was led by partners, Toby Patten, Dora Stilianos, Matt Coleman and Alex Wolff, and supported by a large cross-practice team including Alex Hewitt, Kristen Centorame, Max Dowzer-Strode and Benjamin Adams and our Australian healthcare and life sciences industry group.
Toby Patten commented: “We were delighted to be able to assist mRNA Victoria with this milestone agreement between State and Federal Governments, Moderna and Monash University which will give Australians local and ongoing access to Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine – Spikevax as well as an onshore mRNA manufacturing capability in the event of a new pandemic, or a global resurgence of infections.
“Baker McKenzie is proud to be assisting with this major project in the healthcare and life sciences sector. The facilitation of this partnership which will lead to a world-class mRNA ecosystem based in Melbourne, attract highly skilled staff and expand local capability through joint ventures with leading Australian research organizations.”