Victorian researchers developing future pandemic treatments

Victorian researchers are fast-tracking the development of new medical technology and life-saving virus treatments, thanks to Victorian Government support.

Monash University’s expanded Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Centre (MMIC) in Clayton is one of 10 research projects to share in $5 million in funding through the latest round of the Cumming Global Centre for Pandemic Therapeutics Foundation Grants.

The grants will support researchers worldwide to uncover new technologies and fast-track the development of treatments for viruses and infectious diseases that could cause future pandemics.

Victoria is leading the way by securing more than half of the total Cumming Global Centre’s funding pool for this round, with grants also awarded to the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute in Parkville and the CSIRO Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness in Geelong.

Thanks to the Cumming Global Centre grant, Monash University’s MMIC is developing a new therapeutic agent to treat respiratory viruses and prevent lung infections.

Monash recently opened their expanded MMIC facility in Clayton, which is one of three core areas across the Monash Technology Precinct that benefitted from a $16.1 million investment through the Victorian Higher Education State Investment Fund. It builds on the Centre’s work in Parkville to enhance R&D and boost local medicine manufacturing capabilities.

The Victorian Government has established world-leading medical research facilities including the Australian Institute for Infectious Disease, the Cumming Global Centre, and bringing Moderna’s first mRNA vaccine manufacturing facility outside North America to Melbourne.

View the full list of funded projects at: cgcpt.edu.au