The state of Queensland has forged a major collaboration between industry and academia to develop next-generation medicines, it was announced on 8 December.
The Queensland government is to collaborate with DSM Biologics of the Netherlands and the University of Queensland’s Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology on the development of biologics, medicines based on natural proteins rather than being chemically synthesised.
Biologics can be used for a variety of medical conditions and they offer the only promising treatment for the Hendra virus infection. The work will be carried out at an AU$65 million scale-up facility currently under construction at the Princess Alexandra Hospital.
DSM Biologics will operate the facility, owned by Biopharmaceuticals Australia Pty Ltd.
The facility will produce clinical and commercial grade biologics for global markets.