The Allan Labor Government has welcomed a new BioNTech clinical trial platform that will provide cancer patients with easier access to the next generation of investigational treatments, as part of an agreement with BioNTech and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.
Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs Danny Pearson today visited the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre to see how the new Clinical Trial Oncology Platform is supporting the development of investigational therapies for hard-to-treat cancers.
BioNTech has entered into an agreement with the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre to establish the platform, creating a network of key delivery partners including Austin Health, Alfred Health and Monash Health.
The platform is designed to streamline clinical trials through efficient data collection, planning and patient access. Its objective is to improve access for cancer patients to BioNTech's innovative clinical trials across Australia, giving them more investigational treatment options.
BioNTech is working with internationally renowned principal investigators and clinical trial teams from hospitals across Melbourne, regional Victoria and Australia to offer investigational targeted treatments for lung, breast, melanoma, head and neck cancers and other common cancers - with more to come.
The platform has started its first clinical trial for an investigational breast cancer treatment at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. The trial is evaluating the safety and efficacy of immunotherapy administered in combination with chemotherapy for participants with triple-negative breast cancer.
As part of the strategic partnership with mRNA Victoria, BioNTech is establishing a state-of-the-art mRNA manufacturing facility at La Trobe University's Bundoora campus to support research and development and clinical-scale manufacturing of investigational mRNA-based medicines.
This forms part of the Government's broader investment to position Victoria as a global destination for biotechnology and ensures we remain at the forefront of mRNA innovation.
Victoria is the only place in the world where both mRNA global leaders - Moderna and BioNTech - have chosen to establish research and development and manufacturing operations.
The Government invested $5 million to drive growth in clinical trials and enable industry-sponsored clinical trials across our state.
The Labor Government has also invested more than $1 billion towards health and medical research over the past decade - driving growth in the sector, creating jobs and supporting incredible breakthroughs in treatment and care.
As stated by Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs Danny Pearson
"Victoria has some of the best cancer survival outcomes globally, but there's more to do - this new Clinical Trial Oncology Platform has the potential to deliver the next big breakthrough in cancer treatment."
"This program is another reason why Victoria is a global leader in medical research and biotechnology as we remain at the forefront of cutting-edge innovations."
As stated by BioNTech Site Head Australia David Sparling
"BioNTech is dedicated to bringing innovative treatments to patients and our agreement with the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre is a significant step towards achieving this goal."
"By harnessing the strength of Victoria's life sciences sector, we aim to streamline clinical trials and expedite the development of innovative investigational treatments for people with cancer. Together, we are aiming to help revolutionize the standard of cancer care for thousands of patients in Australia and New Zealand."
As stated by Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Executive Director Cancer Research Professor Ricky Johnstone
"This platform represents a new model for staging clinical trials - one that will accelerate innovation and deliver easier access to cutting-edge therapies for patients. We thank BioNTech for their partnership and acknowledge the Victorian Government's vision."
"This initiative is a further step towards positioning Victoria as a global leader in mRNA and other emerging therapeutics."
