- Crisafulli Government announces first two successful biomedical projects under landmark $180.6 million Sovereign Industry Development Fund.
- Funding strengthens Queensland's position as a global leader in advanced manufacturing and life sciences, creating local jobs and faster access to life‑changing medical treatments.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering a better lifestyle through a stronger economy by unlocking new opportunities, driving investment and supporting more jobs across Queensland.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering investment, jobs and further strengthening Queensland's sovereign capabilities with the announcement of the first two successful biomedical projects under the flagship $180.6 million Sovereign Industry Development Fund.
The government has committed more than $15.25 million 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 project, delivered by AdvanCell, will position Queensland as a global leader in the production of targeted alpha therapies, being one of the only jurisdictions in the world that will be capable of producing Thorium-228 at commercial scale. The project will create 79 new jobs.
Additionally, the government has committed more than $2.2 million to build Queensland's sovereign biomedical manufacturing capabilities by providing the final critical stage of the conversion from drug substances into patient-ready clinical products, a capability that currently only exists interstate.
Southern RNA's FlexFill project will establish Queensland's first semi-automated sterile fill and finish platform, being capable of filling up to 2,000 vials per batch and providing a manufacturing solution for therapeutic developers progressing products towards clinical trials. The project will create 18 new jobs.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said after years of inaction under Labor, the Crisafulli Government was driving security, investment and jobs by opening up opportunities to build the state's sovereign capability.
"Unlike Labor's failed and haphazard approach to industry growth, these investments create jobs and drive industry development that secures Queensland's position as a global leader in biomedicine and pharmaceutical manufacturing," Deputy Premier Bleijie said.
"The Crisafulli Government is open for business, and these investments show we are serious about rebuilding Queensland's sovereign manufacturing strength, securing critical supply chains and creating high‑value local jobs.
"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.
"We asked industry to bring forward bold, credible ideas, and we are delivering targeted investments that put Queensland on the map as a global leader in advanced manufacturing and life sciences.
"Investing in biomedical industry development is also part of the Crisafulli Government's plan to deliver health services when you need them."
Life Sciences Queensland Chair Professor Frank Gannon said the success of Southern RNA and AdvanCell highlighted the strength and global 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.
"This award will support their continued growth and deliver benefits to patients worldwide and the Queensland economy."
AusBiotech CEO Rebekah Cassidy welcomed the Crisafulli Government's announcement of funding for AdvanCell and Southern RNA, both valued AusBiotech members, which underscored the state's strong commitment to growing its life sciences sector and position as a leading hub for innovation.
"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," Ms Cassidy said.
AdvanCell Managing Director Australia Andrew Adamovich said the investment was a tremendous vote of confidence in AdvanCell and a clear signal of Queensland's commitment to sovereign Australian advanced manufacturing.
"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," Mr Adamovich said.
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.
"At the heart of this project is giving patients faster access to new and potentially life-changing treatments," Mr Peck said.
"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."
