- Minister for Jobs, Innovation and Trade
A Melbourne-based medtech company has launched a new cell therapy manufacturing platform to help patients with previously untreatable, debilitating conditions including lung cancer and autoimmune diseases.
Minister for Jobs, Innovation and Trade Martin Pakula today visited leading cell therapy and diagnostics company Invetech with Member for Oakleigh Steve Dimopoulos to congratulate the company on delivering its second-generation formulation and fill platform.
The new platform supports the low-cost, commercial-scale manufacture of cell therapies including chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy, already used to treat patients with leukemia in Victoria.
The announcement is another win for Victoria's booming medtech and pharma sector and demonstrates the Andrews Labor Government's commitment to advancing global healthcare.
Headquartered in Melbourne, Invetech delivers commercial-scale manufacturing equipment to the world's leading biotherapeutics companies, helping its global client base deliver life-saving therapies to patients in need.
Invetech has more than 30 years' experience delivering cutting-edge healthcare technology and employs a team of more than 300 technical specialists in Australia and across the world.
Victoria's Medical Technologies and Pharmaceuticals sector employs more than 31,000 people and generates more than $21 billion in revenue. Victorian exports in the sector have increased by over 67 per cent since 2014, amounting to over $190 million in 2018.
Since 2016, the Labor Government has supported investment in the sector creating 766 jobs and over $234 million in capital expenditure.
As stated by Minister for Jobs, Innovation and Trade Martin Pakula
"Invetech's new Formulation and Fill Platform is a great example of Victoria's ability to produce world-leading medtech and pharma innovations that have global impacts."
As stated by Member for Oakleigh Steve Dimopoulos
"Invetech is an important player in the MedTech precinct in our region, providing life-changing treatment options for thousands of patients around the world and we're so proud to play our part."
As stated by Vice President Cell Therapy Invetech David Kneen
"Victoria's flourishing medtech hub is an ideal place to develop our cell therapy manufacturing and diagnostic solutions."
