BioCina to make mRNA vaccines in Adelaide

BioCina, a contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO), has announced the final transfer to it of ownership of the microbial-based pharmaceutical manufacturing facility of Hospira Adelaide Pty Ltd., an affiliate of Pfizer.

The site in Adelaide will now be operated by the company as a CDMO specialising in process development and cGMP manufacturing of microbial-based therapeutics and mRNA vaccines.

To meet the unprecedented need for mRNA manufacturing capability and capacity now and into the future, BioCina’s Founder, Masood Tayebi, and CEO, Ian Wisenberg, will expand current capabilities and services to include the end-to-end manufacture of mRNA vaccines.

“Our vision is to be a trusted CDMO partner to the biopharma industry that helps save the lives of patients worldwide,” Wisenberg said. “We are now in full flight with unfettered ability to provide superior development and manufacturing services. With the current global pandemic, we have seen the need to develop fast, innovative life-saving medicines with world-class science and superior quality to our partnered clients.”

South Australian Minister for Trade and Investment Stephen Patterson welcomed the news that BioCina will expand its site in Adelaide to include the end-to-end manufacture of mRNA vaccines.

“The state government is committed to putting the health and medical industries sector at the forefront of South Australia’s economic growth, as one of our nine key sectors,” he said. “Our sector plan looks forward to 2030 with a target to more than double the HMI economic contribution to South Australia, increasing its value from $2.3 billion to $5 billion.

“As Australia’s leading CDMO focused on delivering critical mRNA manufacturing capabilities, we are delighted to welcome BioCina formally to Adelaide as a flagship of the national mRNA landscape,” Minister Patterson added.

Image: BioCina