Leading global vaccine experts have been enlisted to provide advice on mRNA manufacturing capability in Victoria, with an international pioneer to team up with local leaders to form mRNA Victoria’s new Scientific Advisory Group.
The Victorian Government on June 16 announced the members of the Group, including Dr Barney Graham, whose ground-breaking research into the spike protein was a key part of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine breakthrough, an official press release said.
Dr Graham is the Deputy Director of the Vaccine Research Center at the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) and worked with American company Moderna to create their mRNA vaccine.
The award-winning immunologist and virologist has worked closely with Dr Anthony Fauci – the leader of the United States’ coronavirus response and chief medical adviser to President Joe Biden – during the pandemic and has hosted presidents Biden and Trump at his laboratory.
Dr Graham is one of nine members of the Scientific Advisory Group, which also features Melbourne-based, world-leading infectious disease experts such as Professor Sharon Lewin and Professor Brendan Crabb.
The members of the group are:
Dr Amanda Caples – Victoria’s Lead Scientist and Chair of the Group Professor Sharon Lewin – Director, Doherty Institute Dr Barney Graham – Deputy Director, Vaccine Research Center, US National Institutes of Health Professor William Charman – Sir John Monash Distinguished Professor, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University Professor Brendan Crabb – Director, Burnet Institute Professor Doug Hilton – Director, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research Professor Terry Nolan – Head, Infectious Diseases, University of Melbourne Professor John Carroll – Director, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute Professor Andrew Steer – Director, Infection and Immunity, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute.
Operating for an initial term of two years, the Scientific Advisory Group will harness the expertise of its members and, in consultation with mRNA Victoria, support the development of mRNA vaccine manufacturing and research.
mRNA Victoria will also work with industry associations such as AusBiotech and BioMelbourne Network to establish a panel of industry experts and service providers to complement the expertise of the Advisory Group.
The Victorian Government is investing $50 million to build mRNA capability, which will equip Australia with vaccine support for protection against coronavirus and future pandemics, and capabilities for new research breakthroughs.
The creation of the new body solidifies the Government’s commitment to driving innovation and research, building on the establishment of the $2 billion Breakthrough Victoria Fund.
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