Deal: Baker McKenzie has advised mRNA Victoria to go forward with an agreement to manufacture mRNA vaccines at the new Moderna facility at Monash University.

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Area: Technology and healthcare

Key players: Baker McKenzie team was led by key partners Toby Patten, Dora Stilianos, Matt Coleman, and Alex Wolff. The agreement was signed by the Victorian government, the federal government, Moderna and Monash University.

Deal significance: Victoria will be the first region in the southern hemisphere to have an mRNA vaccine production facility, making for a stronger Australian presence in leading medical research and a localised vaccine economy in the event of another pandemic. 

The new facility is capable of producing 100 million doses within its first year with the promise of vaccine security and local distribution to avoid international supply chain issues. 

Mr Patten commented that Baker McKenzie was “delighted to be able to assist mRNA Victoria with this milestone agreement between state and federal governments, Moderna and Monash University”.

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“The facilitation of this partnership will lead to a world-class mRNA ecosystem based in Melbourne, attract highly skilled staff and expand local capability through joint ventures with leading Australian research organisations,” he said.

The firm is assisting in the commercial and developmental arrangements for the facility, which is expected to be fully operational by 2024.