Viral Vector Manufacturing Facility Pty Ltd (VVMF), Australia’s first and only clinical and commercial-scale viral vector Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisation (CDMO), was officially opened today in Sydney. This milestone marks a major step forward in strengthening Australia’s sovereign capabilities in advanced biomanufacturing.
Located within the Westmead Health and Innovation Precinct, the largest health, education, research, and innovation precinct in the country, VVMF is backed by a $134.5 million investment from the NSW Government. The facility supports both state and national priorities to grow high-value jobs, boost exports, and attract international investment into NSW and Australia.
VVMF will deliver GMP-grade lentiviral (LV) and adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors, supporting the development of transformative gene and cell therapies.
Services include:
- Vector research and development
- Construct design and optimisation
- Process development
- Pre-clinical and clinical manufacturing (up to 500L)
- Technology transfer
- Wraparound support leveraging Australia’s R&D tax incentives, streamlined regulatory pathways, and world-class clinical trial infrastructure
Prof. Ian Alexander, Paediatrician and Chief Medical Officer, and Prof. Leszek Lisowski, vectrologist and Chief Technology Officer, are the founding scientists for the business, bringing deep scientific and clinical expertise from concept to clinic.
“Today we celebrate the official opening of VVMF – Australia’s first viral vector cGMP manufacturing facility. This marks a major step forward for the sector, positioning Australia as a leader in advanced biomanufacturing. VVMF strengthens our ability to translate cutting-edge research into commercial therapies and accelerates patients access to Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products” said Stephen Thompson, Chief Executive Officer of VVMF.