Monash University’s Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Centre (MMIC) has been recognised for its contribution to Australia's COVID-19 response and scientific collaboration with a 2020 AusBiotech and Johnson & Johnson Innovation Industry Excellence Award.
The MMIC - located at the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences in Parkville - has played a role in prioritising resource allocation to COVID-19 related projects, including the development of inhaled and intranasal formulations to reduce the spread and severity of infection.
Monash University said MMIC remains committed to supporting pharmaceutical manufacturers and allied industries by facilitating the optimisation of processes, current and new product development and building supply of highly-skilled, industry-ready, workforce candidates.
MMIC Director, Professor Michelle McIntosh, said, “In response to the pandemic, the MMIC has opened our doors to research institutes and companies to provide support for the development of COVID-related therapies. The team is delighted to be recognised for our collaborative efforts through this year’s AusBiotech and Johnson & Johnson Innovation Industry Excellence Awards.”
Amongst the collaborations is the program to investigate repurposed medications that includes The Peter Doherty Institute, University of Melbourne, Monash University, Certara, CSIRO, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and clinicians from Royal Melbourne Hospital, Northern Health and St Vincent’s Hospital.
Since the start of the pandemic the MMIC has also partnered with Geelong-based health care provider, Barwon Health, along with Starpharma, Ena Respiratory and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre to work on formulations for the treatment of COVID-19.
“As we wait for a vaccine for COVID-19, it’s critical that scientists work together to provide clinicians with a range of treatment options. An early treatment which is affordable, safe and widely accessible could be a major game changer in the way we respond to outbreaks,” said Professor McIntosh.
“Effective early treatments that minimise viral spreading would allow local businesses to open with confidence and would allow hospitality and travel industries to begin to rebuild.”