Sanofi will become the inaugural tenant of the Translational Research Institute’s (TRI) new biomanufacturing hub, ENTRI, in Brisbane. The move is being hailed as a significant milestone for Queensland’s ambitions to build a whole, end-to-end translational science and manufacturing ecosystem.
The announcement confirms Sanofi’s expansion within the Translational Science Hub, a global partnership linking TRI with researchers in France, the United States, the University of Queensland, Griffith University and the Queensland Government. ENTRI, now nearing completion, is designed to provide the infrastructure and capabilities needed to move biomedical innovations from discovery through to clinical-grade manufacturing.
TRI CEO Professor Maher Gandhi said Sanofi’s decision to establish an early presence in ENTRI sends a message to the international biotech community that Queensland is serious about building a competitive, globally connected biomedical sector.
“Sanofi’s commitment to ENTRI represents a ringing endorsement of the facility and importantly an affirmation of our vision for a complete translational pathway from discovery, all the way through to manufacturing products to undertake clinical trials for the benefit of patients,” Professor Gandhi said. “ENTRI is the key to achieving this by helping to remove barriers to entry for biotech companies and Sanofi’s presence will add enormous value to that vision.”
Sanofi’s involvement is expected to accelerate local capability by connecting Queensland researchers with the company’s global expertise in product development, clinical research and commercialisation. The company’s Head of the Translational Science Hub, Professor Cameron Simmons, said the tenancy reflects their long-term commitment.
“Our decision to establish a presence at ENTRI demonstrates Sanofi's long-term commitment to Queensland and Australia. Through the Translational Science Hub, we aim to foster collaboration between global and local experts, creating a scientific community focused on new medical technology and translational science,” he said.
ENTRI is scheduled to open in early 2026 and will provide access to current Good Manufacturing Practice cleanrooms, wet labs, office space and collaborative environments for emerging biotech companies looking to manufacture products for all phases of clinical trials. Jointly funded by TRI and the Queensland Government, the facility is positioned as the missing piece in Queensland’s pathway to developing, testing and producing new therapeutics and devices entirely onshore.
Professor Gandhi said the vision is that Queensland-originated discoveries should be able to progress through clinical trials without leaving the state.
“Among my ambitions for TRI is to see in-house clinical trials being conducted from therapeutics and medical devices that have been discovered and developed here,” he said. “ENTRI is a major step towards that vision, enabling translation of research from the bench to the bedside by manufacturing products for clinical trials right here in Queensland.”