Doherty Clinical Trials at AusBiotech

Earlier this month, our CEO Dr. Andrew Brockway had the pleasure of attending the annual AusBiotech conference, Australia's largest life sciences conference held in Brisbane, Australia. It was an exciting, thought provoking event where we were fortunate to hear from some of the leading minds in biotechnology, medical devices and agri-tech.

Whilst it’s no secret the big news that came out of the event was the announcement of the #mRNA Platform Incubator Network – a joint initiative between Moderna, Doherty Clinical Trials, and a select number of our world-class neighbouring medical institutions in the Parkville Biomedical precinct. But there were several other highlights from the conference, that have us at Doherty Clinical Trials very excited for the future of clinical research and infectious disease clinical development in Australia.

‍

Some key insights that caught our attention include:

‍

• An inspiring talk by Professor Ian Frazer, where he emphasised the need for collaboration among Australian states and research groups as being essential for ensuring a successful local biotechnology industry. A sentiment that we strongly echo and with our forthcoming collaboration with like minded clinical trial units (which we will share more about in due course), aim to take steps to realise.

‍

• There were several fantastic sessions focused on infectious disease research, including advances in vaccine platform technologies, the need to ensure better access to essential medicines and vaccines and the requirement to invest in preparedness for future pandemics.

‍

• We heard how the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) wants to be a leader in regulatory reviews and approvals of new vaccine developments in the region.

‍

• In addition to current vaccine delivery methods, such as via needles and syringes,there is growing interest in alternatives including needle free vaccine delivery technologies, as pioneered by the team at the Queensland biotech company, Vaxxas. Not only is this a very exciting prospect, due in large part to the benefits it will bring, but it is something we at Doherty Clinical Trials are eager to understand further as we look to advance treatments and vaccines and ease the pressures of disease on communities around the world.

‍

• Australia has been recognised by large multi-national pharmaceutical companies as a great place to conduct clinical development activities, including having high quality site networks and a favourable regulatory environment, but most importantly having great people talent, which is undoubtedly essential to building a thriving local sector.

‍

• And finally, we heard about many recent and future advances with mRNA from a range of innovative companies, which presents a truly exciting time for novel medicines. And as if serendipitous, a perfect time to launch the #mRNA Platform Incubator Network.

‍

With AusBiotech 2023 providing a great opportunity to connect with fellow researchers and pioneers in the industry and hear more about the future of vaccine development and medicinal technology, we’re very excited to see what the next few years bring and look forward to sharing more updates with you as and when we can.

‍

If you have any questions about any of the points addressed here, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us to discuss further – we’d love to hear from you!