AusBiotech, an Australian industry body representing and advocating for organisations doing business in and with the global life sciences economy, has launched the Australian biotechnology sector-led National Cell and Gene Manufacturing Blueprint, providing a unified and collaborative approach to expanding sovereign cell and gene (C&G) manufacturing capabilities and capacity in Australia.

Without such a plan, there is a risk missing out on the benefits of C&G manufacturing to both the Australian economy and healthcare system, including for patients in desperate need of novel therapies.

The AusBiotech-commissioned Blueprint, which has been developed with both industry and government in mind, outlines recommendations on how Australia’s ecosystem can work together to develop the necessary workforce, expertise and infrastructure, to position Australia as a regional leader and deliver a new generation of medical treatments.

Supported by the Victorian Government’s Australian Medtech Manufacturing Centre (AMMC), the Blueprint was developed by AusBiotech, the Cell and Gene Manufacturing Taskforce, and Biointelect with both industry and government in mind. This also includes the individual contributors and the Cell and Gene Manufacturing Taskforce, comprising of Guillaume Herry (Acura Bio), Ian Wisenberg (BioCina, Bridgewest Group), Silvio Tiziani (CCRM Australia), Jennifer Hollands (Cell Therapies Pty Ltd) and Susie Nilsson (CSIRO), Margret Schuller (NSW Stem Cell Network), and Heather Donaghy (Therapeutic Innovation Australia).

The Blueprint addresses five key areas outlined in the Strategic Roadmap for the Regenerative Medicine Sector: workforce skills development, long-term investment opportunities, strengthened collaboration across the value chain, capability across the value chain, and clear market access pathways aligned with leading global markets.