G'Day USA! BIO International Opens with Australian CROs and CDMOs Ready to Shine

As the BIO International Convention kicks off today, Australian Contract Research Organisations (CROs) and Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisations (CDMOs) are poised to showcase their strength in medical science and biotechnology on the global stage.

?At a pre-event reception hosted by MTPConnect , Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic MP provided a compelling snapshot of Australia's capabilities and ambitions in this sector.

"Our health science ranked seventh globally. We ranked fifth in the world on the world index of healthcare innovation,"

?Husic noted, despite its geographic isolation, Australia boasts an impressive ecosystem of 1,200 biotech companies, 55 medical research institutes, and 40 universities focused on medical research. This robust infrastructure is complemented by a track record of innovation and discovery which underpins many modern gene and cell therapies, including mRNA vaccines.

Minister Husic emphasised the Australian government's commitment to enhancing the country's role as a global hub for advanced biomanufacturing and clinical trials.

"We want to be a go-to destination for early phase clinical trials with the world's third highest number of trials and world leading clinical trials environments," Ed Husic

The government has also allocated $1.5 billion through the National Reconstruction Fund to scale up medical manufacturing in the country. "We specifically dedicated $1.5 billion to be able to scale up medical manufacturing in Australia," Husic added. "We want to be able to work with people that can translate the ideas into that manufactured product."

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Stuart Dignam , CEO of MTP Connect, reinforced this message, stating, "Australia's research capabilities, coupled with a supportive regulatory environment and government investment, position us as a formidable player on the global stage."

The event also featured special guests Hon Ken Wyatt AM , Chairman of World Data Exchange and former Australian Government Minister, and Dr. Debbie Drane , Senior Vice President Global Commercial Development at CSL Behring. Their presence underscored the importance of collaboration and the exchange of ideas in driving the industry forward.

?For Australian CROs and CDMOs, the message is clear: the world may not yet fully appreciate the 'Australian difference,' but the stage is set for them to make an indelible impression. Minister Husic acknowledged this, saying, "So many of you have the guts and the faith in your ideas and in the face of a lot of people who suggest you won't be able to succeed. We want to be able to back you in those efforts to prove people wrong and make a difference in other people's lives."

The commitment to this sector extends to the state level as well. Margaret Elaine Gardner, Governor of Victoria, emphasised the importance of local clusters and ecosystems: "Clusters matter. Ecosystems matter, capability matters. The scale of the potential workforce through the universities and through the people who are developed through your companies in Australia and elsewhere provides that capacity for us to engage in the sort of transformative ventures that will make a difference to all of us around the world."

?Australia's commitment to this sector is also supported by the stability and certainty of its regulatory environment—an essential factor for international collaborations and investments.

"The stability of our regulatory environment, our skills, and stability... for all of you, it's very important," Husic pointed out. This reliable framework, combined with the active interest of Australian federal and state governments, makes Australia an attractive destination for biotechnological advancement.

While Australian CROs and CDMOs are doing exceptional work, much of the world remains unaware of their achievements. This is where London Agency 's Lab to Lead methodology can make a significant impact, helping these organisations identify their unique strengths, pinpoint their right-fit clients, and craft compelling content to attract those prospects.

As BIO International opens, it serves as a rallying cry for Australian CROs and CDMOs to shine on the global stage, with their commitment to innovation and the profound impact they have on people's lives worldwide, the future looks bright for these organisations and the entire Australian biotech industry.

Here's to a successful convention and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead!

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