Melbourne strengthens its position as Australia’s leading hub for innovative medical research and advanced manufacturing with the launch of the nation’s first accredited facility capable of producing next generation cancer treatment that targets tumours with precision. All backed by the Victorian Government.
Minister for Industry and Advanced Manufacturing Colin Brooks officially opened IDT Australia’s new world-class facility, the Ehrlich Bioconjugation Centre. The centre is dedicated to the production of Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADCs) for Research and Development (R&D), clinical, and commercial use.
This cutting-edge facility signals Victoria’s commitment to industry collaboration and highlights the commercial potential for biotech and pharmaceutical companies seeking to develop and manufacture next-generation therapies within Victoria’s thriving biomedical ecosystem.
Described as the “biological missile” for targeted cancer therapy, ADCs significantly improve patients’ survival rates and quality of life through the highly specific delivery of potent chemotherapy agents to cancer cells.
ADCs have a substantial impact on improving survival rates in breast cancer treatment, especially in metastatic, HER2positive, and triple-negative cancers. As a progressive technology, they are transforming treatment options globally. The global ADC market is forecast to reach US$140 billion over the next 15 years as it is expected to displace between 30 per cent to 50 per cent of the traditional chemotherapy market.
The Victorian Government has supported the establishment of this new facility, helping to secure 88 highly skilled local jobs and position Victoria as a global leader in advanced cancer treatment manufacturing.
The Victorian Industry Policy identifies health technologies and medical research as a priority sector that builds on our competitive advantages to drive innovation, growth and unlock new commercial opportunities.
Victoria’s $21.4 billion health technologies sector is a global leader in research and manufacturing. The sector exports $3.8 billion in pharmaceuticals – accounting for more than half of Australia’s pharmaceutical exports - and employs 51,785 people.
The Victorian Budget 2025/26 invests over $24 million in medical research and $150 million to launch a new Victorian Investment Fund, which will expand priority sectors and deliver additional grants for businesses and industries like IDT – while capitalising on our strengths to boost innovation and economic development.
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