CSL to Make COVID-19 Vaccine in Australia

A COVID-19 vaccine is yet to achieve clinical approval, but doses will start to be manufactured in Australia this week.

CSL on November 8 confirmed it will commence manufacturing the University of Oxford/AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine candidate in Victoria from Monday.

The ASX-listed biotechnology company has separate contracts with AstraZeneca and the federal government to manufacture approximately 30 million doses of the AZD1222 vaccine.

The first doses are planned for release in the first half of 2021, pending the outcome of clinical trials and regulatory approval.

The vaccine will not be released for use until the relevant clinical trial and manufacturing data are reviewed and approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration.

CSL chief scientific officer Doctor Andrew Nash said the announcement marked an important milestone and the end of “many months of around-the-clock preparation.”

“There’s still a long way to go and our first priority resolutely remains the safety and efficacy of the vaccines we produce,” Nash said in a statement on Sunday.

“We are undertaking these manufacturing activities at-risk and in parallel with the clinical trials and approvals processes in recognition of the significant urgency of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

By Gus McCubbing