Did you know that Aegros, a Sydney-based biotech company, is building a new $352-million manufacturing hub at BioPark Australia in Greater Springfield?
Once opened, the facility is expected to increase output for blood plasma products by one million litres a year through its patented Haemafrac plasma fractionating process.
Aegos founder Professor Hari Nair said that his method is twice as effective as the process traditionally used. It’s also more cost-effective and can be delivered at a faster rate than overseas supply chains. Currently, only 53 per cent of plasma products used in Australia are manufactured in the country whilst the rest are imported.
Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick confirmed that the plasma therapeutics company wants to establish its global headquarters in Queensland, which will provide more jobs for highly-skilled Queenslanders.
“Once Aegros has secured all necessary approvals and finance, the two-year construction will support an estimated 230 jobs,” Mr Dick said.
“Aegros estimates that its facility will create 348 long-term jobs across its first four years of operation.
“The company aims to use its unique advanced technology to develop and manufacture lifesaving therapeutic blood products.
“Therapies produced from the plasma in the blood can help fight infection or diseases such as Lupus and Type 1 diabetes, can promote blood clotting, prevent shock and assist with post-surgical recovery.
“The Springfield facility will have the capacity to process one million litres of human plasma per year.
“Australia imports almost half of the essential plasma and blood products used to develop biopharmaceuticals, so this new facility will position Aegros to meet the needs of the domestic market.
“Aegros also aims to capture some of the $19 billion global export market for therapeutic plasma products.
Member for Jordan Charis Mullen hailed Aegros choice to set up a facility in Greater Springfield as its underscored a vote of confidence in the region. The new industry could also attract and create hundreds of skilled jobs locally.
Meanwhile, Prof Nair is also looking forward to forge a relationship with the region’s medical community and universities to develop better plasma therapies for a myriad of diseases.
“In this way, Aegros is also proud to be able to contribute to the country’s future pandemic preparedness.
“The support of the Queensland Government’s Invested in Queensland program and Springfield City Group has been invaluable to Aegros in moving forward with this project here in Queensland.”