As the world recalibrates its life sciences infrastructure post-pandemic, Australia is stepping up as a regional powerhouse in biomanufacturing—especially in the realm of viral vectors and cell and gene therapy. At the heart of this transformation lies a strategic collaboration between the Viral Vector Manufacturing Facility (VVMF) and Cytiva, aimed at reinforcing Australia’s position on the global map of therapeutic innovation. In this exclusive interview with BioPharma Boardroom, Stephen Thompson, CEO of VVMF, and Jon Ince, General Manager of Cytiva Australia, delve into how this partnership is streamlining clinical trial readiness, accelerating time-to-market, and building the skilled workforce needed to power the next generation of biotherapeutics. From national policy support to modular technologies and regional supply chain integration, the duo outlines a roadmap that could well define Asia-Pacific’s biomanufacturing future.

Australia’s Position in the Global Biomanufacturing Landscape:

How do you see Australia’s growth in the global biomanufacturing value chain, particularly in the context of pandemic preparedness and therapeutic innovation? What are your aspirations for Australia’s biomanufacturing industry in the next 5-10 years?

Stephen:

Australia is a world-leading location for life sciences and biomanufacturing. With Cell and Gene Therapy in the APAC region continuing to grow at an accelerated rate (~18%), Australia is ready to support this growth. We expect the Australian biomanufacturing market to continue to grow year on year. 

Australia has a world class regulatory environment, an advanced clinical trial ecosystem, and the Australian R&D tax incentive, which offers increased access for international companies, provides generous tax offsets for eligible R&D activity.  The recently published Federal and State Government strategies offer strong support to the sector in research, innovation, and advanced manufacturing. 

Australia and VVMF expect to be a leader in clinical trials and the manufacture of advanced therapeutics in Asia Pacific, and a regional catalyst for viral vector research and innovation.

Jon: 

Australia is rapidly emerging as a strategic player in the global biomanufacturing value chain. The pandemic underscored the importance of sovereign manufacturing capabilities, and Australia responded with a clear commitment to strengthening its infrastructure, talent pipeline, and innovation ecosystem.

With initiatives like the Viral Vector Manufacturing Facility (VVMF), we’re not only building capacity but also creating a platform for advanced therapeutic development—from mRNA to viral vectors and beyond. Our aspiration over the next 5–10 years is to see Australia become a regional hub for biomanufacturing and translational research excellence, supporting both domestic needs and global supply chains. This includes being a go-to destination for clinical and commercial-scale production, particularly in cell and gene therapies, vaccines, and precision biologics.

Australia’s Advantage:

How is Australia’s clinical trial ecosystem and the R&D tax incentive accelerating the development and global positioning of advanced therapeutics like viral vectors?

Stephen:

Australia has a strong history of collaboration across all areas of life sciences, and VVMF has direct links to our world class, academic and medical research institutes and universities, and the mature Australian clinical trial ecosystem. 

As a nation our scale has encouraged collaboration across sectors, authorities, and ecosystems. VVMF brings additional benefits to the Australian clinical trial ecosystems by providing local manufacturing of viral vectors – an essential component in ~70% of all cell & gene therapies clinical trials. Locally sourced viral vectors improve speed to market and patient access to both clinical trials and global commercial grade manufactured vectors. This will complement the existing Australian advantages of high-quality research and clinical trial Infrastructure, a reputation for quality, a diverse patient population, and the cost savings from the R&D tax incentive.

Jon: 

Australia offers a uniquely integrated environment for the development of advanced therapeutics—one that combines a globally respected clinical trial ecosystem, a generous R&D tax incentive, and now, with the establishment of the Viral Vector Manufacturing Facility (VVMF), access to clinical-phase manufacturing capabilities onshore.

This is a game-changer for companies working on new and emerging modalities such as viral vectors, mRNA, and gene therapies. The ability to manufacture clinical-grade material locally—within the same ecosystem where trials are conducted—significantly reduces logistical complexity, accelerates timelines, and enhances regulatory alignment. It also allows for more agile iteration between development and clinical feedback, which is critical in early-phase innovation.

The R&D tax incentive further amplifies this value by reducing the financial burden of both development and manufacturing activities. When combined with Australia’s efficient regulatory pathways and diverse patient population, this creates a powerful end-to-end value chain—from discovery through to first-in-human trials and beyond.

VVMF’s Scientific and Clinical Strength:

Can you share more about the embedded expertise within VVMF and how this is shaping the facility’s role in global clinical and commercial manufacturing?

Stephen:

VVMF builds on the vision and pioneering work of internationally renowned cell and gene therapy experts, Professor Ian Alexander, who as a pioneer of Gene Therapy in Australia has dedicated his career to the development of novel therapies for infants and children with genetic diseases, and Professor Leszek Lisowski, a global vectorology expert with more than 20 years of experience in developing and manufacturing viral vectors for human gene therapies. 

With direct experience and connections into academic research laboratories and the clinical trial ecosystem, our team is at the forefront of technical and clinical advancements. By partnering with us from the earliest concept stages our expertise in vector technology and clinical delivery ensures an accelerated path to commercial manufacturing, especially for novel therapies. 

Stage 1 and Stage 2 Milestones:

With Stage 1 operational and Stage 2 underway, how will the full-scale rollout of the facility enhance viral vector production capacity for Australia and the broader APAC region?

Stephen:

As the first Viral Vector manufacturer in Australia, we not only bring sovereign capability to Australia but greatly add to the speed to market for the C&GT development. 

Our small- and large-scale capability allows researchers, clinicians, and bio-pharma companies to partner with VVMF at the early stages to ensure speed and success in progressing their therapy to market. 

For patients, it will increase the number of clinical trials happening in Australia, making participation cheaper and access easier.

In APAC, VVMF brings the option to have a commercial partner to guide you along the full pathway from concept to commercial production, in a location that has a quality medical research infrastructure, world class healthcare system, and efficient regulatory controls.

Lessons Learned and Best Practices:

What are some key lessons learned during the planning and construction of Stage 1 that are being applied to Stage 2? Are there insights that could benefit other emerging biomanufacturing hubs? 

Stephen:

Construction is only for stage 2, which is nearing completion. We will be able to review our lessons learnt during the validation stage.

Cytiva’s Role and Technologies:

How are Cytiva’s FlexFactory and FastTrak solutions contributing to the agility and scalability of the VVMF? Could you provide examples of how these platforms are helping partners shorten time-to-market?

Jon: 

Cytiva’s technologies are foundational to the design and future operations of the Viral Vector Manufacturing Facility (VVMF), which is set to come online later in 2025. The facility has been equipped with Cytiva’s FlexFactory platform—a modular, end-to-end biomanufacturing solution that enables rapid deployment, scalability, and adaptability across a range of therapeutic modalities; in this instance, but Lentiviral and Adeno Associated Viral capabilities.

In parallel, FastTrak services will support process development, training, and technology transfer, helping partners accelerate their journey from concept to clinic. These platforms are designed to reduce time-to-market, enhance manufacturing agility, and ensure GMP compliance from day one.

Once operational, VVMF will offer local and international innovators the ability to scale viral vector production efficiently, with the flexibility to adapt as science and regulatory requirements evolve. Cytiva’s global experience and proven technologies will be instrumental in enabling VVMF to deliver on its mission of supporting Australia’s advanced therapeutic ecosystem.

Outlook for 2025 and Beyond:

As the first clinical trial kicks off in 2025, what are your strategic priorities for the next 12–24 months, and how do you envision the facility’s global impact evolving?

Stephen:

Over the next 12-20 months we will progress both the small- and large-scale facilities to full TGA licensing for LV and AAV viral vector production. Our focus will also be on building relationships with foundational clients both locally and internationally.

Collaborations with Global Biotech and Pharma Companies:

Can you share any examples or plans for collaboration with international biotech or pharmaceutical firms? How does VVMF aim to integrate into global supply chains?

Stephen:

As a CDMO we embrace collaboration and partnering to achieve the best outcomes.

We recognise that a significant portion of our revenue will come from offshore, emerging and clinical biotech companies. Additionally, we plan to work with CROs and other clinical adjacent organisations to maximise the success of clinical trials in Australia.

Talent Development and Workforce Readiness:

How is VVMF addressing workforce development and training to support the growing demand for skilled professionals in advanced therapeutic manufacturing?

Stephen:

As we grow our manufacturing capability, we are focused on building from the base of GMP manufacturing standards, as well as supplementing this by targeting specific areas of expertise from international locations – either through short-term consultancy arrangements or longer term partnerships. We are also working collaboratively within the sector in Australia, to help build national training capabilities to support the broader local ecosystem.

Jon: 

At Cytiva, we recognize that the success of advanced therapeutic manufacturing depends not only on cutting-edge technology but also on a highly skilled workforce. That’s why we’re deeply invested in workforce development initiatives that prepare professionals for the complexities of biologics and viral vector production.

One of our key partnerships in Australia is with the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) through the Biologics Innovation Facility (BIF). This state-of-the-art training and development hub provides hands-on experience with industry-standard equipment and processes, including Cytiva’s own bioprocessing technologies. Through this collaboration, students, researchers, and industry professionals gain practical skills in upstream and downstream processing, quality control, and GMP operations.

The BIF serves as a critical bridge between academic learning and real-world manufacturing, helping to build a pipeline of talent that is ready to support facilities like the VVMF and the broader biomanufacturing sector in Australia. Cytiva’s global training expertise, combined with local partnerships like this, ensures that Australia is not only building infrastructure—but also the human capital to sustain it.

Spokespeople Bios:

Stephen Thompson – CEO, Viral Vector Manufacturing Facility (VVMF)

Stephen Thompson brings extensive leadership and management experience to VVMF with a strong global track record in Enterprise Leadership, Manufacturing and Operations, Commercial, Business development and alliance partnerships, in market leading multinational companies including Baxter International Inc, Icon Group, Nestlé, Pacific Dunlop, and Proctor & Gamble.

Having obtained a 1st class Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical) (Hons) degree from UNSW, Sydney, Australia and working across both multinationals and the Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Stephen is very well equipped to lead the VVMF as the first CEO.

Stephen is a trusted and authentic leader, with recognised skills in mentoring and developing people and enhancing employee engagement. He has a passion for developing high performing teams to ensure organisations deliver successfully through empowering people to challenge the status quo, embrace change with positive resilience, and have a thirst for innovation and continuous improvement. Achieving sustained business success by leveraging agile strategic thinking, superior organisational and communication skills and strong interpersonal connections both internally and externally at all levels.

Jon Ince - General Manager, Australia & New Zealand at Cytiva | Biotech Advocate | Sales & Business Development Leader

Jon is a passionate advocate for the growth and advancement of the biotechnology industry, with nearly two decades of experience spanning the full spectrum of the Life Sciences sector—from the laboratory bench to executive leadership.

Since joining Cytiva in 2013, Jon has played a pivotal role in driving strategic initiatives across Australia and New Zealand, supporting the development of sovereign biotherapeutic manufacturing capabilities and fostering a thriving local biotech ecosystem. In 2017, he transitioned into Sales Leadership, where he has led high-performing teams with a focus on customer success, innovation, and sustainable growth. Following the integration of Pall Life Sciences into Cytiva, Jon now serves as General Manager for the ANZ region, overseeing business operations and strategic direction.

Jon’s leadership philosophy centers on empowering people. He is deeply committed to mentoring and developing talent within Cytiva, believing that individual growth is key to collective success.

He holds a Bachelor of Science and an MBA from Western Sydney University and is an alumnus of GE’s RISE Leadership Program—an elite, non-rotational initiative designed to cultivate top leadership talent.