The state government is supporting local manufacturing of Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) to help secure critical supplies for the state and create more local jobs in our thriving medical technology sector.
Lumos Diagnostics, together with its delivery partner Planet Innovation, will establish a manufacturing facility and innovation hub in Victoria with support from the government.
If approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration, Lumos, who are already making RATs for Canadian and European markets, will produce one million tests per month from April, three million per month after July, with full production from October onwards of up to 50 million RATs each year.
The government will secure priority supply of several million tests from Lumos to meet demand in the coming months.
Minister for Innovation, Medical Research and the Digital Economy Jaala Pulford highlighted the importance of RATs.
“School is back, businesses are open and we can spend time with the people we love doing the things we have missed,” Ms Pulford said.
“Rapid antigen tests are a big part of living safely and having a secure, locally made supply will serve us incredibly well.”
The Lumos facility will be able to produce diagnostic tests for infectious diseases, tropical diseases, chronic diseases and reproductive health, in addition to RATs. Through the innovation hub, local start-ups, research and development institutes and small-to-medium businesses will also have access to product development and manufacturing support programs.
Executive Chair Sam Lanyon said Lumos Diagnostics was proud to establish a manufacturing hub in collaboration with Planet Innovation.
The project will create at least 70 ongoing jobs, adding to Victoria’s thriving medical and advanced manufacturing sector that already employs thousands of Victorians across the state.
Premier Daniel Andrews praised the efforts of the manufacturing sector.
“Manufacturing rapid antigen tests in Victoria will protect and secure the state’s supply chain and create local jobs,” Premier Andrews said.
“Being able to scale up production so quickly shows the strength of Victoria’s advanced manufacturing capabilities.”
