The board of the Sydney-based Viral Vector Manufacturing Facility (VVMF) has appointed Stephen Thompson as its inaugural CEO.
The former Baxter executive brings extensive leadership and management experience to VVMF with a global track record in leadership, manufacturing and operations, commercial, business development and alliance partnerships.
VVMF is a first-of-its-kind commercial manufacturing facility in Australia to meet local and regional demand for clinical and commercial-grade viral vectors. Viral vectors are used to deliver genetic material into cells and feature within innovative treatments, like cell and gene therapies.
Sue MacLeman, VVMF chair and non-executive director, said, “We are absolutely delighted to have Stephen join us as our inaugural CEO. He brings a depth, breadth and diversity of experience to VVMF as it establishes itself as a commercial for-profit entity and the first viral vector manufacturing facility in Australia.”
Mr Thompson added, “I am honoured and excited to be part of this very important commercial initiative which will provide local manufacturing of advanced therapeutics using viral vector technology for patients in Australia, the Asia Pacific Region and globally, as we scale up the VVMF capabilities over the next few years.
“Australia has a thriving research and development community, access to a diverse and educated workforce, and world renowned advance therapeutic expertise. I’m confident that VVMF will quickly become an important and respected member of this ecosystem.”
