Moderna announces new head of mRNA vaccine manufacturing site in MEL 

Global medical technology company Moderna has designated Emma Harrington as the debut producing site head for the company’s new mRNA vaccine manufacturing site in Australia. 

Harrington is a recognised leader inside Moderna and will move from the company’s headquarters in Norwood, Massachusetts, to lead operations for the office situated in the Monash Technology Precinct in Melbourne. 

“In September 2023, we marked the mid-way construction point for this important new facility, which is on track for completion by the end of the year. We look forward to welcoming Emma, who will bring deep mRNA manufacturing expertise to our shores and ensure the facility runs to the highest standard when it is operational,” said Moderna’s general manager for Australia & New Zealand, Michael Azrak. 

The Melbourne site will be the largest commercial-scale mRNA vaccine facility in the Southern Hemisphere when it is completed by the end of 2024. 

The site will have the ability to supply up to 100 million mRNA vaccines in a pandemic environment. It will likewise produce seasonal vaccines for respiratory conditions, like Coronavirus and RSV. 

Harrington joined Moderna in 2020 and has since held the positions of vice president of global drug product quality and vice president of quality, overseeing Norwood’s drug substance manufacturing. 

“I am fully committed to ensuring that our site in Melbourne not only meets but exceeds the high standards of operational excellence that Moderna is known for globally. We will strive for efficiency, sustainability, and agility in our processes to respond to the dynamic needs of the healthcare sector. I am really excited about living in Melbourne and working with the fantastic team here,” said Harrington.