Overview
The Australian biotechnology sector is both diverse and world-class with drug discovery and innovation backed by a history of scientific excellence. This is reflected in Australia’s export figures with around half of Australia's biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies exporting more than 50 per cent of total sales. There are over 420 companies in the Australian biotechnology sector covering human therapeutics, industrial applications, the agriculture sector and diagnostics.
Globally, in human therapeutics ‘big pharma’ is going deeper into the pipeline seeking innovation as well as taking on later stage drugs with Australia set to potentially reap rewards for its commercialisation skills and persistence in the international marketplace.
Australia is world renowned for its numerous companies that provide services such as clinical trials, education in Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and products such biologics in the form of BSE free bovine serum as the raw materials that go into vaccines and drug development.
Australia is also recognised internationally for:
- Industrial biotech and biofuels
- Scientific instruments and laboratory equipment
- Engineering and design services for medical devices, drug delivery systems
- Advanced biomaterial design and engineering (nanotechnology)
- Nutraceuticals
Australia’s track record in the commercialisation of research is only getting better with additional Co-operative Research Centres (CRCs) and a boost in funding sources across a variety of areas including the CSIRO and other schemes such as COMET and Commercial Ready.
Recent changes to Austrade’s Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) reflect the biotechnology industry’s needs for exploring and developing offshore commercial relationships with potential partners.
What are the key opportunities?
Industrial biotechnology, including biofuels and biomaterials, present a new opportunity for Australian companies seeking to exploit the global marketplace through either the further commercialisation of their platform technologies or entering commercial relationships with key customers across the globe.
The health sector is globally expanding and presenting opportunities for Australian firms with biologically active compounds and raw ingredients with a proven scientific therapeutic effect. The key drivers are people becoming highly health conscious and an overwhelming increase in wealth across the world.
Where are the key opportunities?
The opportunities and strategies for the diverse range of companies in the Australian biotechnology sector are not necessarily geographical. These are based on factors such as partnering and funding requirements, the development stage of the drug, the platform technology, and the company best suited to utilise the compound or technology.
However, Austrade’s global offices and biotechnology Business Development Managers regularly identify and develop relationships with potential partners for Australian technology and services overseas.
In human therapeutics the US market is home to ‘big pharma’ and first tier biotechs such as Pfizer, Merck Sharpe & Dome, AMGEN, Genetech. Equally Europe is home to Hoffman la Roche, Sanofi Aventis, Glaxo Smith Kline, Astra Zeneca, Serono, GenMabs and Novozymes.
Austrade are committed to developing relationships with the key decision makers of these companies for the benefit of the Australian biotech sector.
Additionally, Austrade assists Australian companies in doing business in a growing and dynamic Asia Pacific market with companies such as Takeada (Japan), Daiichi-Sankyo (Japan), Kobayashi (Japan), CK Life Sciences (China), the SinoChem Group (China), and LG Life Sciences (Korea).
The rise of Asia – China, India and a resurgent Japan also represent unique and vast opportunities for the Australian biotechnology industry in all its diversity from research collaborations, clinical trials, education services and manufacturing and distribution partnerships.
Other locations include:
- Germany
- Malaysia
- Middle East
- Singapore
- United Kingdom
- USA
Please see the list of industry country profiles for the biotechnology industry at the end of this overview.
How can we help you?
With a network of over 140 overseas locations in more than 60 countries backed by highly experienced and qualified staff, Austrade provides a number of dedicated and tailored services to Australian exporters.
Austrade offers practical advice, market intelligence and ongoing support (including financial) to Australian businesses looking to develop international markets. Austrade also provides advice and guidance on overseas investment and joint venture opportunities, and helps put Australian businesses in contact with potential overseas investors.
For further information please contact Austrade on 13 28 78 or email info@austrade.gov.au
Useful contacts
Austrade’s biotech team contact
Email: health@austrade.gov.au
Website: www.austradehealth.gov.au
Government contacts
Government of Victoria - www.biotechnology.vic.gov.au
NSW Department of State & Regional Development -
www.business.nsw.gov.au/biotech
Queensland Government - www.sd.qld.gov.au/biotechnology
Western Australia Government - www.doir.wa.gov.au/biotech
General industry contacts
AusBiotech Ltd - www.ausbiotech.org
Bio Innovation SA - www.bioinnovationsa.com.au
Biotechnology Australia - www.ausbiotech.org
The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) –
www.csiro.au
Last updated: 25 Jun 2008
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