• Australia is the leading location of biotechnology companies in Asia-Pacific with almost 450 biotechnology companies and 600 medical technology companies. The majority in human therapeutics, numerous world-class medical research organisations, Co-operative Research Centres, and investment multi-national pharma in Australian offices and/or facilities. There are 111 ASX-listed life science companies with 66 core biotechnology companies.

• Australia offers world-class science, capacity for international partnerships, cost effectiveness, and a transparent and efficient regulatory system.

• Australia provides opportunities in innovative therapeutics and diagnostics, medical devices, agricultural and industrial biotech, clinical trials and cross-sectoral fields such as proteomics and regenerative medicine as well as generic manufacture.

• A 2009 survey of listed Australian biotechnology and device companies indicated there were 63 clinical trials underway or planned; 13 of which were Phase III and 30 Phase II. At least six companies are expected to file for market approval in 2010.

• Australia is home to numerous world class medical research organizations, including the Garvan Institute, Institute for Molecular BioScience, Menzies Research Institute, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI), Australian Institute of Bioengineering and nanotechnology, Brain Insititute, Diamentina Institute, The Lowy Research Centre, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Baker Medical Research Institute, The Burnett Centre and South Australian Research & Development Institute.

• In 2008 there were 255 biotech, diagnostics and medical devices alliances announced, 70% were with overseas entities – 71 with North American, 45 with European, 32 with Asia and 107 other regions.

• Major partnerships announced between Australian and US organisations in 2009 included Biota’s agreement to acquire assets and drug development program of MaxThera Inc (Us antibacterial company). NuSep Ltd intends to aquire BioInquire LLC (US mass spectrometry software). Cephalon (US) acquired ARANA Therapeutics for $319m. In Europe the Danish company LEO Pharma aquired Peplin for $307m.

• Most states of Australia’s mainland are now able to commercially cultivate 3 types of GM crops that have been approved by the GM regulator.

• In 2009 life sciences companies attracted significant new investment and raised $673 million, demonstrating strong recovery from 2008 when $180 million was raised.

Australia ranks as one of the lowest-cost business locations in the developed world. A 2007 study indicated that Australia is highly competitive at conducting world class early phase clinical trials, citing fast regulatory approvals supported by high quality trials as the major competitive advantage.

• Australian world-class medical research institutions: Garvan Institute of Medical Research; Walter and Eliza Hall Institute; Australian Stem Cell Centre; John Curtin School of Medical Research; Institute for Molecular Bioscience; Queensland Institute of Medical Research; Hanson Institute and Institute of Medical and Veterinary Science. Australia’s proximity to manufacturing nations in Asia and economic ties to China, Singapore, South Korea, India, Japan and Taiwan are beneficial for collaborative R&D and clinical trial purposes.

• Australian state governments are developing and implementing independent regional initiatives.  Each has strong medical research programs, some having specialist expertise in areas including tropical medicine, biodiscovery, regenerative medicine, bioremediation, agricultural/industrial biotech and medical devices. Australian universities make up 40% of the top 10 Asia Pacific universities (Times World University Rankings, November 2008).