Vitex and Macquarie University recently entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a long-term strategic partnership. This is another critical step in promoting Australia’s life sciences sector.
The MOU was signed by Professor Dan Johnson, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research, Innovation and Enterprise) at Macquarie University, and Dr Aniss G. E. Chami, CEO of Vitex Pharmaceuticals, at a ceremony hosted by Macquarie Business School.
The partnership marks a significant step in fostering collaboration between academia and industry with the shared goal of building a sustainable and innovation-led pharmaceutical ecosystem in New South Wales and across Australia.
The signing was witnessed by Professor Leonie Tickle, Dean of Macquarie Business School, and Professor Paul Young, Professor of Commercialisation at Macquarie University, both of whom played a pivotal role in initiating and shaping the collaboration.
Speaking at the signing, Professor Johnson highlighted the alignment between the University’s research ambitions and the industry’s evolving needs.
“This agreement marks an exciting step forward in uniting our academic strengths with industry leadership,” he said. “Together with Vitex, we aim to catalyse innovation and ensure that Australian research has a direct and sustainable impact on global health.”
For Vitex, the MOU represents a continuation of its commitment to investing in Australia's sovereign manufacturing capability and scientific workforce. Reflecting on the significance of the partnership, Dr Chami said: “As an Australian company committed to quality and innovation in therapeutic manufacturing, we are proud to partner with Macquarie University to develop a talent pipeline, advance research and development, and build a circular and resilient pharmaceutical economy.”
The initial strategic discussions held as part of the signing ceremony focused on the long-term vision of creating a highly skilled, industry-ready workforce; expanding academic and industry research collaboration; supporting the commercialisation efforts of start-ups and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs); and exploring how the sector can move towards a more sustainable, circular model of pharmaceutical development and production. Emphasis was placed on building shared research capabilities in therapeutic development and manufacturing, and on generating new economic thinking to support sovereign capability in health and medicine.
Professor Tickle noted the broader impact the partnership would have on Macquarie Business School’s mission.
“This partnership reflects our vision to bring academia and industry together in practical and transformative ways,” she said. “It demonstrates how business education, research and industry collaboration can solve real-world challenges.”
Professor Paul Young, who will act as a key liaison for the partnership, added: “By combining academic insight with Vitex’s manufacturing and commercial expertise, we are creating a launchpad for the next generation of therapeutic innovation and industry-ready professionals.
“This collaboration is not just about individual projects. It’s about shaping an ecosystem where research, education and enterprise flourish together.”
The MOU will serve as a platform for coordinated action, with formal reviews and joint planning meetings to be held regularly. Both Vitex and Macquarie University have committed to progressing shared initiatives through this agreement, which will also support the potential development of new institutions or centres focused on pharmaceutical innovation, such as the proposed Nexus Institute.
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About Vitex Pharmaceuticals
Vitex Pharmaceuticals is a leading contract manufacturer of Australian-made vitamins, supplements and wellness products. From its 26,000sqm best-in-class facility in Sydney, Australia, Vitex is fully equipped to formulate, manufacture and package a wide variety of vitamins, minerals, herbal and nutritional supplements including tablets, soft gel capsules, two-piece hard gel capsules and powders.
