- Published:
- Friday 17 May 2024
A new world-leading eye research centre is breaking ground on treatments for preventing and curing blindness, thanks to the Allan Labor Government’s $10 million investment in a new clinical trial centre in Melbourne.
Minister for Medical Research Ben Carroll today opened Cerulea Clinical Trials on World Clinical Trials Day, with the new centre in East Melbourne set to boost the number of clinical trials of world-first treatments for eye disease.
Part of the Centre for Eye Research Australia (CERA), Cerulea will give almost 2500 patients every year access to new therapies over the next 10 years and create around 50 new jobs.
The new facility features world-class facilities to deliver trials of innovative new therapies and houses a modern, relaxing patient lounge for trial participants and their carers.
It will also include next-generation eye photography and imaging suites, vision lanes as well as laser and treatment rooms in which therapies can be administered and monitored.
The centre will drive research into areas such as gene and cell therapy and will serve as a local and international research hub – allowing for Australian research trials to take place at home instead of overseas and attracting international clinical trials.
Rural and regional communities will also receive extra support from the expanded network of local optometrists participating in clinical trials and the provision of eye-care telehealth service through the new centre.
Victoria has emerged as a world leader in cutting-edge health and medical research, with the Labor Government’s investment of more than $1 billion invested in medical research since 2014.
This investment was through Breakthrough Victoria and is one of their projects that provide long-term capital to businesses that will improve people’s lives and benefit the Victorian economy.
Quote attributable to Minister for Medical Research Ben Carroll
“We're backing life changing research and therapy for eye disease which is a testament to Victoria's world class medical research sector. This will be developed locally for the benefit of Victorians and patients around the world.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Economic Growth Tim Pallas
“We established Breakthrough Victoria to drive innovation and economic growth in our state – our $10 million investment in this new clinical trial centre shows how we can create jobs while supporting important research.”
Quote attributable to Cerulea Clinical Trials CEO Michelle Gallaher
“Our shared goal is to build a specialist clinical trial facility that cements Victoria’s reputation as a world leader in preventing blindness and reducing the impact of vision loss. Cerulea aims to provide the best possible experience for patients, researchers, clinicians and industry partners.”
Quote attributable to Breakthrough Victoria CEO Grant Dooley
“Breakthrough Victoria’s mandate is to provide long-term capital to innovation businesses that will improve people’s lives and benefit Victoria’s economy.”