Health and medical life sciences
One of the world’s greatest mineral and resource provinces
Internationally recognised excellence in health and medical research and innovation
Western Australia boasts a world-class medical research base with a skilled and collaborative workforce and strong entrepreneurial talent. This is supported by outstanding research infrastructure including 5 universities, all with strong biomedical science programs, and multiple highly-regarded medical research institutes.
The Western Australian Government is committed to supporting this important industry through the Health and Medical Life Sciences Industry Strategy and the Health and Medical Research Strategy, investments such as the Future Health and Research Innovation Fund, and technologically advanced hospitals and healthcare facilities.
With our unique set of strengths and capabilities, Western Australia is a smarter, more secure place to do business.
Quick facts
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2 Nobel laureates in physiology or medicine
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2 of the top 5 performing Australian biotech stocks in 2024
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4 dedicated health and medical VC funds, plus additional sector agnostic funds
7 FDA approved drugs developed from university research
28 Ha biomedical campus, one of the largest in the southern hemisphere
$1.8B sovereign wealth fund backing the Future Health Research and Innovation Fund
Over 250 biomedical organisations and support services
5 research universities with strong biomedical programs
21 medical research institutes and foundations
Highlights
Funding
Biomedical companies based in or working in Western Australia can benefit from a wide range of funding opportunities. These include the Future Health Research and Innovation Fund, backed by Western Australia’s $1.8B sovereign wealth fund, which provides dedicated long term funding to support medical research and innovation.
Manufacturing
Western Australia hosts a range of leading-edge specialist manufacturers of pharmaceuticals, advanced therapy medicinal products, RNA products, medical devices and digital health products. These include Contract Manufacturing and Development Organisation (CDMO) BioCina, providing sterile liquid pharmaceutical contract manufacturing services at its state of the art facility in Bentley, Perth.
Infrastructure
Western Australia hosts a wide range of biomedical infrastructure. Key sites include the 28Ha Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, which is co-located with a world-leading university, 4 major medical research institutes, 3 hospitals, clinical trials facilities and a range of startup companies.
Clinical trials and CROs
Western Australia has several experienced clinical trials providers and CROs, with some of the most advanced clinical trials facilities in the Asia-Pacific region. Key among these are Linear Clinical Research’s 3 facilities, with on average 70 actively recruiting studies for oncology and a wide range of other therapeutic indications.
Precision health
Western Australia has significant expertise in precision health. Our strengths include using oligonucleotides (small RNA) to treat rare diseases, using mRNA to treat cancers, manufacturing advanced cell and gene therapies, substantial ‘-omics’ capabilities and robust disease data sets.
Remote health
As the world’s largest single health jurisdiction, Western Australia has strong expertise in the development of remote and virtual healthcare infrastructure, products and services. In doing so, Western Australia is able to draw on its world-leading expertise in remote operations gained through its mining, energy, agriculture, space and defence industries.
Why Western Australia
In Western Australia you will find:
an internationally recognised research base achieving scientific excellence, commercial success and life-changing health and medical outcomes for Australia and the world
world-class research infrastructure and over 250 biomedical organisations and support services
locally based specialist training, advice and services for the commercialisation of innovative products
significant funding opportunities and incentives for the biomedical sector
Learn more about Western Australia's unique strengths and capabilities and why it is a smarter, more secure place to do business. Read the Health and Medical LIfe Sciences Industry Brochure.
Learn More
Support
Learn about the WA Government’s support for the sector and it’s WA Life Science Innovation Hub industry concierge service.
Clinical trials
Learn more about WA clinical trials capabilities, including regional clinical trials
Industry Directory
Search WA industry capabilities through the Life Sciences WA Directory.
Medical Research Capability
Learn more about WA’s world class health and medical research, spanning public and private health care settings, globally recognised universities and established medical research institutes.
Infrastructure
Learn more about the WA Government’s investment in infrastructure for the sector.
Career opportunities
Learn more about where a career in biomedical can take you and opportunities in the sector.
More information
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The Ministerial Council on Trade and Investment was co-hosted in Perth
Ministers, Senior Government Officials, and leaders from across the Commonwealth gathered in Perth to discuss emerging issues and investment and trade priorities.
Get in touch
If you are looking for opportunities in business, investment or trade, contact our experienced team at Invest and Trade WA.
Our in-house experts can support you directly and provide referrals or introductions across our network of overseas offices, industry bodies and government agencies.